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Wholesome Halloween Charcuterie Board with Cheese Pumpkins

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A fun and festive Halloween charcuterie board featuring adorable cheese pumpkins, savory meats, fresh fruits, and crunchy nuts. It’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for pumpkin stem)
  • 8 ounces sliced turkey or chicken breast (nitrate-free if possible)
  • 4 ounces salami or prosciutto (optional)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • 1 cup grapes, red or green
  • 1 cup apple slices (tossed in lemon juice)
  • 1 cup carrot sticks or cucumber rounds
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup whole-grain crackers or rice cakes
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for decoration

Instructions

  1. Make the cheese pumpkin mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Shape the cheese pumpkins: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the ball on a piece of plastic wrap. Gently press down to flatten slightly, then use your fingers to create ridges around the sides. Repeat until you have 6-8 mini pumpkins.
  3. Add the stems: Gently press a small piece of pretzel stick or a rosemary sprig into the top center of each cheese pumpkin.
  4. Chill the cheese pumpkins: Place the cheese pumpkins on a plate and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  5. Prepare the board ingredients: While the cheese pumpkins chill, wash and slice your fruits and vegetables. Cut the apples into thin wedges and toss with lemon juice. Slice the cucumber into rounds or sticks. Halve the cherry tomatoes if large. Arrange the meats in loose folds or rolls.
  6. Assemble the board: Place the cheese pumpkins in a cluster near the center or off to one side. Arrange the meats in small piles around them. Fill in the gaps with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and crackers. Scatter pumpkin seeds over the board. Tuck small rosemary or thyme sprigs between items.
  7. Add final touches: If desired, add edible eyes or small ghost-shaped cheese slices for extra Halloween flair.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate: Best served at room temperature. Take out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving. If making ahead, cover the board with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Add crackers and nuts just before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip chilling the cheese pumpkins for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape. Use a cookie scoop for uniform pumpkins. Place crackers away from moist ingredients to prevent sogginess. The board can be made up to 4 hours ahead; add crackers and nuts just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween charcuterie board, cheese pumpkins, healthy Halloween snack, party appetizer, fall entertaining

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/wholesome-halloween-charcuterie-board-with-cheese-pumpkins/