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Your New Favorite Fall Centerpiece: The Pumpkin Brie Charcuterie Board

Hey there, friend! Anna here. Is there anything better than the feeling of fall? The crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and that undeniable urge to gather your favorite people around a table overflowing with delicious, comforting food. If you’ve been searching for that one show-stopping dish to anchor your Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a casual Friday night in, you’ve absolutely found it.

Today, we’re ditching the stress and embracing the joy of creating a Fall Charcuterie Board centered around a truly magical Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Brie. This isn’t just a snack platter; it’s a conversation starter, a work of edible art, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. Imagine pulling this beauty out of the oven: golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around oozy, melted brie, shaped like a adorable pumpkin and garnished with a cinnamon stick stem. The “oohs” and “aahs” are basically guaranteed!

The best part? It’s so much easier to create than it looks. I’m a firm believer that entertaining should be fun for the host, too. With a few simple tricks and a little bit of assembly love, you’ll have a stunning centerpiece that looks like it came straight from a fancy gourmet market. So, let’s pour a mug of apple cider, put on our favorite apron, and cook up something absolutely amazing together.

A Pumpkin-Shaped Memory

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This recipe always takes me back to my very first “Friendsgiving” years ago. I was so nervous to host! I wanted everything to be perfect, but I was on a tight budget and even tighter counter space. I needed one thing that could be a main event, but wouldn’t keep me tied to the oven all night.

I remembered my grandma’s baked brie—always a hit—and I’d seen a photo of a pastry-wrapped cheese shaped like a pumpkin. With a healthy dose of “what’s the worst that could happen?” energy, I gave it a shot. I used kitchen twine from my junk drawer and a cinnamon stick from my morning oatmeal. When I brought it out, still warm and bubbling, the entire room went quiet for a second before erupting in cheers. It wasn’t just about the cheese (though, let’s be real, melted cheese is a universal language). It was about that feeling of creating something special, something that sparked joy and brought everyone together. That’s the magic I hope this board brings to your table.

Gathering Your Autumn Harvest: What You’ll Need

Think of this like a treasure hunt at your local market! The beauty of a charcuterie board is its flexibility. Use this list as your guide, but feel free to swap in what looks freshest or what you already have on hand.

For The Showstopping Pumpkin Brie:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: This is our magic canvas! Find it in the freezer aisle. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 40 minutes. It should be pliable but still cold.
• 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese: The star of the show! Don’t remove the rind—it’s edible and helps hold the melted cheese together. A double or triple cream brie will give you that epic, lava-like melt.
• 1 tablespoon fig or apricot jam (optional): A little secret pocket of sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. I highly recommend it!
• 1 egg (for egg wash): This is our golden-brown secret weapon! A quick brush of beaten egg gives the pastry that gorgeous, glossy, professional finish.
• 1 cinnamon stick: For the perfect, aromatic pumpkin stem. It makes the whole thing smell incredible.
• 1 fresh sage leaf: A tiny touch of green for that just-picked-from-the-patch look.
• Butcher’s twine: Essential for creating our pumpkin ridges. Make sure it’s 100% cotton so it’s oven-safe!

For The Bountiful Board:

• 2 red apples & 2 green apples, thinly sliced: I love using a mix for color and a slight flavor variation. A quick squeeze of lemon juice on them will prevent browning!
• 2 pears, sliced: They add a beautiful, delicate sweetness and a soft texture next to the crisp apples.
• ½ cup sugared cranberries: These are like little jewels! They add a pop of color, a sweet-tart crunch, and serious festive vibes.
• 6–8 dried figs, halved: Their jammy, honeyed flavor pairs incredibly well with the cheese and nuts.
• 1 French baguette, sliced and toasted: The sturdy, crunchy vehicle for all that melty brie. Toasting it beforehand prevents it from getting soggy.
• 1 cup seeded multigrain crisps & 1 cup fruit and nut crackers: Variety is key! Different textures and flavors keep every bite interesting.
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts: Sweet, crunchy, and savory all at once. They fill in the gaps and are absolutely irresistible.
• ½ cup fig jam or cranberry preserve: Served in a little bowl for dipping and spreading. It’s the flavor bridge that ties everything together.

Let’s Build Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create your masterpiece? Let’s do this! I’ll walk you through every step with my favorite chef hacks to ensure your success.

Part 1: Creating the Pumpkin Brie

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is non-negotiable for easy cleanup and preventing any cheesy leaks from sticking!
   Chef’s Hack: If your puff pastry is still a little cold, it’s actually easier to work with. If it gets too warm and sticky, just pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
2. Jam It (Optional but Awesome): If you’re using the jam, place your brie wheel on the counter. You can carefully slice the top rind off the brie and spread the jam directly on the cheese, or you can just place the jam on top of the whole wheel. I’m a “place it on top” gal—less fuss, same delicious result!
3. The Pastry Wrap: Unfold your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Place the brie wheel (jam-side up if you did that) right in the center. Gently bring the edges of the pastry up and over the brie, pleating and folding as you go to encase it completely. Don’t stress about making it perfect! The twine will hide any imperfections. Make sure the seam is on the bottom and everything is sealed.
4. Shape Your Pumpkin: This is the fun part! Take lengths of butcher’s twine and loosely tie them around the bundled pastry. You’re aiming for 6-8 equal sections to create the classic pumpkin ridge look. Don’t pull the twine too tight, or it will cut through the pastry as it bakes and puffs. You just want a gentle indentation.
   Chef’s Hack: Slide the twine under the bundle before you lift it onto the baking sheet. It’s much easier than trying to tie it on the sheet.
5. The Golden Glow: Whisk your egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the entire surface of the pastry. This is what gives you that beautiful, deep golden-brown, professional-looking finish!
6. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer your creation to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a glorious golden brown all over. Your kitchen will smell like a dream.
7. The Big Reveal: Let the baked brie cool on the sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. This is crucial—it allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t erupt like a volcano when you cut it. Once it’s cool enough to handle, carefully snip and remove the twine. The ridges will remain! Finally, gently press the cinnamon stick into the center top to make the stem and add the sage leaf for a touch of green.

