Ingredients
- 8 oz brie wheel
- 8 oz aged cheddar block
- 4 oz goat cheese log
- 4 oz salami, sliced
- 4 oz prosciutto
- 1 cup red grapes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mixed roasted nuts
- 1 box crackers plus 1 bag crostini
- 1/4 cup honey, in a small dish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- 1/4 cup pumpkin butter (optional)
Instructions
- Anchor the cheeses. Place the brie, cheddar, and goat cheese on the board first, spacing them into a triangle — these are your anchors.
- Fold the meats. Fold salami slices into quarters and ribbon the prosciutto into loose rosettes. Tuck them between the cheeses.
- Add small bowls. Set small dishes of honey, nuts, and pumpkin butter (if using) onto the board.
- Fan the fruit. Fan the apple and pear slices, pile the grapes in clusters, and scatter the dried cranberries.
- Fill the gaps. Tuck crackers and crostini into every remaining gap — a full board looks abundant. Tuck rosemary sprigs throughout for color and scent.
- Serve. Set out cheese knives and let guests graze. Replenish crackers and fruit as needed.
🍂 Board-building basics
Plan 3-4 ounces of cheese per person for an appetizer board. Set cheese out 30 minutes before serving — room-temperature cheese tastes dramatically better. Odd numbers look best: 3 cheeses, 2 meats, a mix of fresh and dried fruit. Keep a refill stash in the kitchen so the board stays abundant all evening.
Common questions
How much charcuterie per guest?
For an appetizer: 3-4 oz cheese and 2-3 oz meat per person. If the board is the meal, double it and add bread and spreads.
What are budget-friendly cheese picks?
Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese hit three textures at a good price. Buy store-brand and put the savings toward nice honey and nuts.
Can I assemble it ahead?
Assemble everything except crackers and fresh-cut fruit up to 4 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Add crackers, apple, and pear just before serving so nothing goes soggy or brown.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free crackers and crostini, and double-check salami and flavored nuts for hidden gluten. The rest is naturally GF.
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