Pumpkin Charcuterie Board for a Festive Fall Spread

There’s something truly magical about autumn, isn’t there? The crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and the comforting aroma of spices filling the kitchen. This season calls for gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with a stunning pumpkin charcuterie board? It’s a delightful blend of savory and sweet, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate, making every bite feel like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.

I remember my grandmother, with her hands dusted in flour, always saying that the best dishes are those that bring people together. She’d often present an array of simple delights, each prepared with such love, and watching friends and family gather around, laughing and sharing, was her greatest joy. This board brings back those cherished memories, proving that a little effort can create so much happiness.

This recipe is not only incredibly versatile and perfect for any fall celebration, but it also encourages everyone to find their favorite combination of flavors. My top tip for any gathering? Always have a little extra of your most popular component; it saves a last-minute dash to the pantry!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Creating this beautiful fall spread centers around a few star ingredients. The sweet sugar pumpkin transforms into a creamy, spiced dip, while the rich brie and aged cheddar offer delightful contrasts. I always recommend using the freshest herbs, like sage, as they truly elevate the flavors of this pumpkin charcuterie board. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below!

How to Make pumpkin charcuterie board

Whipping up this festive pumpkin charcuterie board is a delightful journey in two simple stages. First, we’ll roast and spice our pumpkin, blending it into a luscious, creamy dip that forms the heart of our board. Then, it’s all about arranging! Think of your board as a canvas, artfully placing an array of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and crackers around our star pumpkin dip. It’s a joy to watch it come alive!

Autumn Pumpkin Harvest Charcuterie Board

A vibrant and inviting charcuterie board featuring a homemade roasted spiced pumpkin dip, an array of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and crackers, perfect for fall entertaining.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Seasonal

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Dip

• 1.5 lbs sugar pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped, optional, for garnish

For the Charcuterie Board

• 4 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
• 4 oz hard salami sliced
• 8 oz brie cheese wedge
• 6 oz aged cheddar block, sliced or cubed
• 4 oz goat cheese log
• 1 cup seedless red grapes
• 2 medium apples e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
• Assorted crackers e.g., water crackers, multigrain
• 1 small baguette sliced
• 2 tbsp honey for drizzling
• 2 tbsp fig jam or apple butter

Equipment

• Large Serving Board
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor
• Small Serving Bowls

Method

 

Prepare the Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Dip

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, toss the cubed pumpkin with olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. Spread in a single layer.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and slightly caramelized. Let it cool slightly.
4. Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a food processor. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and maple syrup. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Scoop the finished pumpkin dip into a small serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh sage, if desired.

Assemble the Charcuterie Board

1. Place the bowl of roasted spiced pumpkin dip prominently on your large serving board.
2. Arrange the various cheeses around the dip. You can leave the brie wedge whole, slice some cheddar, and keep the goat cheese log as is or crumble it slightly.
3. Artfully drape the thinly sliced prosciutto and arrange the salami slices in a decorative manner near the cheeses.
4. Fill in the remaining spaces on the board with clusters of fresh apple slices, grapes, and scattered dried cranberries.
5. Create small piles of candied pecans and roasted pumpkin seeds to add crunch and texture.
6. Fan out assorted crackers and sliced baguette around the edges of the board, ensuring easy access for guests.
7. Place a small bowl of fig jam or apple butter on the board. Drizzle honey over the goat cheese or into a small honey pot.

Serve

1. Serve your Autumn Pumpkin Harvest Charcuterie Board immediately and enjoy the festive spread!

Notes

Board assembly can be done up to 1 hour in advance. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For optimal cheese flavor, allow the board to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making This pumpkin charcuterie board

Crafting the perfect pumpkin charcuterie board is all about balance and a touch of personal flair.

Arrangement is Key: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your layout. Start by placing your larger items like the dip bowls and cheeses, then fill in the gaps with meats, fruits, and nuts. I love creating little clusters of color and texture.

My Secret Trick: I always pull my cheeses out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before guests arrive. This brings them to room temperature, which truly enhances their flavor and creamy texture, making every bite of this pumpkin charcuterie board more enjoyable.

