PARTNER POST- Create the perfect fall cheese board spread with Castello’s selection of expertly crafted cheeses. Find inspiration here.
Whip up this easy autumn cheese board complete with pumpkin spiced pecans. It’s a perfect snack or centerpiece for Thanksgiving.
I am so (SO SO SO) excited to bring you my favorite thing evaaaa: cheese. On a board. With grapes and crackers and wine and stuff. 
Cheese boards are where it’s at. And not just for holiday parties. This is a staple. For dinner. In my house at all times. What could be better than throwing snacks on a plate and calling it fancy?
Let’s start with the base: the cheese. What cheese you pick will set the tone for the rest of the board. So what will it be? A blue cheese? Cheddar? Something dry? Or creamy? Or crumbly? Or served warm?
Havarti: I choose you.
The reason I love Havarti on a cheese board is because it’s often served with fruit or wine, and it’s easy to slice and melt. Here, I’m using Castello Aged Havarti and Castello Creamy Havarti, both of which worked great. The creamy Havarti has just a hint of tanginess – and the texture. Gah. My favorite. The aged Havarti is slightly “butterier” and goes well with jam and crackers.
Next, we’re adding more sweetness with the grapes and jam, saltiness with olives and a crunch with Lesley Stowe Raincoast crisp crackers and veggie flats. These come in a gazillion flavors (my favorite are the rosemary raisin pecan and cranberry/hazelnut) and are great on a cheese board because they don’t crumble easily! This board works with either red or white wine. I’m using Folie à Deux (pictured below – from Sonoma Country).
I wanted to add something holiday-ish, but also something that wasn’t going to be too tough to prep. Hence: pumpkin spiced pecans. I’ve been using this recipe for years and I love it. You’ve got your sugar. Your pumpkin pie spice. Vanilla extract. Whip up some egg whites. (Don’t skip that step!). Mix it all together and bake for an hour and just melt as your kitchen starts to smell like autumn.
All together, this is an easy cheese board that you and your people will love.
Looking for more great ideas for your cheeseboard? Check out the video below and follow this link for the written recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheese board 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving cheese board features creamy and aged Havarti cheeses paired with pumpkin spiced pecans, grapes, and crackers, making it a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stuffed olives
- Jam (for spreading on crackers)
- Grapes
- Castello Aged Havarti cheese
- Castello Creamy Havarti cheese
- Folie à Deux wine (from Sonoma County, California)
- Crackers (such as Lesley Stowe Raincoast crisps)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until foamy.
- Add 1 cup of pecans to the egg white mixture, stirring to coat the pecans evenly.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the pecans, stirring until the pecans are well coated.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans are dry and toasted.
- To assemble the cheese board, arrange the baked pumpkin spiced pecans, stuffed olives, grapes, and crackers around the Castello Aged Havarti and Creamy Havarti cheeses.
- Serve with jam for spreading on crackers and a glass of Folie à Deux wine.
Notes
For best results, use a mix of creamy and aged Havarti for a variety of textures and flavors. The pumpkin spiced pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Pair the cheese board with either red or white wine to complement the flavors. The Lesley Stowe Raincoast crisps are sturdy and flavorful, perfect for pairing with cheese and spreads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of grapes work best for the Thanksgiving cheese board?
You can use any variety of grapes, but I recommend sweet red or green grapes for a nice contrast with the cheese and other savory elements.
Can I substitute the Castello Aged Havarti with another cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with another semi-soft cheese like Gouda or Gruyère, but keep in mind the flavor profile may change.
How do I prepare the pumpkin spiced pecans for the cheese board?
To prepare the pumpkin spiced pecans, simply toss pecans in pumpkin spice seasoning and a bit of sugar, then roast them in the oven until fragrant and crunchy.
