Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests this Halloween with something festive, fun, and oh-so-delicious, I absolutely have to share my favorite Halloween Charcuterie Board idea. This isn’t just any board—it’s a spooky, colorful spread packed with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, fresh mozzarella eyeballs, and plenty of savory meats and sweet fruits. Trust me, once you put this together, you’ll be the host with the most at any Halloween party. Whether you’re a seasoned charcuterie pro or just diving into this delicious world, this setup is fan-freaking-tastic for sharing and snacking all night long.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing your ingredients is half the fun here. I love combining bold cheeses with fresh fruits and a variety of textures from crunchy crackers to rich nuts. This balance gives every bite something interesting, plus the colors just scream Halloween vibes. When picking your cheeses, be sure to opt for quality pieces since they’re the stars of the board.

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy punch that pairs beautifully with sweeter fruits and crackers.
• Creamy brie cheese round: Adds melt-in-your-mouth richness and balances the sharper cheeses.
• Jalapeño pepper jack cheese: For a subtle spicy kick that livens up the palate.
• Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine with decorative eyeballs): The real Halloween showstopper—eyeball decorations make it spooky and fun.
• Prosciutto: Thin, salty slices that give a luxurious texture and flavor.
• Genoa salami: Another savory meat that complements the board’s variety.
• Blackberries: Juicy and tart, perfect contrast for the cheeses and meats.
• Green grapes: Sweet, refreshing bites to break up the savory flavors.
• Green apple slices: Crisp and slightly tart, works great with sharp cheddar and brie.
• Dried apricots: Natural sweetness and chewy texture add depth to the spread.
• Everything bagel seasoned crackers: Crunchy base with a savory pop of seasoning.
• Fig and olive crisps: Earthy flavors with a delicate crunch.
• Walnuts: Add an extra layer of nuttiness and texture.
• Pimento stuffed green olives: Bring briny, slightly sweet bites to the mix.
• Chocolate covered peanuts: A sweet surprise that’s irresistible.
• Decorations like plastic spiders: Because Halloween isn’t complete without a little creepy fun!

Variations

One of the best things about a charcuterie board is how customizable it is. I like to switch things up based on what’s in season or what I have in my fridge. You can always add or swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs—it’s your canvas! Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own spooky masterpiece.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the meats for marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, or hummus for a delightful plant-based twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the walnuts and add more fruit or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• Sweet Tooth Addition: Include mini candy corn or gummy worms alongside the chocolate-covered peanuts to amp up the Halloween candy theme.
• Extra Spooky: Use black olives instead of green ones and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze around the board for a dramatic look.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Assemble the Largest Items First

Start by placing any bowls or containers you want to include on the board—this is where I usually put things like olives or small nuts. If you’re adding extra Halloween decor like a skeleton or creepy props, now’s the time to let them take their place. Then lay down the cheeses: sharp cheddar, brie rounds, jalapeño pepper jack, and your fresh mozzarella eyeballs. This sets the foundation and gives the board structure.

Step 2: Add the Meats and Fruits Around the Cheeses

Next, tuck in the prosciutto slices and Genoa salami. I like to fold or roll the meats to give them dimension and make them easier to grab. Then scatter fresh blackberries, green grapes, and crisp green apple slices artistically between the meats and cheeses. Dried apricots also add pops of bright color and wonderful sweetness to complement everything.

Step 3: Fill in the Gaps with Crackers, Nuts & Candy

Now the fun part—fill every nook with your everything bagel crackers, fig and olive crisps, walnuts, and those delicious chocolate-covered peanuts. This layer creates texture and gives everyone plenty to nibble on. Finally, arrange your plastic spiders and other creepy decorations scattered across the board for that perfect Halloween vibe.

How to Serve Your Halloween Charcuterie Board

Garnishes

I usually grab a handful of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs to tuck between items for a fresh pop of green and added aroma. The plastic spiders are obvious favorites to pump up the Halloween vibe, but edible garnishes like edible flowers or tiny pumpkins can also make your board stand out beautifully.

Side Dishes

This charcuterie board pairs perfectly with a warm pumpkin soup or a crisp autumn salad if you want to round out your party menu. I love serving it alongside warm mulled cider or a sparkling rosé for the adults to sip on while they snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For my last Halloween party, I used a large wooden tray with faux spider webs stretched lightly over and miniature battery candles to create an eerie glow. You can also place the board on a table draped in black cloth with orange napkins and themed toothpicks to enhance the spooky atmosphere. It’s amazing how presentation adds that extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I never seem to), wrap the board items separately. I store cheeses wrapped tightly in wax paper and meats in an airtight container. Fruits like grapes and apple slices go in the fridge covered to keep them fresh and crisp for another day.

Freezing

Certain items like cheeses and cured meats freeze okay, but fresh fruits and crackers don’t do well in the freezer. I don’t usually freeze the assembled board; instead, freeze all your cheeses and meats separately if needed, then assemble fresh before serving for the best taste.

Reheating

This board is meant to be enjoyed cold or room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want to warm any dips you add, do so separately in the microwave or oven—but keep the board items as fresh and cool as possible for that perfect bite every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Halloween Charcuterie Board has become a favorite tradition of mine because it brings people together in the most delicious way. I love how simple it is to pull together yet looks so festive and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a spooky movie night or a full-blown party, this board will be your go-to to impress and satisfy everyone. So grab your cheeses, scatter those creepy spiders, and get ready to enjoy a frightfully fun and tasty experience with your friends and family!

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