Halloween Candy Cheese Charcuterie Board Recipe
Halloween is honestly one of my favorite times to just mess around with food ideas.
This Halloween Candy Cheese Charcuterie Board recipe is a super easy and fun way to mix sweet and savory stuff for any party or family get-together.
Mixing colorful candy with cheeses and crackers is such a playful twist on the usual charcuterie board. It’s a little unexpected, but it totally works.
I love how fast it comes together, and there’s really something for everyone with both candy and cheese in the mix.
If you want a snack table centerpiece that’s eye-catching and actually tasty, this board is a solid pick.

Why I Love Them
I love making Halloween candy cheese charcuterie boards because, honestly, they’re ridiculously easy to throw together. I can change up the snacks to fit any group or party size, which is handy.
It’s just fun seeing all the wild colors and shapes on the board. My friends and family always end up picking their favorites and mixing things up.
Mixing sweet candies with savory cheese—I didn’t think I’d be into it, but it’s surprisingly good. Sharing this board gets everyone chatting and trying weird combos, like cheddar with caramel popcorn or peanut butter cups on crackers.
The board looks awesome on the table, too. Bright Halloween candy, colorful fruits, and those classic cheeses really pop and make the whole thing feel more festive.
I like that I can adjust the board for allergies or special diets. It just makes planning less of a headache.
Equipment
To make my Halloween Candy Cheese Charcuterie Board, I grab a big wooden board or a serving tray. Mine’s about 18 inches wide, which is plenty of space.
I also use a few small bowls or ramekins—usually three—for things like nuts or little candies. Keeps the tiny stuff from rolling around everywhere.
A set of cheese knives comes in handy, too. I use one for the soft cheese and another for the harder stuff. Toothpicks or small skewers make it easy for people to grab candy and fruit.
For cutting cheese or meats, I use a sharp kitchen knife. If I’m in the mood for something extra cute, I bust out my tiny Halloween cookie cutters. The pumpkin one is my favorite, no contest.
Here’s what I usually set out:
- 1 wooden board or tray (about 18 inches)
- 3 small bowls or ramekins
- 2 cheese knives
- Toothpicks or small skewers
- 1 kitchen knife
- Halloween cookie cutters (optional)
I keep a few paper towels nearby for cleanup. Trust me, it helps.
Ingredients
For my Halloween Candy Cheese Charcuterie Board, I like to mix sweet, salty, and savory stuff. Here’s what goes on my board, with the amounts I usually use:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cheddar cheese cubes | 1 cup |
Colby Jack cheese slices | 6 slices |
Brie cheese | 1 small wheel |
Mini pretzels | 1 cup |
Dark chocolate squares | 8 pieces |
Gummy worms | 1/2 cup |
Candy corn | 1/2 cup |
Green grapes | 1 cup |
Sliced apples | 1 cup |
Crackers | 20 pieces |
Salami slices | 12 slices |
Peanut butter cups | 6 pieces |
I usually put the cheeses right in the center so they’re easy to grab. For extra color, I scatter the candy—like candy corn and gummy worms—around the edges.
Adding green grapes and sliced apples gives the board some freshness and crunch. I use about a cup of each, but honestly, I eyeball it sometimes.
Pretzels and crackers add that salty crunch. If I have different types, I’ll mix them in for variety.
For a savory bite, I use sliced salami. Sometimes I’ll roll them up or fold them to make the board look a bit fancier, but no pressure.
Swap out any candies or cheeses for your favorites. Seriously, make it your own!
Instructions
First, I wash my hands and grab a clean, flat cutting board or a big plate. I usually put down some parchment paper—makes cleanup way easier.
I start by placing the cheeses in different spots on the board. I cut cheddar and gouda into bite-size pieces, and I slice mozzarella sticks in half for easy snacking.
Next, I add crackers all around the cheese. I try to fan them out a bit so it looks nice. Sometimes I’ll put round crackers on one side and squares on the other, just for fun.
