Nutcracker Suite Grazing Board (Print View)

Color-blocked tiered board with cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and sweets for a theatrical presentation.

# Components:

→ 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 - ½ cup marcona almonds
16 - ½ cup pistachios
17 - ½ cup candied pecans
18 - ½ cup mixed olives
19 - ½ cup assorted crackers
20 - ½ 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 assemble multiple tiers using cake stands, pedestals, and platters to create a layered effect.
02 - Place crackers, sliced baguette, and nuts on the base tier to form neutral color blocks.
03 - Group cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and sweets by color on each tier to enhance visual contrast.
04 - Arrange cheeses in blocks, cutting some into shapes or wedges to emphasize color variation.
05 - Drape or fold cured meats beside or between cheese sections, maintaining clear color boundaries.
06 - Cluster and layer fruits by color to create visual interest and drama.
07 - Add these elements in complementary color groups to convey abundance.
08 - Top the board with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive accent.
09 - Ensure each tier is stable and accessible before presenting to guests.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks so stunning that people think you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just 45 minutes to assemble
  • There's something for everyone—cheese lovers, fruit enthusiasts, chocolate devotees, and meat-eaters all find their moments of joy
  • The color-blocking makes it feel intentional and artistic, not just a random collection of food
  • You can prep most of it ahead and simply arrange it fresh when guests arrive, meaning you're not stressed in your kitchen while people are enjoying themselves
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you think. Remove cheeses from the fridge 30 minutes before assembling so they're not rock-hard, but not so long that softer cheeses like brie get sweaty and glossy.
  • The board is more stable if you build it on a non-slip surface or use a damp cloth underneath the board itself. There's nothing worse than something shifting when a guest reaches.
  • Color blocking only works if you actually commit to it. Don't scatter items randomly hoping for balance—trust the power of grouping. A solid block of blue cheese next to a clear cluster of blueberries is more striking than scattered pieces.
  • Save your garnish for last. Rosemary and flowers should go on just before serving so they look fresh, not wilted from sitting next to warm cheeses.
03 -
  • If you're serving this at a standing party, slice softer cheeses into individual bites ahead of time so people aren't wrestling with cheese knives while holding a drink
  • Keep the board in the coolest part of your serving space. A cheese board in direct sunlight is a tragedy waiting to happen
  • Chocolate can sit on the board longer than you'd think, but add it in the final 30 minutes if your room is warm
  • The petit fours and macarons can be pre-purchased from any decent bakery, so don't add that stress to your day
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