Cornucopia Harvest Board

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Plates

This autumn-inspired grazing board brings together a colorful mix of aged cheddar, creamy brie, blue and smoked gouda cheeses paired with a selection of fresh seasonal fruits including grapes, apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, and dried apricots. Crunchy roasted almonds, candied pecans, and pumpkin seeds add texture, while fig jam, honey, olives, and tangy cornichons complement the flavors. Optional cured meats can be added or omitted for a vegetarian-friendly option. Garnished with fresh herbs and served with baguette slices and assorted crackers, it’s a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings that encourages guests to create their own delicious combinations.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:07:00 GMT
Vibrant Cornucopia Harvest Board overflowing with colorful fruits, cheeses, meats, and crunchy nuts. Save
Vibrant Cornucopia Harvest Board overflowing with colorful fruits, cheeses, meats, and crunchy nuts. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A vibrant, autumn-inspired grazing board featuring an array of seasonal fruits, cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and accompaniments—perfect for festive gatherings and easy entertaining.

This harvest board has become my go-to for fall parties because everyone loves the mix of sweet fruits and savory cheeses alongside crunchy nuts.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar sliced, 150 g creamy brie wedges, 120 g blue cheese crumbled, 120 g smoked gouda sliced
  • Cured Meats (optional): 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami sliced, 100 g smoked turkey thinly sliced
  • Fresh Fruits: 1 bunch red grapes separated into small clusters, 1 bunch green grapes separated into small clusters, 2 apples cored and thinly sliced, 2 pears cored and thinly sliced, 1 pomegranate seeds removed, 1 cup dried apricots
  • Nuts & Seeds: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
  • Accompaniments: 1/2 cup fig jam, 1/2 cup honey, 1 cup assorted olives, 1/2 cup cornichons or gherkins, 1 French baguette sliced, 1 box assorted crackers

Instructions

Step 1:
Select a large wooden board or platter as your base.
Step 2:
Arrange cheeses in separate areas, cutting some into slices for easy access.
Step 3:
Fold or roll cured meats and nestle around cheeses.
Step 4:
Distribute fresh fruits in colorful clusters around the board, fanning out apple and pear slices for visual appeal.
Step 5:
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and dried apricots in open spaces.
Step 6:
Scatter nuts and pumpkin seeds for crunch and texture.
Step 7:
Place fig jam, honey, olives, and cornichons in small bowls or ramekins, and set them on the board.
Step 8:
Fill in gaps with sliced baguette and crackers.
Step 9:
Garnish with a few fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, if desired, for a festive touch.
Step 10:
Serve immediately and encourage guests to build their own perfect bites.
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This board always brings my family together during holiday gatherings, sparking great conversations and smiles.

Required Tools

Large serving board or platter, small bowls or ramekins, cheese knives, small tongs or forks

Allergen Information

Contains dairy, tree nuts, and gluten (from bread/crackers). Meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 385, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 13 g per serving (based on 10 servings)

A delicious view of a festive Cornucopia Harvest Board, brimming with fresh seasonal ingredients. Save
A delicious view of a festive Cornucopia Harvest Board, brimming with fresh seasonal ingredients. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Enjoy assembling this vibrant board that delights all senses and elevates any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What cheeses work best on the harvest board?

Aged cheddar, creamy brie, blue cheese, and smoked gouda offer a balanced mix of textures and flavors that complement the autumn theme well.

Can the board be made vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted vegetables to enhance the variety.

How do I prevent apple and pear slices from browning?

Toss apple and pear slices lightly in lemon juice before arranging to keep them fresh and vibrant longer.

What are good beverage pairings for this board?

Light-bodied Pinot Noir, sparkling cider, or crisp Chardonnay pair wonderfully with the varied flavors on the board.

How should nuts be prepared for the board?

Use roasted almonds, candied pecans, and roasted pumpkin seeds to add a pleasing crunch and flavor contrast.

Cornucopia Harvest Board

Autumn-themed board featuring fruits, cheeses, nuts, and savory bites for easy entertaining.

Time to Prepare
25 mins
0
Complete Time
25 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Weekend Comfort Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 10 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz aged cheddar, sliced
02 5.3 oz creamy brie, wedges
03 4.2 oz blue cheese, crumbled
04 4.2 oz smoked gouda, sliced

Cured Meats (optional)

01 3.5 oz prosciutto
02 3.5 oz salami, sliced
03 3.5 oz smoked turkey, thinly sliced

Fresh Fruits

01 1 bunch red grapes, separated into small clusters
02 1 bunch green grapes, separated into small clusters
03 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
04 2 pears, cored and thinly sliced
05 1 pomegranate, seeds removed
06 1 cup dried apricots

Nuts & Seeds

01 1/2 cup roasted almonds
02 1/2 cup candied pecans
03 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

Accompaniments

01 1/2 cup fig jam
02 1/2 cup honey
03 1 cup assorted olives
04 1/2 cup cornichons or gherkins
05 1 French baguette, sliced
06 1 box assorted crackers

Steps

Step 01

Prepare base: Select a large wooden board or platter as the foundation for your composition.

Step 02

Arrange cheeses: Place cheeses in distinct sections, slicing some varieties for ease of serving.

Step 03

Add cured meats: Fold or roll cured meats and arrange them adjacent to cheeses.

Step 04

Distribute fresh fruits: Cluster fresh fruits in vibrant groups around the board; fan apple and pear slices for visual interest.

Step 05

Scatter dried fruits and seeds: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and dried apricots into empty spaces for color contrast.

Step 06

Incorporate nuts and seeds: Evenly scatter roasted almonds, candied pecans, and pumpkin seeds to introduce crunch.

Step 07

Position accompaniments: Place fig jam, honey, olives, and cornichons in small bowls or ramekins and position them on the board.

Step 08

Fill gaps: Use sliced baguette and assorted crackers to fill remaining spaces, ensuring balance.

Step 09

Garnish and serve: Optionally add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive finish; serve promptly to encourage customized bites.

Tools Needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small bowls or ramekins
  • Cheese knives
  • Small tongs or forks

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains dairy, tree nuts, and gluten (from bread and crackers).
  • Cured meats may contain nitrates or nitrites; verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 385
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 13 g