Save A whimsical and impressive appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a horse featuring a variety of cheeses charcuterie fruits nuts and accompaniments—perfect for parties or themed celebrations.
This grazing board is a fun way to impress guests with a creative presentation while offering a variety of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g gouda cubed 100 g blue cheese crumbled
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple thinly sliced 1 pear thinly sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 1 cup cucumber sliced 1/2 cup baby carrots
- Crackers & Bread: 2 cups assorted crackers 1 baguette sliced
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/2 cup walnuts 1/4 cup olives (black or green) 1/4 cup cornichons or small pickles 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large clean board or tray sketch or outline the shape of a horse using parchment paper or use a horse-shaped template as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Begin by arranging the cheeses to define the horses head mane and body varying colors and shapes for visual interest.
- Step 3:
- Layer charcuterie slices to form contours and add texture such as the mane or legs.
- Step 4:
- Fill in with fruits and vegetables using grape clusters and sliced apples for curves and accents.
- Step 5:
- Place crackers and baguette slices along the border or as the horses ground.
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts olives and pickles in small groupings to add detail and fill gaps.
- Step 7:
- Use a small dish of honey or fig jam as an eye or to accent the board.
- Step 8:
- Adjust and refine the arrangement for a clear horse shape ensuring even distribution of colors and textures.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately providing cheese knives and serving utensils.
Save This board always brings everyone together with smiles and compliments at parties.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray paring knife cheese knives small bowls or ramekins cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy Tree Nuts Gluten (from bread crackers) possible Sulfites (in dried fruits cured meats) possible Egg (in some crackers) For allergies or intolerances substitute as needed and always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 14 g per serving
Save This grazing board adds elegance and fun to any gathering with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How can I make a vegetarian-friendly grazing board?
Omit the charcuterie and add more cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated tofu to maintain variety and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for arranging the horse shape?
Use a mix of aged cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue cheese for varied colors and textures that define different parts of the shape.
- → How do I keep fruits fresh and appealing on the board?
Choose firm fruits like grapes, apples, and pears, slice them just before serving, and arrange to minimize exposure to air.
- → Can I prepare the grazing board in advance?
Yes, but arrange delicate items like crackers and fresh fruits shortly before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- → What beverages pair well with this grazing board?
Light reds such as Pinot Noir and crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc complement the assortment of cheeses, meats, and fruits beautifully.
- → What tools help shape and arrange the grazing board effectively?
Use a large serving board, parchment or a template to outline the shape, along with paring and cheese knives and small bowls for grouping items.