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Lighter Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board with Fig Jam: Easy & Healthy

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A lighter, healthier charcuterie board perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers. Comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients and no cooking required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fig jam (preferably Dalmatia Fig Spread)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (e.g., Cabot Extra Sharp)
  • 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 4–6 fresh figs, halved (or dried figs if out of season)
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 2 pears (Bosc or Bartlett), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), toasted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
  • 1 box crackers (mix of water crackers and whole wheat crackers)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional: 4 oz brie cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • Optional: 2 oz dark chocolate, shaved

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and dry apples and pears. Core and slice into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Prep the cheese: Cut cheddar into thin slices or small cubes. If using brie, leave in a wedge shape. Let cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  3. Prep the prosciutto: Gently separate slices and roll into loose ribbons or fold into pleats.
  4. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  5. Arrange the board: Place small bowls of fig jam, honey, and nuts on the board first. Arrange cheese slices in clusters. Add prosciutto ribbons in small piles. Fan out apple and pear slices in curved lines. Scatter fresh figs (halved) and dried apricots if using. Fill gaps with crackers and toasted nuts. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
  6. Final drizzle: Lightly drizzle olive oil over figs and cheese. Add a tiny drizzle of honey over brie or cheddar.
  7. Serve immediately or within 2 hours. If prepping ahead, slice fruit and cheese, toast nuts, and store separately. Assemble just before guests arrive.

Notes

Let cheese come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor. Toss apple and pear slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Don’t overcrowd the board; leave space between items. Balance sweet and salty items to encourage flavor combinations. Prep in stages to avoid forgetting anything. Use a damp paper towel under the board to prevent sliding.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, Thanksgiving appetizer, fig jam, healthy appetizer, easy appetizer, no-cook appetizer

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/lighter-thanksgiving-charcuterie-board-with-fig-jam-easy-and-healthy/