Now comes the best part: the candy. I make little piles of candy corn, gummy worms, and wrapped chocolates in the open spaces. I try not to let the sweet stuff touch the cheese too much.
Sticky treats like caramel squares go in small bowls. That way they don’t stick to everything else. I also throw in a few toothpicks or mini forks for easy grabbing.
Last, I fill in any empty spots with nuts, pretzels, and apple slices. I try to keep apples away from the candy so they stay crisp.
I try to serve the board soon after making it, so the apples and cheese stay fresh. No one likes soggy apples.

Equipment
- 1 large wooden board or serving tray
- 2 cheese knives
- Toothpicks or small skewers
- 1 sharp kitchen knife
- Halloween-themed cookie cutters (optional)
- Paper towels (for cleanup)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
- 6 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 1 small wheel brie cheese
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 8 pieces dark chocolate squares
- 1/2 cup gummy worms
- 1/2 cup candy corn
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup sliced apples
- 20 pieces crackers
- 12 slices salami
- 6 pieces peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Wash your hands and prep a clean flat surface. Lay down parchment paper if desired for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the cheeses (cheddar cubes, Colby Jack slices, and brie) in different spots on the board.
- Add crackers and pretzels around the cheese, fanning them out for visual appeal.
- Scatter candies like candy corn and gummy worms into small piles around the board. Place sticky candies (like peanut butter cups or caramel squares) in bowls to avoid mess.
- Add green grapes and apple slices in open spaces, keeping fruit separate from sticky or melty candies.
- Fold or roll salami slices and tuck them into gaps for a savory element.
- Fill any remaining space with chocolate squares, using variety to keep the board colorful and festive.
- Add toothpicks or skewers for easy grabbing.
- Serve immediately or within an hour to keep cheese and fruit fresh.
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of certain cheeses or candies. When that happens, I just use whatever’s in my fridge or pantry.
Cheese Substitutes:
Original Cheese | Substitute Ideas |
---|---|
Cheddar | Colby Jack, Havarti |
Gouda | Smoked Mozzarella, Edam |
Brie | Camembert, Cream Cheese |
Blue Cheese | Gorgonzola, Feta |
If I’m out of crackers, pretzel sticks or pita chips work just fine. Both are great for cheese and dips.
For sweets, if there are no Reese’s, I’ll use any peanut butter cups. Jelly beans or gummy worms are easy swaps if I can’t find candy corn or those creepy eyeball gummies.
Adding fresh fruit is always a win. If grapes are missing, apple slices or strawberries do the trick.
If I want to make it vegan, I’ll use dairy-free cheese and dark chocolate. Nuts like almonds or cashews fit in perfectly, too.
Mixing and matching keeps the board fun and honestly, a lot less stressful.
What Can Go Wrong?
Sometimes, the cheese and candy flavors just don’t vibe together. I’ve had a few truly odd combos, usually when I went with super strong cheeses and those eye-wateringly sour candies.
The board can get crowded fast. If I pile on too many foods, it starts to look messy, or worse—stuff just tumbles off the edge.
I once totally forgot to check for allergies. Some candies and cheeses sneak in nuts or other common allergens, and honestly, it’s way too easy to miss if I’m not paying attention.
Texture can be a headache too. Some chewy candies love to stick to cheese or bread, which is just… not great. I steer clear of sticky caramel candies for that reason.
Here are some mistakes I’ve seen:
Mistake | What Happens |
---|---|
Mixing melty candies | They stick to everything |
Wet fruit near crackers | Crackers turn soggy |
Not enough variety | Board looks boring |
A couple times, I went overboard with food coloring or decorations. That stuff can stain the cheese or bread, and honestly, it ends up looking pretty unappetizing.
I’ve also run into food safety issues. Perishable cheeses really need to stay cold, and candy gets weirdly sticky if it’s too warm.