Ghostly Outline Halloween Board (Printable)

Dark and vibrant ingredients arranged in a ghostly silhouette create a striking Halloween centerpiece.

# What You 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 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved

→ Vegetables

11 - 1/2 cup black olives
12 - 1/2 cup purple carrots, sliced

→ Spreads & Dips

13 - 1/2 cup black olive tapenade
14 - 1/2 cup blackberry jam

→ Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - On a large dark-colored serving board or platter, lightly outline a ghost or bat shape in the center using a small bowl or parchment paper as a template.
02 - Densely arrange meats, cheeses, crackers, breads, fruits, and vegetables around the outline, placing the darkest items closest to the silhouette’s edge to enhance the shape.
03 - Leave the inside of the ghost or bat shape empty so the board surface shows through, forming a clear silhouette.
04 - Position small bowls of black olive tapenade and blackberry jam at the corners or desired locations on the board.
05 - Fill any gaps with extra fruits or nuts if used, then garnish with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for visual appeal.
06 - Present the board promptly to preserve the silhouette’s visibility before guests begin serving themselves.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks impossibly complicated but takes just 30 minutes—your guests will think you've been planning for weeks
  • The negative space trick transforms a regular board into genuine artwork; people can't help but photograph it before eating
  • You get to play with contrasts and colors in a way that feels creative without needing any special cooking skills
  • It's naturally vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for dietary restrictions without losing the visual impact
02 -
  • The silhouette only works if you truly leave the center empty—resist the urge to fill every gap. Restraint is what makes this special
  • Choose your dark board carefully. A light board won't read the same way; if you can't find one, drape dark fabric underneath to create the necessary contrast
  • Prep your cheeses and meats just before assembling so they look fresh and inviting, not dried out from sitting
  • Arrange your darkest ingredients first around the outline; this creates your visual anchor before you add everything else
03 -
  • Use a stencil cut from parchment paper underneath the board if you're nervous about keeping your outline clear—it guides your placement without being visible
  • Chill all your ingredients for 30 minutes before assembly so everything stays fresh-looking longer and easier to arrange
  • The moment before guests arrive is when this hits hardest—take a photo of the full silhouette before the chaos of eating begins, because it genuinely disappears quickly
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