Maple Glazed Cheese & Fruit Charcuterie Board

Looking for a show-stopping holiday starter that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? You’ve just found it. This Maple Glazed Cheese & Fruit Charcuterie Board is my absolute go-to for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas—you name it. It feels fancy, but honestly, it’s built on the simple principle of letting incredible ingredients shine. Think of it as a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of wonderful. Hearty enough to satisfy a crowd and so, so beautiful on the table.

Top Reasons To Make It

• It’s a total crowd-pleaser that looks incredibly impressive but is surprisingly simple to put together.
• The warm maple glaze ties all the sweet and savory elements together in the most unforgettable way.
• Perfect for making ahead, so you can actually enjoy your own party.
• It’s a fantastic centerpiece that encourages guests to mingle and graze.
• A wonderful way to highlight the best of the season’s flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese: Its creamy, mild flavor is the perfect canvas for our glaze.
• 1 (6 oz) log of goat cheese: Adds a lovely tangy contrast to the sweet fruit.
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: For that rich, authentic glaze base—none of the fake stuff!
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, savory depth to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish: Brings a little earthy, aromatic freshness.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just a pinch to make all the flavors pop.
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced: For a classic, crisp crunch.
• 1 large pear, thinly sliced: Offers a delicate, juicy sweetness.
• 1 cup red grapes: A burst of juicy flavor that’s always a hit.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For a chewy texture and tartness.
• 1/2 cup whole pecans: Adds a buttery, toasty crunch.
• Assorted crackers and sliced baguette: The essential vehicles for all that goodness.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let’s get it nice and toasty for that cheese.
2. Place the whole wheel of Brie on a small, lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, just until it’s soft and starting to melt at the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when you give it a gentle poke and it jiggles.
3. While the Brie is warming, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Warm it through for about 3-4 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly thickened. Set it aside.
4. Start building your board. Place the warm Brie and the log of goat cheese on a large wooden board or platter.
5. Arrange the apple and pear slices, grapes, dried cranberries, and pecans around the cheeses. Get creative and make it look abundant!
6. Drizzle that gorgeous warm maple glaze generously over the top of the Brie and goat cheese, letting some drip down the sides. So good.
7. Garnish with a few extra fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately with crackers and baguette slices for dipping and spreading.

Maple Glaze Preparation Tips

• Use the real stuff. Pure maple syrup makes all the difference in flavor compared to pancake syrup.
• Keep the heat low and gentle. You’re just warming the ingredients to combine them, not trying to create a hard candy syrup. Burning the syrup will make it bitter.
• Whisk constantly. This ensures the mustard fully incorporates and doesn’t clump.
• If your glaze thickens up too much while you’re assembling the board, just pop it back on the stove for 30 seconds with a teaspoon of water to loosen it up.
• Taste it! Honestly, if you love a stronger pepper kick, add another pinch. Make it yours.

Serving Suggestions For Your Board

This board is a star on its own, but it plays well with others! For a full spread of holiday appetizers, pair it with some savory stuffed mushrooms or a warm spinach and artichoke dip. It’s the perfect start to a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, letting guests snack while the main event finishes cooking. And don’t forget the drinks! A sparkling cider or cranberry spritzer complements the sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions

• Not a fan of goat cheese? A sharp white cheddar or creamy havarti would be delicious too.
• Nut-free? Swap the pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a similar crunch.
• Add more savory elements: Include some smoked turkey breast rolled up, or little bowls of mixed olives.
• For a different fruit twist: Fresh figs or sliced persimmons would be absolutely gorgeous when in season.
• Spice it up: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze adds a lovely warm kick.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can carefully store them. Wrap any remaining cheese portions tightly in plastic wrap and place cut fruit in a separate airtight container. Everything will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The baked Brie is best enjoyed warm, so to reheat, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals until just warm. The board itself is best served fresh, so I recommend assembling what you plan to eat right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make any part of this ahead of time for my Thanksgiving party? Absolutely! You can make the maple glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before using. You can also wash and slice your fruits and store them in airtight containers with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
• What are some other easy Thanksgiving appetizers ideas? This board pairs wonderfully with simple things like roasted nuts, a bowl of marinated olives, or even a store-bought pastry pinwheel that you just pop in the oven. Keep it simple and enjoy your company!
• My family has dairy allergies. What’s a good cheese substitute? Great question! There are some fantastic vegan brie and cream cheese-style spreads available now. Miyoko’s and Violife are two great brands that would work perfectly here with the maple glaze.