Wheat Field Thanksgiving Turkey

Featured in: Simple Summer Plates

This wheat field Thanksgiving turkey board brings a festive centerpiece with layers of sharp cheddar, Swiss, brie, and gouda cheeses surrounded by prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast. Whole wheat and multigrain crackers, fresh grapes, apples, pears, dried apricots, cranberries, nuts, and pumpkin seeds fill the board with vibrant textures and flavors. Pretzel sticks mimic wheat stalks while a mini pumpkin forms the turkey’s body, adorned with olives and bell pepper for eyes and wattle. Perfect for easy assembly and sharing at holiday gatherings.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:46:00 GMT
A beautifully arranged Wheat Field Thanksgiving Turkey Board loaded with cheese, meats, and fruit. Save
A beautifully arranged Wheat Field Thanksgiving Turkey Board loaded with cheese, meats, and fruit. | olivedune.com

A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board designed to resemble a wheat field and turkey featuring an array of artisanal cheeses cured meats crackers fresh fruits and nuts perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings

This board is a favorite at our Thanksgiving table bringing a festive touch and delicious variety that everyone enjoys

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g sharp cheddar cheese sliced 150 g Swiss cheese sliced 150 g creamy brie sliced or in wedges 100 g gouda cubed
  • Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey breast sliced
  • Crackers & Bread: 150 g whole wheat crackers 150 g multigrain crackers 1 small baguette sliced
  • Fresh Fruits: 1 small bunch of green grapes 1 small bunch of red grapes 1 pear sliced 1 apple sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • Nuts & Garnishes: 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/2 cup shelled pistachios Fresh rosemary sprigs 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • For Decoration: 1 mini pumpkin or gourd (for the turkeys body) Pretzel sticks (for wheat stalks and turkey feathers) 2 black olives (for turkeys eyes) 1 small piece of red bell pepper (for wattle) 1 small triangle of yellow cheese (for beak)

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the mini pumpkin or gourd at the bottom center of a large wooden board to represent the turkeys body
Step 2:
Arrange sliced meats fan-like above the pumpkin to mimic the turkeys tail feathers Alternate colors and textures for a vibrant effect
Step 3:
Layer assorted cheeses in arcs radiating out from the turkey body resembling a wheat fields rows
Step 4:
Arrange crackers and baguette slices in lines or curves to evoke wheat stalks
Step 5:
Place clusters of grapes apple and pear slices and dried fruits artfully around the cheeses and meats
Step 6:
Fill gaps with nuts pumpkin seeds and fresh rosemary sprigs
Step 7:
Use pretzel sticks to create additional wheat stalk effects at the edges and among cheese and fruit
Step 8:
Assemble the turkeys face attach black olives (eyes) the red bell pepper (wattle) and yellow cheese (beak) to the front of the pumpkin/gourd using toothpicks if needed
Step 9:
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve
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| olivedune.com

This board has brought our family together year after year creating joyful moments and delicious memories

Required Tools

Large wooden or slate serving board Small paring knife Cheese knife Toothpicks (for assembly) Small bowls (for nuts or dips)

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (cheese) Wheat (crackers bread) Tree nuts (almonds pistachios) Soy (possible in some cured meats) May contain Sulfites (dried fruits cured meats) Double-check all labels for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities

Nutritional Information

Calories ~310 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 14 g per serving

Vibrant close-up of a festive Thanksgiving Wheat Field Turkey Board with colorful charcuterie. Save
Vibrant close-up of a festive Thanksgiving Wheat Field Turkey Board with colorful charcuterie. | olivedune.com

This charcuterie board combines beauty and flavor to make your Thanksgiving extra special

Cooking Questions & Answers

How do I assemble the wheat field turkey board?

Start by placing the mini pumpkin as the turkey body, then fan out cured meats for tail feathers, layer cheeses in rows like wheat fields, and arrange crackers and fruits around. Finish with nuts and pretzels for texture and decoration.

What cheeses work best for this platter?

Sharp cheddar, Swiss, creamy brie, and gouda provide a balanced mix of flavors and textures that complement the other components.

Can I substitute cured meats for dietary preferences?

Yes, you can omit the meats or use plant-based deli slices for a vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing the board’s appeal.

How do pretzel sticks enhance the wheat field theme?

Pretzel sticks mimic wheat stalks, adding both visual interest and a crunchy texture that echoes the board’s autumnal inspiration.

What pairings complement this platter?

Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling cider pair beautifully, enhancing the fresh and savory elements on the board.

Wheat Field Thanksgiving Turkey

A visually stunning wheat field turkey board with cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts for celebratory occasions.

Prep Duration
30 min
0
Overall Duration
30 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 9 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
02 5.3 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
03 5.3 oz creamy brie, sliced or in wedges
04 3.5 oz Gouda, cubed

Cured Meats

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

Crackers & Bread

01 5.3 oz whole wheat crackers
02 5.3 oz multigrain crackers
03 1 small baguette, sliced

Fresh Fruits

01 1 small bunch green grapes
02 1 small bunch red grapes
03 1 pear, sliced
04 1 apple, sliced
05 0.5 cup dried apricots
06 0.33 cup dried cranberries

Nuts & Garnishes

01 0.5 cup roasted almonds
02 0.5 cup shelled pistachios
03 Fresh rosemary sprigs
04 0.33 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Decoration

01 1 mini pumpkin or gourd (for turkey body)
02 Pretzel sticks (for wheat stalks and turkey feathers)
03 2 black olives (for turkey eyes)
04 1 small piece red bell pepper (for wattle)
05 1 small triangle yellow cheese (for beak)

Steps

Step 01

Position turkey body: Place the mini pumpkin or gourd at the bottom center of a large wooden board to represent the turkey's body.

Step 02

Arrange cured meats: Fan out the sliced prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast above the pumpkin to mimic turkey tail feathers, alternating colors and textures for vibrancy.

Step 03

Layer cheeses: Arrange assorted sliced and cubed cheeses in arcs radiating outwards from the pumpkin, resembling rows of a wheat field.

Step 04

Layout crackers and bread: Place whole wheat and multigrain crackers along with baguette slices in lines or curves to evoke wheat stalks.

Step 05

Add fresh fruits: Distribute clusters of green and red grapes, apple and pear slices, and dried apricots and cranberries artfully around the cheeses and meats.

Step 06

Fill gaps with nuts and garnishes: Fill remaining spaces with roasted almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and fresh rosemary sprigs to add texture and color.

Step 07

Create wheat stalk accents: Use pretzel sticks to form additional wheat stalk effects along edges and among cheese and fruit arrangements.

Step 08

Assemble turkey face: Attach black olives for eyes, red bell pepper piece for wattle, and yellow cheese triangle for beak to the front of the pumpkin/gourd using toothpicks if needed.

Step 09

Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Essential Tools

  • Large wooden or slate serving board
  • Small paring knife
  • Cheese knife
  • Toothpicks (for assembly)
  • Small bowls (for nuts or dips)

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese), wheat (crackers, bread), tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), soy (possible in some cured meats).
  • May contain sulfites (dried fruits, cured meats). Verify labels for allergen warnings.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 310
  • Lipids: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 14 g