When this spooky season rolls around, I love getting creative in the kitchen—and nothing impresses like a themed Charcuterie Board. It’s a festive, no-cook way to serve a spread of sweet and savory snacks with just the right amount of spooky flair. Whether I’m hosting a party, planning a cozy movie night, or just want to add some eerie fun to snack time, this board always gets rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Charcuterie Board brings together the best of both worlds—salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. It’s completely customizable, and I get to use my favorite seasonal treats and pantry staples to build something visually fun and delicious. Themed boards like this make a huge impact with minimal effort, and there’s no cooking involved, which is perfect during a busy holiday.

Plus, it’s a great activity to do with kids. I let them help place the “eyeballs,” unwrap candies, or arrange crackers into “bones.” Every board I make is slightly different, and that’s part of the fun.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Savory
cheddar cheese cubes
sliced salami or pepperoni
deli meat
assorted crackers
green olives stuffed with pimentos
black olives
mini pickles
baby carrots
cherry tomatoes
roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)

Sweet
candy corn
chocolate-covered pretzels
themed cookies
gummy worms
peanut butter cups
dark chocolate squares
marshmallows
popcorn balls
licorice sticks

Extras for Spooky Touches
plastic spiders or skeleton hands (for decoration)
small pumpkin or gourd (centerpiece)
cheese cut into bat or ghost shapes (use cookie cutters)
eyeball candies
black and orange sprinkles (optional for sweet section)

Directions

1. I start with a large wooden board or tray and decide if I want to do half sweet and half savory, or mix them up in spooky clusters.

2. I place the larger items first—cheese cubes, meats, cookies, or a mini pumpkin in the center.

3. Then I fill in gaps with smaller snacks like olives, candy corn, nuts, and fruit. I like to group colors together to keep it eye-catching.

4. I use cookie cutters to shape cheese or salami into fun designs—ghosts, bats, pumpkins.

5. Finally, I sprinkle in the creepy extras: a gummy worm here, a skeleton hand there, and a candy eyeball staring from behind the cheese.

6. I make sure to include toothpicks or small tongs so everything is easy to grab and serve.

Servings and Timing

This Charcuterie Board is ideal for feeding a crowd or snacking throughout the night.

• Servings: Serves 6–8 people as an appetizer or snack

• Prep Time: 20–30 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

If I’m prepping for a party, I assemble the board just before guests arrive so everything stays fresh.

Variations

One of my favorite things about charcuterie boards is how easy they are to customize:

• All-sweet board: I focus on cookies, chocolates, candies, caramel popcorn, and mini cupcakes.

• Savory and spooky: I stick with meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, and crackers, using dark foods like blackberries and blue cheese for that eerie vibe.

• Kid-friendly: I add string cheese, grapes, apple slices, and less spicy meats to make it perfect for little hands.

• Vegan version: I use hummus, veggies, fruit, nuts, and vegan cheeses with dairy-free chocolates for a plant-based board.

Storage/Reheating

This is best served fresh, but I do store leftovers in separate containers to keep everything crisp and fresh.

• Storage: I transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. Cheeses and meats stay good for 2–3 days, while sweets last longer.

• Reheating: Not needed—this board is all ready to eat. If anything softens or wilts, I just refresh it with fresh produce or crackers before re-serving.

FAQs

Can I make a Charcuterie Board ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it 1–2 hours before serving. I keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge and add any crispy items like crackers just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

What kind of board should I use?

Any large platter, cutting board, or even a baking sheet works well. I’ve even used a black tray lined with parchment for a more themed look.

How do I keep the theme spooky without being too creepy?

I focus on using colors like black, orange, green, and purple, and add subtle spooky touches like candy eyes or themed toothpicks. I skip anything too realistic so it’s still appetizing!

What cheeses are best for this board?

I usually go with mild and crowd-friendly cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, brie, and gouda. I cut them into fun shapes or serve them in small cubes for easy snacking.

How can I make this board budget-friendly?

I shop my pantry first and look for store-brand versions of crackers, nuts, and candy. I also buy meats and cheeses in bulk and slice them myself to save money.

Conclusion

Putting together a Charcuterie Board is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. It’s festive, flavorful, and incredibly flexible. I get to show off my creative side while serving something everyone loves to eat. Whether I’m hosting or just making a fun dinner alternative, this board is a guaranteed hit.