Save A whimsical forest-inspired cheese board featuring owl-shaped crackers assorted cheeses fresh fruits and nuts a delightful centerpiece for gatherings or themed parties
Ingredients
- Owl Crackers: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter cold cubed 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for decoration) 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives (for owl eyes)
- Cheeses: 100 g (3.5 oz) Brie sliced 100 g (3.5 oz) aged Gouda sliced 100 g (3.5 oz) goat cheese crumbled 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 small bunch seedless grapes 1 small apple thinly sliced 1 small pear thinly sliced 1/2 cup (60 g) dried apricots 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts 1/2 cup (60 g) roasted almonds
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Owl Crackers:
- a. In a bowl whisk together flour salt pepper and thyme.
- b. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- c. Mix in cheddar cheese.
- d. Gradually add cold water mixing to form a soft dough.
- e. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
- f. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- g. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness Cut out owl shapes with a cookie cutter or by hand.
- h. Use sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes.
- i. Place the crackers on the baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden Cool completely.
- Arrange the Cheese Board:
- a. On a large wooden board or platter arrange cheese selections in varied sections.
- b. Place cooled owl crackers around and among the cheeses.
- c. Add fruit slices grapes apricots walnuts and almonds in small piles or clusters.
- d. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a forest look.
Save Notes
Create different animal-shaped crackers for variety.
Wine Pairing
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the cheeses.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) tree nuts (walnuts almonds). May contain traces of sesame. Double-check all packaged ingredients for allergens.
Save This whimsical owl cracker and cheese board makes a stunning centerpiece sure to impress guests at any gathering
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I shape the owl crackers?
Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and use an owl-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut by hand. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes before baking.
- → What cheeses complement this board?
A combination of Brie, aged Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese creates a balance of creamy, tangy, and rich flavors that pair well with the crackers and fruits.
- → Can I substitute nuts for allergies?
Yes, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds can replace nuts to maintain texture and flavor while accommodating allergies.
- → How should I arrange the board?
Arrange cheeses in sections on a large wooden board, surround with cooled owl crackers, and add clustered groups of fruit slices, grapes, apricots, nuts, and garnishes for a natural forest look.
- → What drinks pair well with this selection?
Light, crisp wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir complement the creamy cheeses and the flavorful crackers for a balanced tasting experience.
- → How long can the crackers be stored?
Store baked owl crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain crispness.