Save A vibrant, autumn-inspired grazing board featuring an array of seasonal fruits, cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and accompaniments—perfect for festive gatherings and easy entertaining.
This board has become my go-to for fall celebrations because it looks stunning and everyone loves the mix of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar sliced, 150 g creamy brie wedges, 120 g blue cheese crumbled, 120 g smoked gouda sliced
- Cured Meats (optional): 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami sliced, 100 g smoked turkey thinly sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 bunch red grapes separated into small clusters, 1 bunch green grapes separated into small clusters, 2 apples cored and thinly sliced, 2 pears cored and thinly sliced, 1 pomegranate seeds removed, 1 cup dried apricots
- Nuts & Seeds: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
- Accompaniments: 1/2 cup fig jam, 1/2 cup honey, 1 cup assorted olives, 1/2 cup cornichons or gherkins, 1 French baguette sliced, 1 box assorted crackers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Select a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheeses in separate areas, cutting some into slices for easy access.
- Step 3:
- Fold or roll cured meats and nestle around cheeses.
- Step 4:
- Distribute fresh fruits in colorful clusters around the board, fanning out apple and pear slices for visual appeal.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and dried apricots in open spaces.
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts and pumpkin seeds for crunch and texture.
- Step 7:
- Place fig jam, honey, olives, and cornichons in small bowls or ramekins, and set them on the board.
- Step 8:
- Fill in gaps with sliced baguette and crackers.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with a few fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, if desired, for a festive touch.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately and encourage guests to build their own perfect bites.
Save This board always brings my family together for a lovely fall evening filled with laughter and storytelling.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with a light-bodied Pinot Noir, sparkling cider, or a crisp Chardonnay for the best experience.
Tips for Freshness
To prevent apple and pear slices from browning toss them in a little lemon juice before arranging.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls or ramekins, cheese knives, small tongs or forks.
Save This harvest board is the perfect centerpiece to start any celebration with style and ease.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses work best on this board?
Aged cheddar, creamy brie, blue cheese, and smoked gouda provide a balanced variety of flavors and textures.
- → Can this board be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and add marinated artichokes or roasted vegetables to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- → How can I prevent apple and pear slices from browning?
Toss the apple and pear slices in a little lemon juice before arranging to maintain their fresh appearance.
- → What nuts and seeds are recommended?
Roasted almonds, candied pecans, and roasted pumpkin seeds add crunch and complement the flavors well.
- → Are there suggested drink pairings?
Light-bodied Pinot Noir, sparkling cider, or a crisp Chardonnay pair beautifully with the board's tastes.
- → How should I arrange the components on the board?
Place cheeses in separate areas, fold cured meats nearby, fan out fruit slices, sprinkle seeds and nuts, and fill gaps with crackers and bread slices.