How to Create a Gorgeous Halloween Charcuterie Board

Easy to follow ideas to create a fun and seasonal Halloween charcuterie board the whole family will love.

If you ask me, nothing sets the tone for a cosy autumn evening quite like a charcuterie board.

It’s that perfect mix of delicious little bites, conversation starters, and (let’s be honest) Instagram-worthy prettiness.

And since Halloween has its roots right here in Ireland—originally celebrated as Samhain—what better way to honour the season than with a spooky-but-chic charcuterie board for your dinner party or cosy night in?

Think of it as edible décor: rich colours, playful nods to the season, and flavour combinations that feel indulgent but effortless. It truly is SO easy to make one!

Here’s how to put it all together, step by step.

Step 1 – The Board

Start with your foundation. A rustic wooden board feels especially autumnal, but a slate board can add that moody, Halloween vibe.

If you need to separate items to cater to intolerances, you can spread your goodies across two smaller boards – one could be vegetarian, gluten-free friendly, etc

Tip: If you have a pumpkin-shaped platter or dark serving tray, now’s the time to show it off!

Step 2 – Utensils

Make it easy for everyone to dig in.

Pop out cheese knives, tiny spoons, ramekins, and don’t forget napkins: these can all easily be Halloween themed without having to break the bank. A very cute and very easy way to add a Halloween touch to your cheeseboard is to add fake spiders: the black shape over the white of the cheese is pretty impressive with zero effort!

Step 3 – The Cheese

This is your anchor. I always like to mix textures:

• A soft and gooey cheese (brie or camembert).
• A firmer, flavourful wedge (like manchego or gouda).
• Something a bit punchy (blue cheese if your guests like it, or an aged cheddar).

For a Halloween twist, orange cheeses like red Leicester or pumpkin-spiced cheddar look stunning next to darker ingredients.

Step 4 – The Meats

Go for variety in both taste and look: prosciutto ribbons, slices of salami shaped into little “roses” (a fancy way to say you make small rolls withe them) and a spicy chorizo for colour.

Pâté or terrine adds a touch of luxe and you can easily add a Halloween shape or cocktail stick on it to make it look even more seasonal.

Step 5 – Crackers & Breads

This is your crunch factor.

A mix works best: thin water crackers, rustic sourdough slices, slices of Irish soda bread, breadsticks, or even tiny crostini work great.

Arrange them in little stacks or fans—it looks prettier than piling them up.

Step 6 – Fruits, Veggies & Nuts

This is where the colour and freshness pop. For a fall/Halloween vibe, try:

• Dried apricots, cranberries, or figs.
• Black grapes or purple figs for drama.
• Black and green olives for a witchy touch
• Orange and green bell peppers cut into strips.
• Halloween candy in a ramekin for color
• A scattering of almonds, pecans, or pistachios.

Bonus idea: Cut cucumber slices with a tiny cookie cutter (bats or stars) for an adorable seasonal detail.

Step 7 – Condiments

This is your flavour surprise element! Pop a little dish of wholegrain mustard, red onion marmalade, or fig jam.

A pumpkin or butternut squash hummus also looks gorgeous in the season’s colours. If you need an extra sprinkle of orange color, paprika is easy to sprinkle over hummus and adds to it a delicious smokey flavor

Step 8 – The Finishing Touches

This is where you make it truly Halloween chic. Think about those little extras:

• Sprinkle in rocket or watercress for greenery.
• Add apple slices (red-skinned ones look fab).
• Nestle in a couple of mini pumpkins or gourds around your board (decor only, unless you roast them later!).
• Scatter a few sprigs of rosemary for added spikiness and seasonal color

Step 9 – Pour & Enjoy

Step back and admire your masterpiece—it’s not just food, it’s a centrepiece. Pour a glass of wine (or apple cider for a seasonal twist), snap a quick picture, and then tuck in with your guests.

Remember: there’s no “wrong” way to make a charcuterie board. The best ones are the ones that reflect you. Choose what you love to eat, lean into the colours of autumn, and don’t worry about perfection. After all, Halloween is about fun and playfulness.

How to make an easy Halloween Charcuterie board to impress your guests: pin this!