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Quick Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board with Turkey Cheese Ball

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A stress-relieving Thanksgiving appetizer featuring an adorable turkey-shaped cheese ball surrounded by a simple, crowd-pleasing charcuterie board. Ready in under 30 minutes, it keeps hungry guests happy while you finish the main meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 8 oz sliced salami
  • 6 oz prosciutto
  • 8 oz assorted crackers
  • 1 cup red and green grapes
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots or figs
  • 1/2 cup assorted nuts (almonds, walnuts)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • A few whole black peppercorns
  • 1 small piece dried apricot or carrot (for beak)
  • 1 tiny piece red bell pepper (for wattle, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cheese Ball Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, and milk. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chopped pecans and dried cranberries with a spatula. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  3. Shape the Turkey Body: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, form into a large, somewhat flat oval or teardrop shape about 1.5 inches thick. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
  4. Create the Turkey ‘Feathers’: Trim rosemary sprigs to about 4-5 inches long. You’ll need 8-10 sprigs.
  5. Assemble the Turkey: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and place it in the center of your serving board. Gently press the trimmed rosemary sprigs into the back half of the cheese ball, fanning them out like a turkey’s tail.
  6. Add the Turkey’s Face: Use two whole black peppercorns for eyes. For the beak, use a small triangular piece of dried apricot or carrot. Add a tiny piece of red bell pepper for the wattle if desired.
  7. Build the Board: Arrange salami (folded into quarters or cones), prosciutto (torn into rustic pieces), crackers, grapes, dried apricots, and nuts around the turkey cheese ball. Fill gaps to create an abundant look.
  8. Final Touches: Tuck extra rosemary sprigs around the board. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make the cheese ball and chop fruit the night before for a 15-minute assembly on Thanksgiving morning. Ensure cream cheese is truly softened for a smooth texture. Chill the cheese ball for at least 1 hour for easy shaping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar shreds.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving appetizer, charcuterie board, turkey cheese ball, easy appetizer, holiday snack, make-ahead appetizer

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/quick-thanksgiving-charcuterie-board-with-turkey-cheese-ball/