Texture Variety: Offer a mix of soft, hard, and crumbly cheeses, alongside crunchy crackers, chewy dried fruit, and crisp apples. This keeps every bite interesting and engaging.

Prep Ahead: Many elements, like slicing cheeses and washing grapes, can be done hours in advance. This frees you up to enjoy the assembly process and spend more time with your loved ones.

Fun Variations for pumpkin charcuterie board

One of the most exciting parts of any pumpkin charcuterie board is the endless possibilities for customization! It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.

Seasonal Fruit Swaps

Instead of just red grapes and apples, consider adding sliced pears, persimmons, or even pomegranate arils for extra jewel-toned pops. My friend, Clara, always adds fresh figs when they’re in season, and they are simply divine with the brie!

Sweet & Savory Twists

For an extra layer of sweetness, include some dark chocolate squares or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over some aged cheddar. If you love a little heat, a small bowl of spicy candied nuts or a jalapeño jelly can be a wonderful addition.

Vegetarian Delights

If you’re serving vegetarian guests, you can easily omit the prosciutto and hard salami. Instead, offer additional marinated olives, artichoke hearts, or a selection of colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

What to Serve With pumpkin charcuterie board

Serving this delightful pumpkin charcuterie board is an event in itself, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate the experience even further.

For a refreshing beverage, a crisp hard cider or a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc complements the autumn flavors beautifully. I often find a spiced apple cider, served warm, is a wonderful non-alcoholic option that perfectly echoes the seasonal theme. My mom always pairs her boards with a cozy mug of [[Hot Chocolate Comfort]] on cooler evenings.

Don’t forget the bread! Alongside the crackers, a freshly sliced baguette provides a lovely soft texture contrast to the creamy dip and cheeses. A small bowl of extra honey or a dollop of [[Creamy Maple Frosting]] on the side allows guests to add an extra touch of sweetness to their savory bites.

How to Store pumpkin charcuterie board

After a wonderful gathering, you might find a few delicious leftovers from your pumpkin charcuterie board, and with a little care, they can be enjoyed again!

Fridge Storage

Any leftover cheeses, meats, and the roasted spiced pumpkin dip should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents flavors from mingling too much. The dip will stay good for 3-4 days. I like to wrap my cheeses individually in parchment paper and then plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

Reheating & Serving Leftovers

While the charcuterie board is best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat the pumpkin dip gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Bring the cheeses back to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor. Reassemble a smaller version of your board or enjoy the individual components as delightful snacks!

Nutritional Benefits

While this pumpkin charcuterie board is certainly a treat, it also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Pumpkin provides a wonderful source of vitamins and fiber, and the assortment of fruits, nuts, and cheeses contributes healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a spread that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

How long can a charcuterie board sit out safely?
Ideally, a pumpkin charcuterie board shouldn’t sit at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, perishable items like cheeses and the pumpkin dip should be refrigerated to ensure food safety and maintain their best quality.

Faq 2

Can I prepare elements of this board ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the pumpkin and make the spiced dip a day or two in advance. Slicing cheeses, washing fruits, and preparing nuts can also be done ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your pumpkin charcuterie board.

Faq 3

What kind of crackers work best with this board?
A variety of crackers works wonderfully! I suggest plain water crackers, artisanal crisps with dried fruits, or even sturdy crostini. Choose crackers that are fairly neutral in flavor so they don’t overpower the delicious ingredients on your pumpkin charcuterie board.

Faq 4

Can I make this board vegetarian?
Yes, easily! To make your pumpkin charcuterie board vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto and hard salami. You can replace them with additional plant-based options like marinated olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.

Conclusion

Creating this festive pumpkin charcuterie board is more than just assembling food; it’s about crafting an experience, a centerpiece that brings smiles and encourages connection. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of autumn, showcasing how simple, heartfelt ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. I truly hope you find as much joy in preparing and sharing this beautiful spread as I do, making sweet, savory memories that linger long after the last bite.