Description
This visually striking coffin charcuterie board is a fun, customizable centerpiece for Halloween parties, featuring a mix of savory meats, cheeses, fruits, sweets, and spooky garnishes. Quick to assemble and easy to adapt for dietary needs, it’s guaranteed to impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Coffin-shaped serving tray or large rectangular wooden board (lined with parchment cut into a coffin shape if needed)
- Salami slices (about 6 oz)
- Prosciutto (about 4 oz)
- Capicola or spicy cured meats (about 4 oz)
- Pepperoni rounds (about 6 oz)
- Brie or Camembert wheel (about 8 oz)
- Sharp cheddar, cubed or sliced (about 8 oz)
- Goat cheese log, rolled in black pepper or herbs (about 4 oz)
- Swiss or Gruyère, sliced (about 6 oz)
- Mini mozzarella balls (about 6 oz)
- Black sesame crackers or charcoal crackers (about 4 oz)
- Thin breadsticks (about 4 oz)
- Mini crostini or rye crisps (about 4 oz)
- Gluten-free crackers (optional, about 4 oz)
- Black grapes or Concord grapes (about 8 oz)
- Dried apricots or figs (about 4 oz)
- Fresh strawberries, halved (about 8 oz)
- Gummy worms or candy eyeballs (about 2 oz)
- Olives—black and green (about 6 oz)
- Roasted almonds or spicy nuts (about 4 oz)
- Honey or fig jam (about 2 oz)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Edible flowers or microgreens (optional)
Instructions
- Lay out your coffin-shaped tray or line a rectangular board with parchment cut into a coffin shape. Make sure your workspace is clean, and gather all your ingredients nearby for easy access.
- Slice cheddar and Swiss into thin strips or cubes. Cut the brie into wedges. Arrange salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni in loose folds or small stacks. Set aside mozzarella balls for ‘eyeballs.’ Keep cheeses cold until just before assembly for clean cuts.
- Outline the coffin shape with breadsticks or crackers, stacking them vertically or horizontally to create crisp edges.
- Alternate meats and cheeses in sections—think stripes or clusters. Place brie wedges in one corner, cheddar cubes in another, and fill gaps with prosciutto and salami. Fold meats into rosettes or ribbons for extra drama. Stack darker cheeses near the corners and lighter ones in the center for a spooky vibe.
- Scatter grapes, dried figs, and apricots throughout the board. Tuck in bowls of olives and nuts. Fill small ramekins with honey or fig jam and nestle them into the corners. Lay rosemary sprigs along the edges for ‘creepy greenery.’
- Decorate with gummy worms, candy eyeballs, or edible flowers. Place mozzarella balls with sliced olives on top to resemble eyeballs. Use accent pieces sparingly for visual impact.
- Give everything a gentle wipe with a clean towel if needed. Set out cheese knives and picks. Snap a photo and serve immediately. If prepping ahead, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 hours.
Notes
Customize the board for dietary needs by swapping meats for roasted veggies or plant-based options, and using gluten-free crackers. Assemble just before serving to keep crackers crisp and cheeses fresh. For extra flair, add edible flowers or seasonal fruits. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of board
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 17
Keywords: Halloween, charcuterie board, party appetizer, coffin board, spooky snacks, cheese board, meat and cheese platter, holiday entertaining, easy appetizer, Halloween party