How to Make a Thanksgiving Cornucopia Charcuterie Board

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This fun Thanksgiving board is sure to be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving day. Serve this board as an appetizer or right along with the main meal.

There are many ways to adapt this cornucopia charcuterie board, but the main element is the cornucopia itself which can be made in advance. The cornucopia is was to make and you can fill your board with all of your favorite charcuterie board ingredients. Below you can see exactly how to make this board including the ingredients, how to assemble this cornucopia charcuterie board and ideas for modifications.

If you’re looking for more suggestions for charcuterie boards, make sure to check out:

• Best Charcuterie Board Ideas
• Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
• Fall Charcuterie Board ideas

Why Thanksgiving is the Perfect Time for a Charcuterie Board

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of the year to make a charcuterie board. We love to serve up a Thanksgiving charcuterie board that can sit out before dinner and people can snack on in preparation for the big event. This is also the perfect board to replace lunch on Thanksgiving days so people don’t fill up on a big meal but aren’t starving before it’s time to eat.

With the exception of the meat on this board (and the cheese) you can leave this board out for a couple hours and replenish it as needed. I would avoid leaving the meat out too long (but often that’s the first thing that gets eaten!

What is a Cornucopia Charcuterie Board?

This board is based around traditional cornucopia.

The cornucopia, often referred to as the “horn of plenty,” is a symbol of abundance and prosperity in various cultures throughout history. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman mythology, where it is associated with the horn of the goat Amalthea, who nurtured the god Zeus.

The cornucopia represents a bountiful harvest, overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce. Over time, the concept of the cornucopia has evolved into a symbol of plenty, and it is commonly depicted as a horn-shaped basket or container filled with a diverse array of foods, flowers, and other symbols of fertility and abundance.

Transforming the concept of the cornucopia into a charcuterie board is perfect. Charcuterie boards are already piled high with an abundance of food and adding a cornucopia to the mix is a great way to highlight this on Thankgiving. To make this board, you will create your cornucopia and then fill it with an adundance of finger sized foods.

How to Make the Cornucopia

The first step to creating this board of abundance is to make the cornucopia. You will need a sheet of puff pastry and tin foil. We also used a small oven safe dish to help create the shape.

Start by creating a small cone shaped form using tin foil and a small oven proof dish (optional). Make the cone smaller than a sheet of puff pastry.

Once you’ve created your form, roll it up in the puff pastry. You will want to trim any extra pastry from the edges and press the seam together. Since the tinfoil is flexible, you can shape the cornucopia however you want to. Try bending the point end slightly to make the horn somewhat curved. The horn does not need to be perfect.

Optional: brush your cornucopia with an egg wash to give it some color and shine. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden.

Allow your cornucopia to cool and remove the tin foil while it is still warm. Use right away on your cornucopia or within a day.

Ingredients for this Cornucopia Charcuterie Board

Filling your cornucopia is the fun part of creating this Thanksgiving charcuterie board. You should aim for the appearance of abundance with fall colors and foods spilling out from inside of your horn of plenty. You can really select any ingredients for this board. Below is a list of what we used to create this board:

Cornucopia – this is the base of this board.

• Crackers (we chose roremary flavored crackers)
• Cheddar Cheese cut in several ways
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Pistachios
• Blackberries
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Salami
• Proscuitto
• Small Pickles
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Olives
• Optional Garnish: decorative gourds, rosemary and sage leaves

When selecting ingredients for a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, each element contributes to a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. Start with the crackers, opting for rosemary-flavored ones to infuse a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the other components. For the cheddar cheese, diversity is key. Offer a variety of cuts, from bite-sized cubes to thin slices, providing different textures and facilitating easy pairing with the assortment of meats and fruits.

Incorporate seasonal fruits like grapes, strawberries, and blackberries to bring a burst of freshness and vibrant colors to the board. The sweet juiciness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the savory and salty profiles of the cured meats. Pistachios add a satisfying crunch, while cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices contribute a refreshing and hydrating element. When choosing salami and prosciutto, aim for high-quality, well-cured options to elevate the overall flavor experience.

Enhance the board’s complexity with small pickles, olives, and pomegranate seeds, offering tanginess, brininess, and bursts of sweetness, respectively. Consider arranging these ingredients in clusters to create visually appealing sections on the board. To add a festive touch, include optional garnishes such as decorative gourds, and scatter rosemary and sage leaves for a fragrant and visually appealing display.

Assembling the Cornucopia Charcuterie Board

Once you’ve collected your ingredients, start by cutting everything into bite sized pieces.

Place your cornucopia on the board. You will want to place it so that there is space on the board for things to ‘spill out of,’

Next lay out the larger items such as any bowls or gourds. Begin laying out the other ingredients as if the food is spilling out of the cornucopia. You can lay the food out in rows or groups, trying to break up the colors and textures. Create some fun and decorative shapes by adding a meat rose or cutting up your veggies in fun ways.

Cover your board and pile your food to give the impression that there is an abundance of food. Complete your board by adding garnishes of rosemary and sage leaves.

Serve your board immediately and freshen up your board throughout the day.

Thanksgiving Cornucopia Charcuterie Board Recipe

Tips for Making a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

• Diverse Textures and Flavors: Aim for a well-balanced charcuterie board by incorporating a variety of textures and flavors. Combine soft and hard cheeses, salty and sweet cured meats, and crunchy nuts to provide a satisfying and diverse tasting experience. The interplay of textures will keep your guests intrigued and satisfied.
• Seasonal and Fresh: Embrace the flavors of the season by selecting fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Thanksgiving offers an abundance of options such as cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and various berries. These ingredients not only add vibrant colors to your board but also enhance the overall freshness and appeal.
• Artful Arrangement: Pay attention to the visual presentation of your charcuterie board. Arrange the components thoughtfully, considering colors, shapes, and sizes. Use small bowls or ramekins for condiments and garnishes to create a visually appealing and organized layout. Incorporate decorative elements like edible flowers or herbs to add a festive touch.
• Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize quality over quantity when selecting your ingredients. Opt for high-quality cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce to elevate the flavors of your charcuterie board. Invest in artisanal options for a more refined and memorable dining experience.
• Consider Dietary Preferences: Take into account the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. Include a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free choices. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the charcuterie board, making it a inclusive and delightful addition to your Thanksgiving celebration.

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