Save A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board inspired by winter sleigh rides, featuring an array of artisan cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruits, and wintry accompaniments—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar, sliced, 150 g brie, cut into wedges, 120 g blue cheese, crumbled, 120 g gouda, cubed
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami, sliced, 80 g smoked ham, rolled
- Crackers & Breads: 1 baguette, sliced, 100 g assorted crackers, 60 g breadsticks
- Seasonal Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, halved, 1 cup green grapes, 2 pears, thinly sliced, 1 pomegranate, seeded, 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Accents & Garnishes: 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/3 cup olives (green and black mix), 1/4 cup cornichons, 1/4 cup whole grain mustard, Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Select a large wooden board or platter. Arrange cheeses evenly, spacing them for easy access.
- Step 2:
- Fan out cured meats around the cheeses, folding or rolling for presentation.
- Step 3:
- Place crackers, bread slices, and breadsticks in small clusters or baskets.
- Step 4:
- Distribute fresh and dried fruits, filling in gaps and balancing color across the board.
- Step 5:
- Add candied pecans, olives, and cornichons in small bowls or directly on the board.
- Step 6:
- Place a small bowl of whole grain mustard near the meats.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a wintry touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
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Save Kitchen Guide
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Aged cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and gouda offer a balanced mix of flavors and textures that complement seasonal fruits and meats.
- → How can I make vegetarian-friendly variations?
Replace cured meats with extra cheeses, nuts, or plant-based deli slices to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What fruits pair well with the savory components?
Red and green grapes, pears, pomegranate seeds, and dried apricots add sweetness and freshness to balance savory meats and cheeses.
- → Any tips for arranging the board attractively?
Distribute cheeses evenly with rolled or folded meats around them, place crackers and breads in small clusters, and fill gaps with fruits and nuts for color and texture balance.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this spread?
Sparkling wine, cider, or a robust red wine complement the array of flavors and enhance the festive atmosphere.
- → How far in advance can I prepare the board?
Assemble and cover the board, refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving to keep ingredients fresh.