Part 2: Assembling Your Autumn Board

1. Anchor the Center: Place your gorgeous pumpkin brie right in the middle of your board or large platter. This is your star!
2. Create Structure: Next, add your small bowls of fig jam or cranberry preserve. This creates height and visual interest.
3. Fan and Scatter: Now, start building outwards. Fan your sliced apples and pears in little groups around the board. Scatter your crackers and toasted baguette slices on opposite sides to create balance.
4. Fill in the Gaps: This is where the magic happens! Take your “sprinkles”—the sugared cranberries, candied nuts, and halved dried figs—and fill in any empty spaces. The goal is to have a lush, abundant board where you can’t see the surface underneath. It should look like a fall harvest explosion!
5. Final Touch: Step back, admire your work, and maybe add a few extra nuts or cranberries to any spots that look a little bare. You’ve done it!

How to Serve This Stunning Board

The serving is the easiest part! Place the board in the middle of the table with a small knife for spreading the brie and a few small spoons for the jams and preserves. Encourage everyone to dig in, to try a bit of everything on one cracker, and to create their own perfect bite. This board is meant to be interactive, social, and fun. The combination of the warm, gooey cheese with the cool, crisp fruit and the crunchy crackers is pure texture heaven.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations

The fun doesn’t stop here! This board is a fantastic template. Get creative and make it suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

• Savory Twist: Not a sweet-and-savory fan? Skip the jam inside the brie and instead top it with a tablespoon of pesto or tapenade before wrapping it in pastry.
• Different Cheese: Try this with a wheel of Camembert for a slightly more earthy flavor. A goat cheese log would also be delicious!
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use your favorite gluten-free puff pastry (many brands now make it!) and serve with gluten-free crackers and bread.
• Add Some Meat: For a more traditional charcuterie element, add folds of prosciutto, salami, or soppressata around the board.
• Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the candied nuts and use roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) instead for that crunch.

Anna’s Chef Notes & Kitchen Stories

Over the years, I’ve made this board more times than I can count, and it has evolved in the silliest ways. One year, I was so rushed I forgot to score the pastry with twine and just baked it as a round bundle. I panicked, then grabbed a food-safe marker and drew pumpkin faces on the apples. The kids at the party loved it even more! Another time, my cinnamon stick rolled off the counter and my dog claimed it as her prize. We used a small piece of a fresh rosemary sprig as the stem instead, and it was just as lovely and fragrant.

The moral of the story? Don’t let perfection be the enemy of deliciousness. Cooking is an adventure. If your pumpkin ridges aren’t perfectly even, who cares? If the cheese oozes out a little, call it “caramelized cheesy goodness” and wear it as a badge of honor. The goal is to have fun and create something delicious to share. That’s always a win in my book.

Your Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I make any parts of this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This is a great party trick. You can assemble the unbaked pumpkin brie (up to the egg wash step) up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic, and keep it in the fridge. Just add the egg wash right before baking. You can also slice all your fruits, toast your bread, and make your sugared cranberries the day before. Store fruits separately with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Assemble the full board just before your guests arrive so the crackers stay crisp and the brie is warm.

Q: My puff pastry ripped while I was wrapping the brie! What do I do?
A: No worries at all! Puff pastry is very forgiving. Just use a little piece of excess pastry to patch the hole, like you’re putting a sticker on it. The egg wash will help seal it and it will bake together beautifully. Remember, the twine will hide most sins!

Q: The cheese exploded out of the pastry while baking. Is it ruined?
A: Not at all! This just means you had an extra enthusiastic wheel of brie. First, let it cool for a few more minutes so it sets. Then, you can carefully use a spoon to scoop the escaped cheese right onto a cracker for your first taste test. It’s all delicious, even if it’s not perfectly contained.

Q: I can’t find butcher’s twine. What can I use instead?
A: Safety first! Only use 100% cotton kitchen twine that is food-safe and oven-safe. If you don’t have any, you can skip the twine altogether. Before baking, use a sharp knife to score shallow lines from the top to the bottom of your pastry bundle to mimic pumpkin ridges. It won’t be as defined, but it will still give the suggestion of the shape.

Nutritional Information*

*This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 10 servings). It is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate, as ingredients and portion sizes can vary.

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 16g
• Sodium: 290mg

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Assembly Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Yield: Serves 10

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this Pumpkin Brie Charcuterie Board is more than just a centerpiece—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple gathering into a memory, that makes your table glow just a little brighter, and that reminds us all why fall feels so special.

So whether you’re pulling it out on Thanksgiving, making it the star of a Friendsgiving spread, or simply treating yourself on a crisp October evening, know that you’re bringing a little joy, a little magic, and a whole lot of flavor to the table.

And remember—don’t stress if your pumpkin looks a little lopsided or if some cheese makes a break for it. The heart of this recipe is sharing good food with good people. And that, my friend, will always be the perfect centerpiece.