Thanksgiving Leaf Fall Board (Printable)

Autumn leaves-shaped cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers arranged in warm fall colors for festive gatherings.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 5.3 oz gouda cheese
03 - 5.3 oz brie cheese

→ Crackers

04 - 7 oz whole wheat crackers
05 - 5.3 oz multigrain crackers

→ Dried Fruits

06 - 2.8 oz dried apricots
07 - 2.8 oz dried mango
08 - 2.1 oz dried cranberries
09 - 2.1 oz dried figs

→ Nuts

10 - 2.1 oz pecan halves
11 - 2.1 oz walnuts

→ Fresh Fruits & Garnishes

12 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
13 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
14 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

# Method:

01 - Using small leaf-shaped cookie cutters, cut slices of cheddar, gouda, and brie into assorted leaf shapes.
02 - Gently press the same cutters into large crackers and dried apricots, mango, and figs to achieve leaf shapes; reserve small scraps for snacking or garnish.
03 - Randomly arrange the leaf-shaped cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits across a large wooden board or platter, creating a scattered falling leaves effect in warm brown, red, and orange tones.
04 - Fill gaps with pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh fruit slices, fanning them to add texture and color.
05 - Garnish with rosemary sprigs for a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly elegant but takes just 40 minutes, so you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • Everyone eats with their eyes first, and the cascade of warm autumn colors creates this cozy feeling that screams homemade care
  • You get to sneak tastes while you're building it, and honestly, those cheese scraps are the best cook's reward
02 -
  • If your cheese gets too warm, it becomes impossible to cut cleanly. The freezer is your friend—15 minutes makes all the difference between beautiful leaves and crumbly disappointment
  • Don't assemble this more than two hours before serving. The fresh fruit and soft cheese will start to weep slightly, and the whole board will look less crisp. It's worth doing it closer to when people arrive
03 -
  • Slice your fresh fruit right before assembly and keep it covered with a damp paper towel in the fridge until the last moment—this prevents browning and keeps everything looking fresh and intentional
  • The real secret is in the arrangement: lean into imperfection and randomness. Boards that look too perfect look styled; boards that look organic and cascading look like love made edible
Return