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A delicious arrangement of Cheese And Crackers is displayed as the featured image for the article.

CHEESE AND CRACKERS ULTIMATE BOARD

Create a stunning and delicious cheese and crackers board that will impress your guests. This guide provides a curated selection of cheeses, crackers, fruits, meats, nuts, and spreads, with tips for arranging and pairing flavors for the ultimate appetizer experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Sharp Cheddar cheese, block
  • 4 oz Brie cheese, wheel
  • 6 oz Gouda cheese, wedge
  • 4 oz Goat Cheese, log optional
  • 4 oz Blue Cheese, wedge optional
  • Assorted Crackers, variety pack water crackers, sesame crackers, multigrain crackers
  • 1 Baguette, sliced
  • Breadsticks, handful
  • 1 cup Grapes, red and/or green
  • 1/2 cup Strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries
  • 1/4 cup Dried Apricots
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cucumber, sliced
  • 4 oz Prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz Salami, assorted types Genoa, Soppressata
  • 4 oz Fig Jam, jar
  • Honey, small jar or drizzle bottle
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Almonds
  • 1/4 cup Pecans
  • 1/2 cup Assorted Olives Kalamata, green
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

Equipment

  • Large wooden board, platter, or slate surface
  • Small bowls
  • Small spoons or knives
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Lemon juicer (optional)
  • Toaster (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cut the cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese (if using) into cubes, wedges, or slices.
  2. Let the brie and goat cheese (if using) sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Wash and dry all fruits. Slice apples and pears thinly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Arrange berries in small bowls.
  5. If your prosciutto or salami are in large pieces, slice them into smaller, bite-sized portions. Fold or roll them for a more visually appealing presentation.
  6. Arrange your crackers and baguette slices in separate piles or small bowls. Toast baguette slices lightly if desired.
  7. Select a large wooden board, platter, or slate surface.
  8. Start by placing your cheeses strategically around the board. Space them out evenly to create visual balance.
  9. Consider placing the softer cheeses (brie, goat cheese) near the edge to prevent them from spreading too much.
  10. Arrange the prosciutto and salami around the cheeses, creating small mounds or ribbons. Vary the textures and shapes for a more dynamic look.
  11. Position the crackers and baguette slices around the board, filling in the larger gaps between the cheeses and meats. Place different types of crackers near cheeses that complement them well.
  12. Add the grapes, apples, pears, berries, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices in clusters or lines to bring color and freshness to the board. Fill in any remaining gaps with these elements.
  13. Place small bowls of fig jam, honey, and mustard strategically around the board. Provide small spoons or knives for serving.
  14. Sprinkle walnuts, almonds, pecans, and olives around the board to add texture and flavor. Scatter them loosely to create a natural look.
  15. Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic and visually appealing touch. You can also use other herbs like thyme or sage.

Notes

Experiment with different cheeses, crackers, fruits, meats, and spreads to create your own unique cheese and crackers board. Consider dietary restrictions and allergies when selecting ingredients. Allow cheeses to come to room temperature for optimal flavor. Pair cheeses with complementary crackers, fruits, and meats. For a seasonal twist, incorporate seasonal ingredients like cranberries in the fall or fresh peaches in the summer.