Create a spooky yet stunning Halloween Charcuterie Board with a skeleton centerpiece.
Learn how to stuff meats into the cavity of the skeleton, style pancetta ribs, and add eerie touches like pomegranate “blood.”
How To Make a Halloween Skeleton Charcuterie Board
Halloween is the one time of year when creepy meets classy — and we’re absolutely here for it.
If you’re looking to create a show-stopping Halloween charcuterie board that is spooky and snack-worthy, then you have to make this wickedly fun Halloween Charcuterie Board!
To build this board, start with a small white skeleton prop — you can find them at craft or party stores (or online).
Lay your skeleton on a large wooden board or dark serving tray to really make the Halloween colors pop.
I used a white marble rectangular board because I wanted to create a smaller board to serve about 5-7 people.
But you can scale this idea up or down.
Creating the Skeleton Centepiece on the Board
Stuff the skeleton cavity with your choice of sliced meats. I used Old World Pepperoni, Summer Sausage, and Pepper-Coated Dry Salami, tucking the folded slices and rolls into the rib cage, arms, and legs.
For a realistic (and slightly sinister) touch, I filled the rib cage with pancetta, giving it that “flesh and bone” illusion while making it delicious.
Then, for a dramatic flair, I added pomegranate seeds spilling from the mouth, giving that perfect creepy-chic effect without crossing into gross.
Trust me, it’s spooky sophistication.
Building the Halloween Charcuterie Board Around the Skeleton
This board will serve 4-6 people.
Once your skeleton centerpiece is set, fill in the rest of the board with a mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures.
Here’s what I used on my Halloween board:
- Apizza Gouda Cheese (Trader Joe’s)
- White Stilton with Apple/Pear
- Manchego Cheese (pair this with a fig, so good!)
- Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
- Black Figs
- Apriums
- Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, and Red Grapes
- Fig Jam, Sour Cherry Jam, and Blackberry Lavender Jam
- Pita Bite Crackers
- Ghosts + Bats Crispy Potato Snacks (Trader Joe’s)
The contrast of rich reds, deep purples, and pale cheeses makes this board visually stunning — a mix of eerie elegance and edible art.
Why You Should Make This:
- Great for a Halloween Dinner Party | recipes to pair with this: Butternut Squash Bat Soup, Halloween Pasta Salad Recipe
- Ideal Snack for a Halloween Outdoor Movie Night
- The perfect vibe for a Halloween Adult Party
- Insta-Worthy
How To Assemble It
- Start with your skeleton. Lay it in the center or slightly to one side, depending on your board size.
- Stuff the cavity with meat. Fold and layer different textures for depth and interest.
- Add color with fruit. Blackberries, figs, and pomegranate seeds help bring the moody fall vibe.
- Add the cheeses next. Mix shapes and colors —cubed, sliced, or crumbled for visual variety.
- Tuck in your crackers and snacks. Use the Ghost + Bat crisps for a fun Halloween touch.
- Finish with jams and spreads. Spoon a few into mini bowls or drizzle them onto the board for a touch of sweet chaos.
Additional Tips:
- Contrast is key. Think deep reds, dark purples, and pale cheeses against a dark background.
- Don’t overfill the skeleton. Keep it artful, not scary-movie-prop level.
- Use natural lighting (or candlelight) when serving. It adds drama without trying too hard.
Once everything’s arranged, step back and admire your masterpiece. It’s creepy. It’s delicious.
It’s everything a Halloween charcuterie board should be —the perfect mix of fright and flavor.
I picked up most of the items on this board at Trader Joe’s!
You should be able to find the same items at your local Trader Joe’s. Or you can also shop at your local grocery store to find similar items.
The goal is to create a moody board, so stick with reds, purples, and other darker colors!
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