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Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Your Family Will Love

budget-friendly Thanksgiving charcuterie board - featured image

A stunning and delicious Thanksgiving charcuterie board that costs under $25, using smart swaps and affordable ingredients. Perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (block)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (block)
  • Optional: 4 oz Brie wedge
  • 8 oz salami (whole stick or pre-sliced)
  • 6 oz turkey pepperoni
  • 1 box store-brand crackers (e.g., butter crackers or saltines)
  • 1 bag pretzel sticks
  • 1 day-old baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 can (14 oz) jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 bunch red grapes, cut into small clusters
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1 apple, sliced thin and tossed with lemon juice
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (salted peanuts or almonds)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
  • Honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prep your components: Slice sharp cheddar into thin triangles or cubes. Leave cream cheese whole or slice into thick slabs. If using Brie, leave in a wedge. Slice salami into thin rounds if whole. Separate pre-sliced meats. Wash grapes and cut into small clusters. Slice apple into thin wedges and toss with lemon juice. Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds (toast at 350°F for 5 minutes if desired). Spoon cranberry sauce into a small bowl.
  2. Place small bowls of cranberry sauce and any other dips on the board first, spaced out as anchors.
  3. Add the cheese: Place cheddar triangles in one area, cream cheese block in another, and Brie (if using) in a third spot. Fan out cheese slices.
  4. Layer the meats: Fold salami slices into quarters or roll into cones. Place in a pile or line near one corner. Arrange turkey pepperoni in a separate small pile.
  5. Fill gaps with crackers and bread: Lay store-brand crackers and pretzel sticks in single layers or slightly overlapping around the bowls, cheese, and meat. Use baguette slices to fill larger gaps.
  6. Add color with fruits and sweets: Tuck grape clusters and apple slices into remaining gaps. Sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins over the whole board.
  7. Finish with crunch and garnish: Sprinkle mixed nuts over bare areas. Drizzle honey over cream cheese if using. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between cheese and meat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Take cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Fill every gap with small items like pretzels or dried fruit to make the board look abundant. Use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients to save money and reduce waste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving charcuterie board, budget-friendly appetizer, holiday grazing board, easy charcuterie, cheap charcuterie board