Halloween Charcuterie Spooky Spread

This Halloween charcuterie board brings together spooky fun and sophisticated flavors for your fall gatherings. It’s a festive twist on the classic cheese board, combining a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads in a way that delights both the eyes and the palate. Whether you are hosting or just want to make an everyday snack feel special, this board has everything you need for a memorable spread.

This board always sparks compliments and conversations. I first put one together for a Halloween party and now it’s my go-to for any fall get-together. The pumpkin-shaped brie filled with apricot jam is always a crowd-pleaser that adds a playful seasonal touch.

Ingredients

• Prosciutto di Parma: delicate and salty, opt for thin slices for the best texture
• Italian dry salami: adds a robust, slightly spicy flavor choose a quality brand for authentic taste
• Green olives: bring a briny contrast, choose firm olives that are not overly brined
• Double cream brie: creamy and smooth, perfect for shaping and pairing with sweet jam
• Green goddess gouda: mild and herbaceous, it balances richer and stronger cheeses
• Blueberry vanilla chèvre: offers a gentle sweetness and creaminess, adds interest to the cheese selection
• Merlot BellaVitano: rich and slightly fruity, it pairs wonderfully with honey and fruit
• Smoked gouda: perfect for crafting the word Boo, it adds a smoky, savory note
• Pesto: for herbal intensity, fresh or good quality jarred works well
• Apricot jam: sweet and tangy, excellent for filling the brie and complementing cheeses
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cheeses and nuts
• Strawberries, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, dried apricots: fresh and dried fruits provide color, sweetness, and texture
• Pistachios: crunchy and nutty, a great contrast to softness of cheese and meats

Instructions

Scoop and shape the brie:

Cut a pumpkin shape out of the double cream brie and carefully fill the cavity with apricot jam to create a festive centerpiece

Arrange the cheeses:

Place the green goddess gouda, blueberry vanilla chèvre, Merlot BellaVitano, and smoked gouda on the board, spacing them attractively to create visual balance

Add the spreads and accompaniments:

Spoon the remaining apricot jam around the board along with dollops of honey, pesto, and piles of green olives for pops of flavor and color

Layer the meats:

Artfully drape prosciutto di Parma and Italian dry salami in small folds or rolls to create volume and dimension

Scatter the fruit:

Add strawberries, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and dried apricots in clusters around the board to introduce juicy bursts and vibrant color

Finish with crackers and nuts:

Fill in any gaps with an assortment of crackers and pistachios to complete the board and provide plenty of crunch

The smoked gouda I use to cut out the word Boo is a small detail that always delights kids and adults alike. One year my niece insisted on helping decorate and ended up hiding little pieces of pistachios inside the brie 'pumpkin' just to surprise everyone when they took a bite.

Storage tips

Keep cheeses tightly wrapped in wax or parchment paper and store meats separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness. If not serving immediately, assemble the board just before guests arrive to keep crackers crisp and fruit fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge but it’s best to enjoy them within two days.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap out green goddess gouda with an herbed havarti or Monterey Jack if you want a milder option. Use fig jam instead of apricot jam for a deeper, more autumnal sweetness. If prosciutto is unavailable, good quality thinly sliced ham or pancetta work well for a salty contrast.

Serving suggestions

Pair this board with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a spicy red such as Zinfandel. Add a small bowl of mustard or a savory tapenade for an extra flavor layer and complement with crunchy vegetables like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for freshness.

This board is effortless to assemble and always makes a festive statement. Enjoy arranging it and watching guests dig in.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cheeses are included for a flavorful board?

Use double cream brie, green goddess gouda, blueberry vanilla chèvre, Merlot BellaVitano, and smoked gouda for varied textures and tastes.

→ How can I add a festive touch to the presentation?

Carve a pumpkin shape into the brie and fill it with apricot jam to create a spooky centerpiece on the board.

→ Which fruits complement the savory elements best?

Strawberries, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and dried apricots add sweetness and balance to the savory meats and cheeses.

→ What nuts enhance the overall flavor and texture?

Pistachios provide a crunchy contrast and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

→ Are there savory spreads suggested to accompany the board?

Apricot jam, pesto, and honey add sweetness and depth, enhancing the flavors of the meats and cheeses.