Thanksgiving Leaf Fall Snack (Printable)

Autumn-inspired board with leaf-shaped cheeses, dried fruits, crackers, and nuts arranged in vibrant fall colors.

# 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)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Using small leaf-shaped cookie cutters, cut cheddar, gouda, and brie slices into assorted leaf shapes.
02 - Press the same cutters into large crackers, dried apricots, mango, and figs to create leaf shapes; set aside small scraps for garnish or snacking.
03 - Randomly spread the leaf-shaped cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits across a large wooden board or platter to simulate a cascade of fall leaves in warm tones.
04 - Fill gaps with pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fan the fresh apple and pear slices to add color and texture.
05 - Decorate with rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, it only takes forty minutes and requires zero cooking skills.
  • Your guests will actually gasp when they see it, and that moment is worth everything.
  • It gives you an excuse to use those charming leaf cutters you've been holding onto.
  • You can prep most of it the night before and just arrange it fresh on the day of.
02 -
  • Room temperature cheese is soft cheese that won't cut cleanly—this is non-negotiable. Keep everything chilled until the last moment, and your leaves will look magazine-worthy.
  • Not all crackers are thick enough for this. Thick, sturdy varieties work infinitely better than thin, delicate ones which will shatter when you press your cutters down.
  • The dried mango can stick to your cutters slightly. Keep your cutters clean and dry between cuts, wiping with a paper towel. This one small habit prevents frustration.
03 -
  • Invest in good quality leaf-shaped cookie cutters—they're inexpensive, last forever, and suddenly you can make this board multiple times throughout the season for different gatherings.
  • The secret nobody tells you: slightly chilled brie spreads beautifully but cuts cleanly, so you get the best of both worlds. Find that sweet spot by taking it out of the fridge five minutes before cutting.
  • If you're worried about fruit browning, toss apple and pear slices in a tiny bit of lemon juice just before arranging. It prevents oxidation and adds a subtle brightness.
Go back