Save A vibrant, seasonal grazing tray arranged in the shape of a maple leaf, featuring an assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, nuts, and crackers& perfect for autumn entertaining.
This grazing tray quickly became my go-to for fall gatherings because it looks stunning and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g goat cheese crumbled
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto folded 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey rolled
- Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple sliced 1 pear sliced ½ cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Extras: ½ cup maple-glazed pecans ½ cup walnuts ¼ cup honey ¼ cup fig jam
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced 200 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or tray outline the shape of a maple leaf using parchment paper or by arranging crackers and bread as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheeses evenly throughout the maple leaf shape.
- Step 3:
- Artfully fold and place charcuterie slices around the cheeses filling in gaps.
- Step 4:
- Fill in spaces with grapes apple and pear slices and dried cranberries for color contrast.
- Step 5:
- Scatter maple-glazed pecans and walnuts throughout the tray.
- Step 6:
- Place small bowls of honey and fig jam on the board.
- Step 7:
- Add crackers and baguette slices along the edges and within the shape to maintain the maple leaf outline.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers if desired.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately replenishing items as needed.
Save This tray has been a hit at every family party bringing everyone together around the colorful spread.
Notes
For a vegetarian version omit charcuterie and add marinated vegetables or more cheeses. Pairs beautifully with a dry Riesling or sparkling cider. Adjust ingredient quantities for smaller or larger gatherings.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray Small bowls for honey and jam Cheese knives Paring knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (pecans walnuts) Gluten (crackers bread) Some charcuterie may contain allergens like mustard check labels For nut-free or gluten-free needs substitute as appropriate and ensure all packaged items are labeled allergen-free.
Save This grazing tray combines simplicity with elegance making it the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep apple and pear slices from browning?
Toss apple and pear slices in lemon juice before arranging to prevent discoloration and maintain freshness.
- → Can I make this with vegetarian options?
Omit the charcuterie and add marinated vegetables or extra cheeses to keep variety and flavor balanced.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese provide a good mix of textures and flavors that complement the other ingredients.
- → How should I arrange the elements to form the maple leaf shape?
Use parchment paper or arrange crackers and bread slices as an outline guide, then fill in with cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and garnishes.
- → Which beverages pair well with this grazing tray?
A dry Riesling or sparkling cider beautifully balances the savory and sweet notes of the board.