One of my favorite entertaining “hacks” is putting together a big board of seasonal goodies in lieu of preparing appetizers. This Fall Harvest Appetizer Board is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Sriracha Mayo Deviled Eggs would be the perfect addition served alongside this appetizer board. It would be an awesome balance of protein and spicy with the sweeter flavors found here.
It’s easy to assemble a beautiful and elegant Fall Harvest Appetizer Board with seasonal produce, dried fruits, nuts and whatever else you feel like incorporating. Many also refer to this type of appetizer as a charcuterie board. It’s up to you to call it what you prefer!
There is no better reason and season than fall to celebrate with a shockingly gorgeous appetizer board for all your entertaining needs! They don’t even need to be full of meat and cheese if you don’t want them to. I decided to challenge myself on making an appetizer board that did not include the expected crackers and salami, but instead use what was in season and colorful for fall. I picked up all these items at my regular grocery store (not even a fancy one). And since I pretty much live in the middle of nowhere, I know you’ll be able to find these items or something similar in your area too.
How To Make An Appetizer Board
To put together a great appetizer board, try to strike a good balance of textures and flavors. Pair crunchy pretzels with soft dried fruits and mix up some spicy flavors with sweeter ones. If you decide to incorporate anything with a smoked flavor, you do run the risk of overwhelming any other delicate tasting additions. Try to include only one smoked option per board. I did not add anything smokey to this board, but it does not mean you can’t.
When creating an appetizer board aim to create contrast between all the different bites in a way that makes sense. Many appetizer boards will include produce, crunchy nuts, sweet pretzels and olives to mix up the possible combinations. When it comes to an appetizer board it’s not just about what you eat, but what you see, so presentation is very important.
What Portion Sizes Should I Use For An Appetizer Board
When considering how much of each item you might put out on an appetizer board, I usually include about 1/4 cup per guest of things like nuts, candies or other bite-sized items. Since you will be serving dinner, you don’t want to overload everyone on these tiny bites before the main meal. If you’re throwing a cocktail party where guests will be mainly eating just snacks, you can easily increase the portion sizes and include bread and crackers with a few spreadable items.
Garnish For The Season
Head outdoors and gather some greenery. I am surrounded by maple and oaks trees here in the Oregon forest so I chose to include their fall colored leaves and acorns on the outskirts of my board. Things like orange and apple leaves, fresh herbs, dried corn husks and edible flowers are all perfectly acceptable for your spread. Include whole and sliced pieces of seasonal fruit (don’t forget to include knives so guests can slice them up themselves). If you are use anything spreadable, make sure to have serving utensils for each one. Don’t forget small dishes for any olive or fruit pits.
How Far In Advance Can I Make My Appetizer Board
That totally depends on what you are serving. Definitely prep the area you are placing the board with any outdoor garnishes that are not perishable, leaves, acorns or other sturdy greens that morning. Fill any small dishes with nuts or candies and keep them covered with a lid or saran wrap until serving time. Place any whole fruit garnishes you will be using on the platter early that day.
Right before guests arrive, uncover any small dishes and drop in sliced fruit, cheeses or anything else you needed to keep refrigerated and fresh.
What Kind of Board Should I Use
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.
There are so many possibilities and nothing is off limits when it comes to what type of board you can use in regards to material or shape. Do make sure that if any board you are using is not food safe you cover it with parchment or butcher paper before placing any food on top.
I prefer slate or acacia wood when it comes to the type of board I’m using. However, I also love using this for its rustic look and this for functionality. You really can’t go wrong with anything you choose.
Other Recipes Previously Made On This Date
Fall Harvest Appetizer Board
Ingredients
- almond date rolls
- French burnt peanuts
- pumpkin spiced flavored yogurt covered pretzels
- candied mango with chili
- Mt. Hood Trail Mix (peanuts, cranberries, white chocolate chips, dried pineapple and cashews
- organic raw pumpkin seeds
- dried California peaches
- seedless purple grapes
- navel oranges
- Fuyu persimmons
- fresh pomegranates
- Honeycrisp apples
- small pears
- lychee fruit
Instructions
- On a large tray, arrange all above ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing way. It doesn't get easier than this!