Ingredients
Cheeses
- Brie (soft cheese, whole or sliced in wedges)
- Aged cheddar (semi-hard cheese, sliced)
- Gouda (aged cheese, sliced)
Fresh Fruits
- Crisp apples (washed, sliced just before serving)
- Juicy pears (washed, sliced just before serving)
- Seedless grapes (washed)
Dried Fruits
- Dried apricots
- Dried figs
- Dried cranberries
Nuts
- Toasted walnuts
- Toasted pecans
- Toasted almonds
Charcuterie
- Thin slices of prosciutto
- Thin slices of salami
Crackers and Bread
- Rustic baguette slices
- Crunchy crackers
Sweet Accents
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Fig jam (spoonful)
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes
- Sprigs of rosemary
- Sprigs of thyme
Instructions
- Select and Prepare Your Cheeses: Begin by choosing 3 to 5 cheeses with varying textures and flavors. Slice the semi-hard cheeses and leave soft cheeses like Brie whole or cut into wedges. Arrange them spaced out on your board to allow room for other ingredients.
- Add Fresh and Dried Fruits: Wash and slice fresh fruits such as apples and pears just before serving to prevent browning. Scatter grapes and dried fruits evenly around the cheeses to add bursts of sweetness across the board.
- Include Nuts and Charcuterie: Lightly toast nuts to bring out their flavor, then sprinkle or pile them neatly around your board. Fold or roll slices of charcuterie and place them in small stacks or loose piles for easy snacking.
- Add Crackers and Breads: Arrange crackers and sliced bread in groups, encouraging mixing and matching with cheeses. Providing a variety of bases keeps every bite interesting and customizable.
- Finish with Garnishes and Sweet Accents: Place small bowls of honey, fig jam, or mustard on the board, and tuck fresh herbs among the ingredients. This final touch adds aroma, color, and a depth of seasonal flavor.
Notes
- Let cheeses sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- Balance salty cheeses with sweet fruits or honey to create delightful contrasts.
- Use a large tray or wooden board for a spacious, creative arrangement.
- Mix creamy, crunchy, soft, and chewy components for textural variety in each bite.
- Label cheeses and special ingredients with tags or toothpicks for easy identification.
- Offer sparkling water or light wines like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc as complementary beverages.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required (toasting nuts optional in oven)
- Cuisine: American / Seasonal
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crackers and bread option)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of board
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fall cheese board, autumn appetizer, cheese platter, seasonal snack, cozy gathering food, charcuterie board