As the spooky season approaches, it’s time to start planning the perfect Halloween celebration. While costumes, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating are classic Halloween traditions, there’s one way to truly impress your guests and make your holiday gathering unforgettable and that’s with a Halloween charcuterie board.
Charcuterie boards have become a staple at gatherings of all kinds, and Halloween is no exception. By curating a delightful and delicious spread, you can turn your Halloween party into a truly memorable experience for your friends and family.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
Before we dive into the Halloween-themed version, let’s first understand the basics of a charcuterie board. Charcuterie is the art of preparing and assembling a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments on a serving platter or board. The goal is to create a visually appealing and flavourful spread that allows guests to graze and experiment with different flavour combinations.
Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a sophisticated and customizable way to entertain. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a unique appetizer course. The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in its versatility – you can tailor it to suit your personal preferences, the occasion, or the theme of your event.
Halloween Charcuterie Board
Creating a Halloween-themed charcuterie board is all about embracing the eerie and the unexpected. Here are the ingredients and key steps to help you craft the ultimate Halloween charcuterie masterpiece!
Prep: 15 minutes| Assembly Time: 5- 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Popcorn Ball Ingredients
- 1 bag unpopped popcorn
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup white chocolate melting wafers
- 1 package of M&Ms
Charcuterie Board Ingredients
- ½ cup dried apricots
- 1 Kit Kat bar
- 1 roll of Rolos
- 3/4 cup apricot jam
- ⅓ cup cashews
- 15 assorted crackers
- 1, 8 oz block smoked apple cheddar cheese
- 1, 8 oz wheel of Brie
- ½ cup white cheddar cubes
- ½ cup cheddar cubes
Kitchen Tools
- 1 board (11 in x 11in)
- Saucepan
- 2 Microwave safe bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
- 1 ramekin
How to make a Halloween Charcuterie board
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- 2. Pop the popcorn in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Stop when you hear a few seconds between pops. Remove the bowl.
- 3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, add the marshmallows. With a rubber spatula, frequently stir the marshmallows until they are melted. (About 3 – 5 minutes).
- 4. Pour the melted marshmallows over the popcorn and stir to combine. Yes – it will be sticky! Allow to slightly cool for about 1 minute.
- 5. Spray your hands with cooking spray. Form palm sized balls of popcorn firmly pressing together. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat to make 12 popcorn balls.
- 6. Wash your hands and immediately press the M&Ms into the popcorn balls.
- 7. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers according to the package. Drizzle the melted chocolate over each ball.
- 8. To make the brie, with a sharp knife remove the top ¼ of the wheel. Carefully cut out the word “BOO.” Spread 1/4 cup apricot jam on the bottom portion of the brie and cover with the top.
- 9. Cut the apple smoked cheddar into triangles.
- 10 In a ramekin, add the remainder of the apricot jam and place in middle of the charcuterie board.
- 11 Assemble the board by following the pictures.
Halloween Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- 1 board (11 in x 11in)
- saucepan
- 2 Microwave safe bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
- 1 Ramekin
Ingredients
Popcorn Ball Ingredients
- 1 bag unpopped popcorn
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 Ttsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup white chocolate melting wafers
- 1 bag M&Ms
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup dried apricots
- 1 bar Kit Kat
- 8 pieces Rolos
- 3/4 cup apricot jam
- ⅓ cup cashews
- 15 assorted crackers
- 1 block smoked apple cheddar cheese sliced
- 1 wheel brie
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese cubes
- ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Pop the popcorn in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Stop when you hear a few seconds between pops. Remove the bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, add the marshmallows. With a rubber spatula, frequently stir the marshmallows until they are melted. (About 3 – 5 minutes).
- Pour the melted marshmallows over the popcorn and stir to combine. Yes – it will be sticky! Allow to slightly cool for about 1 minute.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray. Form palm sized balls of popcorn firmly pressing together. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat to make 12 popcorn balls.
- Wash your hands and immediately press the M&Ms into the popcorn balls.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers according to the package. Drizzle the melted chocolate over each ball.
- To make the brie, with a sharp knife remove the top ¼ of the wheel. Carefully cut out the word “BOO.” Spread apricot jam on the bottom portion of the brie and cover with the top.
- Cut the apple smoked cheddar into triangles.
- In a ramekin, add the remainder of the apricot jam and place in middle of the charcuterie board.
- Start by grouping similar items together, creating clusters of different textures, colours, and shapes. Arrange the larger items first, such as the apricot jam in the middle of the board, the wheel of Brie and crackers, and the Popcorn Balls, and then fill in the gaps with smaller accompaniments. See photo for ideas.
Nutrition
Arrange the Board with Intention
The way you arrange your Halloween charcuterie board is crucial to creating a visually stunning and cohesive display. Start by grouping similar items together, creating clusters of different textures, colours, and shapes. Arrange the larger items first, such as the apricot jam in the middle of the board, the wheel of Brie and crackers, and the Popcorn Balls, and then fill in the gaps with smaller accompaniments.
Consider Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
As with any gathering, it’s important to consider the dietary needs and preferences of your guests. Ensure that your Halloween charcuterie board includes a variety of options, such as:
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly items
- Gluten-free crackers or breads
- Lactose-free cheese alternatives
- Nut-free options for those with allergies
By catering to the diverse needs of your guests, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy the delights of your Halloween charcuterie board.
Serving Your Halloween Charcuterie Board
When it’s time to serve your Halloween charcuterie board, consider the overall presentation and setting. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play Halloween music to set the mood. Encourage your guests to explore the board, mix and match different savoury or sweet flavours, and indulge in the delicious Halloween board.
As your guests enjoy the charcuterie board, encourage them to share their favourite food items. This interactive element will add to the overall fun and festive atmosphere of your Halloween celebration.
Creating a Halloween charcuterie board is the perfect way to elevate your holiday festivities and impress your guests. By incorporating Halloween-themed ingredients, unique presentation, and unexpected surprises, you can transform a simple charcuterie board into a truly memorable and Instagram-worthy centerpiece for your Halloween party!
So, put your your best costume on, grab your serving board, and get ready to craft the ultimate Halloween charcuterie masterpiece. Your guests will be delighted by the savoury and sweet spread, and you’ll be the host of the most delightful Halloween celebration!
I hope you enjoyed this Halloween Charcuterie Board as much I did! For more fun charcuterie board ideas, you can view Valentine’s Charcuterie Board, Easter Charcuterie Board, St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board, and St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Board!
