If you're looking for a Thanksgiving Cheese Board look no further! Our Turkey Cheese Platter is the perfect fun and festive appetizer for the big day.
I am a sucker for all things festive. The holiday season is hands down my favorite time of the year, and having kids of my own to celebrate with has only amplified my love.
Turkey Cheese Platter
I must have passed down my festivity because my little ones get just as excited as I do about silly themed things... like this cute Thanksgiving turkey cheese platter.
If you are looking for some other fun appetizers this holiday season, definitely check out our Feta and Cranberry Pinwheel or this Beautiful Holiday Cheeseball.
Or our Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray is a huge reader favorite this time of year as well.
Turkey Cheese Board
A cheese platter is such an easy appetizer for family parties and get togethers. I love how easy it is to throw together (my kids love making them).
I think everyone else enjoys them as much as we do because they seem to disappear super fast every time I bring one.
Turning this cheese tray into a cute little turkey was just as easy as it was fun. I will tell you exactly what I used below, but you could customize him so easily with whatever you have on hand.
Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Here's the easy steps for how I assembled my Thanksgiving cheese platter.
- Grab out a large platter or cutting board. Start by assembling your cracker "feathers" in a wide semi-circle.
- Next, slice your cheeses to your desired size and layer them over the top of the crackers.
- Fold each slice of deli meat in half and then roll up in a rosette style to add some dimension and layer on top of the cheese.
- Assemble your turkey by cutting your pear in half and placing face down in the center of the deli meats. Cut walnuts (or cheese) to resemble feet. Add your two edible eyeballs. Cut a small triangle out of cheese for the nose, and a gobbler out of salami.
Cheese Board for Thanksgiving
A deli meat and cheese platter can safely stay out at room temperature for about 2 hours. Here are some important considerations:
- Temperature: Aim to keep the platter below 70°F (21°C). If the room temperature is higher (like during summer), limit the time to 1 hour.
- Perishability: Both deli meats and soft cheeses are more prone to spoilage than harder cheeses, so they require closer monitoring.
- Signs of Spoilage: If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the food.
For longer gatherings, consider using ice packs or a chilled serving platter to help keep the meats and cheeses fresh.
Turkey Meat and Cheese Tray
If you make this cheese board and enjoy it we'd love for you to leave us a positive comment or review, they mean so much to us.
Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Video
Equipment
- Large Platter
Ingredients
- Assorted Crackers
- Assorted Sliced Cheeses
- Assorted Deli Meats
- 1 Pear
- 2 Edible Eyes
- 6 Walnut Pieces Thinly Sliced
- 1 Slice Salami Or Pepperoni
Instructions
- For my turkey I worked from the outside in. Grab a large platter and begin by lining the edges with cracker "feathers". Then, slice your cheese to desired size and layer those.
- Next up cut or fold your deli meats to an appropriate size and layer those as well. I folded each slice in half and rolled them up to add more dimension.
- To make the "turkey" slice your pear in half and lay on top of meats however you like it to sit. Add edible eyes. Slice your walnuts and form feet. Cut a nose out of cheese and a gobbler out of salami or pepperoni. Enjoy!
Notes
- Temperature: Aim to keep the platter below 70°F (21°C). If the room temperature is higher (like during summer), limit the time to 1 hour.
- Perishability: Both deli meats and soft cheeses are more prone to spoilage than harder cheeses, so they require closer monitoring.
- Signs of Spoilage: If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the food.
Nutrition
So easy right?! I hope you have as much fun making (and eating) your turkey cheese platter as we did!
xo,
Melissa McArthur
Sooo cute and festive! I can’t wait to bring this on thanksgiving!