Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board
Transform your holiday leftovers into a Leftover Turkey Charcuterie Board that looks like you planned it all along.
This creative spread combines turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all your favorite holiday flavors into an impressive yet effortless presentation.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that require zero cooking and maximum enjoyment.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board Highlights
- Zero cooking required
- Uses whatever leftovers you have
- Ready in 10 minutes flat
- Feeds a crowd without effort
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
TURKEY – Your leftover turkey is the star here. Cold sliced turkey works perfectly, or warm it slightly if you prefer. Dark meat adds more flavor, while white meat looks prettier on the board.
HAM – Leftover holiday ham adds a salty contrast to the turkey. Roll or fold slices for visual interest. Any deli ham works as a substitute.
STUFFING – Cold stuffing might sound odd, but it’s surprisingly delicious on crackers. Form into small portions or serve in a small bowl for easy scooping.
GRAVY – Serve warm in a small bowl for dipping, or let it cool to room temperature. Leftover gravy becomes spreadable when cold, perfect for crackers.
CRANBERRY SAUCE – Whether homemade or canned, this adds essential sweetness and color. The jellied version spreads easier than whole berry.
CHEESE – Herb and garlic cheese ball provides creamy richness, while Havarti offers a mild, buttery option. Any leftover cheese works here.
CRACKERS – Choose sturdy varieties that can hold toppings without breaking. Mix textures and flavors for variety.
ACCOMPANIMENTS – Roasted peanuts add crunch, dried cranberries echo the sauce, cornichons cut through richness, orange slices refresh the palate, and chocolate covered blueberries provide an unexpected sweet finish.
How To Make a Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Arrange meats across the board in different areas. Place stuffing in a bowl or neat pile.
- Add gravy, cranberry sauce, and mustard in small containers spaced around the board. Position cheeses and crackers to fill open spaces.
- Tuck fresh fruit and pickles into remaining gaps. Scatter nuts, dried fruit, and chocolates to complete the board.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep your Leftover Turkey Charcuterie Board components separated in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assembled boards should be covered tightly with plastic wrap and consumed within 4 hours of sitting at room temperature.
FREEZE – Turkey and ham can be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer bags. Stuffing and gravy freeze well in portioned containers. Don’t freeze the assembled board or fresh produce.
REHEAT – Warm turkey and stuffing in the microwave if desired. Gravy should be heated and whisked until smooth. Most components taste great at room temperature.
MAKE AHEAD – Prep all components the night before and store separately. Assemble the board just before serving for the freshest presentation.
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Serving Suggestions
BREAD BASKET – Set out dinner rolls or slider buns alongside your board so guests can build mini turkey sandwiches with all the fixings.
WINE PAIRING – A crisp white wine or light red complements the varied flavors without overwhelming the turkey.
MUSTARD VARIETY – Offer whole grain, Dijon, and honey mustard to give guests flavor options.
FRESH VEGETABLES – Add carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips for guests wanting lighter options between richer bites.
Recipe Success Tips
BOARD BALANCE – Distribute similar items across different areas rather than grouping all meats or cheeses together. This creates visual appeal and prevents crowding.
TEMPERATURE MATTERS – Let refrigerated items sit out for 10 minutes before serving. Room temperature cheese spreads better and flavors are more pronounced.
SIZE WISELY – Keep your board to 10-15 items maximum. Too many choices overwhelm both the board and your guests.
Expert Tip – Create height variation by folding meats, fanning crackers, and using small bowls for wet ingredients. This adds professional dimension to your presentation.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Make This Without Leftover Stuffing?
Absolutely. Replace stuffing with cubed bread, dinner rolls, or even tortilla chips. The board is completely customizable to whatever leftovers you have available.
What If I Don’t Have All These Specific Ingredients?
This recipe is a template, not a rule book. Use any leftovers, cheeses, fruits, or nuts you have. The only requirement is variety in flavors and textures.
How Many People Does This Serve?
A standard board serves 4-6 as a light meal or 8-10 as an appetizer. For larger groups, simply increase quantities or create multiple smaller boards.
Can I Use Deli Turkey Instead of Leftovers?
Yes, deli turkey works perfectly. Choose a high-quality roasted turkey for best flavor. You can even buy pre-made stuffing from the deli counter.
What’s The Best Board or Platter To Use?
Any large flat surface works. Wooden cutting boards, slate tiles, or large platters all create beautiful presentations. Even a clean baking sheet covered with parchment paper works.
Should I Warm The Turkey First?
That’s entirely your preference. Many people enjoy cold turkey on boards, but gently warmed turkey is equally delicious. If warming, do so just before assembling.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the meats across the board so they’re not all clumped in one spot. Add stuffing next, either in a small bowl or shaped into a neat pile on the board.
- Place any dips, sauces, or cranberry relish in small containers and space them apart to keep the board balanced and easy to grab from.
- Add cheeses and crackers, filling in some of the open areas while still leaving a few empty spots for visual breathing room.
- Tuck in fresh fruits and vegetables like sliced apples, grapes, or carrot sticks wherever there’s space.
- Finish with small items like nuts, dried fruit, or a bit of chocolate to fill in any remaining gaps and bring the whole board together.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
