Host Halloween in style with a “Char-BOO-terie” Board! 👻
Put a haunting twist on a well-loved classic and wow your guests! This Halloween board serves and combines bold flavors with eerie accents. Perfect for any spooky gathering, this char-BOO-terie board is an investment in a memorable night. Invite friends to chip in or split the cost with the ghost… *ahem* host — for a feast that’s both festive and flavorful.
Ingredients
Cheese selection
- Brie Wheel: This creamy brie serves as the spooky centerpiece. Cut out a bat shape with a cookie cutter and fill it with cherry jam for a “bloody” effect.
- Halloween-Inspired Cheese: Look for cheeses with dark rinds, like aged gouda or a goat’s cheese with an ash rind, to add a mysterious vibe.
- Smoked or Spicy Cheese: Add a pop of flavor and a bit of “fire” to your board with these varieties.
Meats
- Prosciutto-Wrapped “Fingers”: Wrap mozzarella sticks with prosciutto to create a fun, eerie touch.
- Salami Slices: Arrange these in loose spirals or rows to add texture and richness.
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
- Black Grapes and Blackberries: For deep, dramatic color and seasonal freshness.
- Pomegranate Halves: Split open to reveal jewel-like seeds that add a striking red accent.
- Buddha’s Hand Citrus: These unique, fingered fruits make a spooky visual statement.
- Cornichons & Green Olives: Tangy bites that balance out the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Sweet & Crunchy Additions
- Dried Apricots: Soft, chewy, and in a lovely autumn orange.
- Crackers: Choose darker or whole-grain crackers for a rustic, earthy look.
- Dark Chocolate Chunks: A little indulgence that complements the fruit and adds to the Halloween mood.
- Candied Nuts or Spiced Hazelnuts: For extra crunch and a bit of seasonal spice.
Preparation
- Start with the Brie: Cut the brie in half and place the brie in the center of the board. Use a small cookie cutter to carve a festive shape, then fill the space with sour cherry jam to create a haunting centerpiece.
- Arrange Fruits & Meats: Place clusters of black grapes and blackberries near the brie. Fan out salami slices and the prosciutto-wrapped “fingers” around the board in organic, winding shapes.
- Add Cheeses & Crackers: Position the Halloween-themed cheeses on opposite sides of the brie. Add clusters of crackers along the edges for easy grabbing and visual balance.
- Fill with Sweet & Savory: Scatter olives, cornichons, dried apricots, and chocolate chunks throughout the board, filling any gaps. Place pomegranate halves at opposite corners for a bold, spooky pop of red.
- Finishing Touches: Arrange a Buddha’s Hand citrus at one side to create a “creepy claw” effect. Use a dark wooden or slate board as the base to enhance the moody, Halloween aesthetic.