Thanksgiving Pie-Hack Charcuterie Board (sure to please all)

I have been having some intense cravings lately for pie. Not just one, but all the pies one associates with the Thanksgiving holiday. Only I don’t bake. So, while my 5 year old has been eating a TON of waffles lately, that got me thinking…this could be my chance to have them all without baking LOL.

Now there’s no substitute for a homemade pie, but this might be the next best thing.

Enter the work of Charcuterie boards. It’s a beautiful mess and there is something for everyone. For this board, I wanted to include the three most popular pies requested at Thanksgiving: apple, pumpkin and pecan. This is a great thing to set at the kids table, bring to a friendsgiving or even serve with a bucket of fried chicken the day after T-day and call it “brunch”! Not kidding. Doesn’t that sound good though??

Thanksgiving No-Bake Dessert Charcuterie Board

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

After brainstorming many “crust-like” vehicles for getting the pie filling in-ma-belly, I determined a homestyle waffle was the best base. It’s sturdy, crusty and can be cut in a pie-shape. Preparing it is as easy as popping it in a toaster!

I used gluten free but you certainly don’t have to. I also tested a few ready-made pie fillings, and these were the best quality, that tasted delicious. I added mascarpone because I’m bad like that.

Make sure you buy pumpkin “pie filling” and NOT “puree”. The filling already has the sugar and spices mixed in, so it’s ready to go.

You can heat your pie fillings, but second best will be to serve them room temp. If you are in a rush, this is perfectly fine!

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

The first thing I did was toss my pecans with a bit of maple syrup and pinch of salt. Stick them in the oven at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes. When you are about 6 minutes in, pop your waffles in alongside the pan to toast (you will need more than you can ever imagine).

Maple Roasted Pecan Recipe

Once your waffles are toasted, cut them into triangles to mimic a pie. You can use the leftovers to make croutons, process them for bread-crumbs or even serve them as dippers for the pumpkin pie filling at the kids table! If you are making your own home-made waffles (you are probably not reading this post), you will have more control of the shape and may be able to avoid any trimming.

No-bake Apple, Pecan and pumpkin pie

Find some small serving bowls or tea cups to fill with your pie filling. Add your waffles, a shot glass with maple syrup, whipped cream, mascarpone and any other toppings you want.

Thanksgiving dessert charcuterie board

My favorite was the mascarpone with maple roasted pecans. yummmm.

Easy Thanksgiving Dessert sure to please all

No-bake pecan pie

Apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream!

no bake apple pie

Pumpkin pie that hits the spot! If you want the pumpkin to have a thicker consistency, add some cornstarch water to it. I did nothing to mine but take it out of the can.

no bake pumpkin pie

Now you can have a taste of all three! It’s the perfect, small-bite dessert that doesn’t make you feel like an umpa-lumpa afterward.

Last minute thanksgiving dessert sure to please all

This was a hit with the adults, but our kids obviously couldn’t even wait for us to finish photographing it. They devoured it!!

Thanksgiving charcuterie board for the kids table

Recipe

Ingredients (the quantities are entirely up to how much you want to be able to serve):

  • Halved Pecans

  • Waffles

  • Maple syrup (about 1 TBL for a cup of pecans, plus more for serving)

  • Apple pie filling

  • Pumpkin pie filling

  • Mascarpone (this is italian cream cheese. If you can’t find it, you can sub whipped cream cheese sweetened with a little powdered sugar)

  • Whipped cream

  • Garnishes from your yard for filling in the gaps and making it pretty! Send the kids outside to gather them while you get things ready

Maple Roasted Pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread your pecans out on a sheet pan and drizzle with the maple syrup. Sprinkle salt and toss to coat. Put them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, keeping your eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.

If you want to go the extra mile, heat your pie fillings on the stovetop or microwave while your pecans are roasting.

Assemble your charcuterie board on a large cutting board or platter. Fill your ramekins with the pie fillings and add your toasted waffles. Don’t forget the whipped cream! Serve immediately and enjoy.

A note on transporting your board: If you are taking this to someone else event, transport your warmed fillings in thermos (or serve room temp). Bring your garnishes in a ziplock bag and decorate your board once you have arrived. Ask the host if you can borrow the oven or toaster for a minute to toast your waffles. These have to be warmed right before serving, otherwise they just get soggy! And no one wants a cold waffle!

Friendsgiving Food idea

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Holidaykatie thewlisthanksgiving, pie, charcuterie board, apple pie, pumpkin, pecan, dessert, friendsgivingComment