Ghostly Outline Halloween Board (Printable Page)

Dark cheeses, fruits, and savory bites arranged for a striking Halloween centerpiece.

# What You'll 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 - 0.5 cup dried figs, halved

→ Vegetables

11 - 0.5 cup black olives
12 - 0.5 cup purple carrots, sliced

→ Spreads & Dips

13 - 0.5 cup black olive tapenade
14 - 0.5 cup blackberry jam

→ Garnishes

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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 place meats, cheeses, crackers, breads, fruits, and vegetables around the outline, positioning 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 interior of the ghost or bat shape empty, allowing the board surface to show through and form a distinct silhouette.
04 - Set small bowls of black olive tapenade and blackberry jam at the corners or preferred spots on the board.
05 - Fill any remaining spaces with extra fruits, optional nuts, and garnish with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for visual appeal.
06 - Present immediately to preserve the clear silhouette for guests before mixing and enjoying the flavors together.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking skills—just thoughtful arrangement and a little patience
  • The visual impact makes your guests feel like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it takes just 30 minutes
  • It works for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, so no one feels left out at your gathering
  • The dark-and-moody aesthetic is Instagram-worthy, but it tastes even better than it looks
02 -
  • The key to the silhouette is leaving that negative space completely empty—resist the urge to fill every inch. The contrast between the dark outline and the empty board beneath is what makes the ghost or bat actually readable to your eye.
  • Cut and arrange everything ahead of time, but wait to assemble the final board until just before serving. Cheeses will warm up and oils will seep if left out too long, and fruits like berries will start to weep, potentially ruining the visual clarity of your silhouette.
03 -
  • Chill your board in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving—cold cheese holds its shape better and the entire presentation looks crisper and more intentional
  • Use a stencil cut from parchment paper for your outline if you're nervous about the freehand approach; it removes the guesswork and guarantees a recognizable shape that will impress
  • Serve with a dark red wine or spiced cider, which echoes the board's color story and provides the perfect companion for savory and sweet bites alike
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