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Easy Friendsgiving Charcuterie Turkey Board

friendsgiving charcuterie turkey board - featured image
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This turkey-shaped charcuterie board is a festive, no-cook appetizer perfect for Friendsgiving. It combines a creamy ranch cheese ball with an array of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, all arranged to look like a turkey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
  • 8–10 slices salami
  • 6–8 slices prosciutto
  • 4–6 slices provolone cheese, cut into triangles
  • 4–6 slices cheddar cheese, cut into triangles
  • Small handful pepperoni slices (optional)
  • 1 cup mixed olives
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
  • 1 cup red grapes
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots or figs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts
  • 20–30 crackers
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • Small pretzel sticks for turkey legs
  • 2 peppercorns or black olive slices for eyes
  • 1 small piece roasted red pepper or dried cranberry for wattle
  • 1 small triangular piece cheddar or carrot sliver for beak

Instructions

  1. Make the cheese ball body: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning. Mix until well incorporated. If too stiff, add milk. If too soft, refrigerate 10 minutes. Scoop onto plastic wrap, shape into an oval or pear shape, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. Prepare your board: Wipe a large cutting board or serving platter. Decide where the turkey body will go, slightly off-center toward the bottom.
  3. Create the turkey feathers: Starting from behind where the cheese ball will sit, arrange meats and cheeses in a fan pattern. Start with largest slices (salami, provolone) and layer smaller pieces (prosciutto, pepperoni) toward the ends. Overlap slices so no board shows through.
  4. Unwrap and place the cheese ball: Remove cheese ball from fridge, unwrap, and place at the base of the feather fan with pointed end facing outward. Press gently onto board.
  5. Coat the cheese ball: Press finely chopped pecans onto the outside of the cheese ball for an even coating.
  6. Add the turkey details: Insert two pretzel sticks into the bottom of the cheese ball for legs. Add peppercorns or olive slices for eyes, a piece of roasted red pepper or dried cranberry for the wattle, and a triangular piece of cheddar or carrot sliver for the beak.
  7. Fill in the board: Scatter grapes, cherry tomatoes, olives, and dried fruit in small clusters. Place crackers around the edges. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the feathers. Add ramekins of nuts or dips if using.
  8. Final check and serve: Step back, fill any empty spots, and adjust the turkey shape if needed. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

The cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the board no more than a few hours ahead to keep crackers crisp. For transport, cover loosely with plastic wrap and carry flat. Leftover components can be stored separately for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Friendsgiving, charcuterie board, turkey board, appetizer, no-cook, holiday, cheese ball, salami roses

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-friendsgiving-charcuterie-turkey-board-50-characters/