Nutcracker Suite Grazing Board (Printable Version)

Multi-tiered grazing board with vibrant cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, nuts, and sweets arranged by color.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz brie
02 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar
03 - 5.3 oz blue cheese
04 - 5.3 oz gouda
05 - 3.5 oz cranberry goat cheese

→ Charcuterie

06 - 3.5 oz prosciutto
07 - 3.5 oz salami
08 - 3.5 oz soppressata

→ Fruits

09 - 1 cup red grapes
10 - 1 cup green grapes
11 - 1 cup blueberries
12 - 1 cup strawberries
13 - 1 cup dried apricots
14 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Nuts & Accompaniments

15 - 1/2 cup marcona almonds
16 - 1/2 cup pistachios
17 - 1/2 cup candied pecans
18 - 1/2 cup mixed olives
19 - 1/2 cup assorted crackers
20 - 1/2 baguette, sliced

→ Sweets

21 - 5.3 oz white chocolate bark
22 - 5.3 oz dark chocolate
23 - 12 colorful macarons
24 - 12 petit fours

→ Garnishes

25 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
26 - Edible flowers

# Directions:

01 - Select a large, sturdy board or create multiple tiers using cake stands and platters to form a tall, layered display.
02 - Place crackers, baguette slices, and assorted nuts on the bottom tier as neutral foundation blocks.
03 - Designate distinct sections for cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and sweets by grouping items according to their color.
04 - Lay out cheeses prominently, slicing some into shapes or wedges to emphasize their color and texture.
05 - Fold or drape charcuterie attractively between cheese sections, maintaining clear color boundaries.
06 - Cluster fruits by color in remaining spaces, creating layered visual interest and vibrant contrast.
07 - Distribute nuts, olives, and sweets in complementary color groups to enhance abundance and variety.
08 - Decorate with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers to add festive accents.
09 - Present immediately, ensuring all tiers are stable and accessible for guests.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, it's just strategic arrangement and a little color theory
  • Nobody leaves hungry because there's something for every craving—from the cheese lover to the sweet tooth, everyone finds their moment
  • The multi-tiered approach means every guest can reach something delicious without crowding around one flat board, and that's secretly genius for hosting
  • You can adapt it to match any theme or dietary need without losing the magic
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—remove cheeses from the fridge 30 minutes before serving so they're creamy and delicious, not cold and dense
  • Color blocking isn't just pretty; it's functional because it helps guests navigate the board and understand what they're reaching for
  • Overripe or underripe fruit can ruin the whole vibe, so taste before you place and choose fruit at its peak
  • The height of your board makes a real difference in how impressive it feels; embrace the risers and stands without worry
03 -
  • Cut your cheeses 15 minutes before serving so the edges are fresh and they haven't dried out, but give them enough time to reach the right temperature
  • Arrange your board in daylight or good lighting; you're creating visual drama, so let yourself see it properly before guests do
  • If something feels off balance or empty, don't panic—a strategically placed rosemary sprig or a few extra berries can fix almost anything
  • Make this board your own; if you don't love blueberries, swap them for blackberries or pomegranate; if you want to add roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist, do it with the same confidence
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