Ghostly Halloween Charcuterie (Printable Version)

Dark cheeses and fruits arranged to form a ghostly silhouette create a festive and visually striking party centerpiece.

# What You Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz activated charcoal cheddar or black waxed cheese, cubed
02 - 5.3 oz aged gouda, sliced
03 - 5.3 oz brie, cut into wedges

→ Meats (optional)

04 - 3.5 oz soppressata, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded

→ Crackers & Breads

06 - 3.5 oz black sesame crackers
07 - 3.5 oz pumpernickel bread, sliced

→ Fruits

08 - 1 cup black grapes
09 - 1 cup blackberries
10 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved

→ Vegetables

11 - 1/2 cup black olives
12 - 1/2 cup purple carrots, sliced

→ Spreads & Dips

13 - 1/2 cup black olive tapenade
14 - 1/2 cup blackberry jam

→ Garnishes

15 - Sprigs of rosemary
16 - Edible flowers (dark or purple, optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - On a large, dark-colored board or platter, lightly trace the shape of a ghost or bat in the center using a small bowl or parchment paper stencil as a guide.
02 - Densely position meats, cheeses, crackers, breads, fruits, and vegetables around the outline, placing the darkest items such as charcoal cheese, black grapes, blackberries, and black olives closest to the silhouette edges to highlight the shape.
03 - Leave the inside area of the ghost or bat shape empty to reveal the board beneath, forming a clear silhouette.
04 - Place small bowls of black olive tapenade and blackberry jam at corners or as desired on the board.
05 - Fill any remaining gaps with additional fruits or nuts if used, and garnish with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for visual appeal.
06 - Present the board immediately to maintain the silhouette visibility before guests begin to sample.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like you spent hours planning, but takes just 30 minutes—the perfect secret to impress without stress
  • The ghostly silhouette creates an instant conversation starter; guests love hunting for the hidden shape while they snack
  • Naturally adaptable for any dietary need, so nobody feels left out of the Halloween fun
  • It celebrates the spooky season while celebrating delicious, quality ingredients—style and substance together
02 -
  • The board must be genuinely dark to make the silhouette visible—this is non-negotiable. A light board will make the shape disappear, no matter how perfectly you arrange the ingredients.
  • Arrange your dark ingredients first and outline the shape before adding anything else. It's much easier to build around a clear silhouette than to try to create one after everything is already placed.
  • Keep the negative space completely empty. Even one grape or olive in the ghost's body will ruin the effect. The silhouette lives in the emptiness.
03 -
  • Use a stencil cut from parchment paper to outline your ghost or bat shape—it creates a more precise silhouette than freehand drawing with a bowl
  • Arrange ingredients in vertical and horizontal lines rather than scattered randomly; it makes the board look more intentional and sophisticated
  • Chill all your ingredients before assembling, especially the cheeses and meats. Cold ingredients hold their shape better and stay fresher longer on the board
  • Keep a small, damp cloth nearby as you work to wipe your hands between arranging items; this prevents oils from building up and keeps the ingredients looking pristine
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