Pin 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 was an instant hit at our last gathering and really impressed all guests with its creativity and abundance.
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.
Pin Creating this board has become a cherished family tradition bringing everyone together to enjoy not just the food but the fun preparation.
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
Pin This grazing board is sure to impress with both its presentation and flavor making your next event unforgettable.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the board to look like a horse?
Start by sketching the horse outline on parchment paper or use a template. Arrange cheeses to define the head and body, layering charcuterie and fruits for detail and curves.
- → Can I make this grazing board vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and replace with extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated tofu for added texture and flavor.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Use a variety like aged cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue cheese to offer diverse flavors and contrasting textures that suit the board’s visual design.
- → How should I serve the board to guests?
Provide cheese knives and small serving utensils for easy picking. Keep crackers and bread on the sides for guests to build their plates.
- → What pairings complement this grazing board?
Light red wines such as Pinot Noir or crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc pair nicely, balancing the rich cheeses and savory meats.
- → How long does preparation take?
It takes about 30 minutes to assemble the grazing board, including arranging all elements to resemble the horse shape.