Haunted Harvest Charcuterie Board
Halloween entertaining doesn't have to mean candy and plastic decorations. This Haunted Harvest Charcuterie Board celebrates the rich flavors of fall with artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, roasted nuts, and gourmet accompaniments, all brought together with several Seven Barrels olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Whether you're hosting a Halloween dinner party, welcoming guests before trick-or-treating, or gathering around a bonfire with friends, this elegant grazing board is designed to impress. Every corner offers a new flavor combination, from creamy Brie with Vanilla Fig Balsamic to aged cheddar paired with Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar and crisp apples drizzled with Blood Orange Olive Oil.
Serve it on a rustic wood board or black slate platter with candlelight, and let guests discover their own favorite pairings throughout the evening.
Ingredients
Artisan Cheeses
- Triple Cream Brie
- Aged White Cheddar
- Smoked Gouda
- Manchego
- Goat Cheese
Cured Meats
- Prosciutto
- Soppressata
- Genoa Salami
- Capicola
Fresh Fruit
- Black grapes
- Red grapes
- Fresh figs
- Blackberries
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Pomegranate arils
Crunch
- Marcona almonds
- Candied pecans
- Pistachios
Savory Additions
- Cornichons
- Castelvetrano olives
- Roasted garlic cloves
- Rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme
- Honeycomb
Bread & Crackers
- Rustic sourdough slices
- Crostini
- Artisan crackers
- Breadsticks
Featured Seven Barrels Pairings
Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar
Perfect with:
- Aged cheddar
- Smoked Gouda
- Prosciutto
- Candied pecans
Vanilla Fig Balsamic
Perfect with:
- Brie
- Goat cheese
- Fresh figs
- Honeycomb
Blood Orange Olive Oil
Perfect with:
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Manchego
- Roasted almonds
Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Serve in a small dipping bowl alongside crusty artisan bread with flaky sea salt and cracked pepper.
Blueberry Balsamic
Drizzle lightly over goat cheese or Brie and garnish with fresh blackberries.
Directions
Step 1
Choose a large wooden serving board or black slate platter. Begin by placing the cheeses around the board, leaving space between each for meats and seasonal accompaniments.
Step 2
Fold or ribbon the cured meats to create height and texture.
Step 3
Arrange fruit in clusters rather than straight lines, allowing the natural colors to create contrast against the darker board.
Step 4
Fill remaining spaces with nuts, olives, roasted garlic, cornichons, and crackers.
Step 5
Place several small dipping bowls around the board filled with the featured Seven Barrels products so guests can create their own pairings.
Step 6
Finish with fresh rosemary, thyme, edible flowers if desired, and a few cinnamon sticks for seasonal fragrance.
Pairing Guide
| Pair This | With This |
|---|---|
| Brie | Vanilla Fig Balsamic |
| Goat Cheese | Blueberry Balsamic |
| White Cheddar | Bourbon Balsamic |
| Manchego | Blood Orange Olive Oil |
| Rustic Bread | Garlic Olive Oil |
| Smoked Gouda | Bourbon Balsamic |
| Fresh Figs | Vanilla Fig Balsamic |
| Apple Slices | Blood Orange Olive Oil |
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir
- Bourbon cocktails
- Hard cider
- Sparkling water with citrus
Perfect for:
- Halloween parties
- Fall wine nights
- Harvest dinners
- Thanksgiving appetizers
- October birthdays
- Bonfire gatherings
Chef's Tip
Think in layers rather than rows. Start with the cheeses, build around them with folded meats and fruit, then fill every remaining space with smaller ingredients. The final touches, fresh herbs, candles, and bowls of Seven Barrels olive oils and balsamic vinegars, create a board that feels abundant, inviting, and worthy of the season.
