Elegant Gilded Edge Board (Printable View)

Premium cheeses, meats, and fresh fruits arranged elegantly on the board’s outer edge for stunning visual appeal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 4.2 oz triple-cream Brie, cut into slim wedges
02 - 4.2 oz aged Manchego, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled or sliced
04 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, formed into small rounds

→ Charcuterie

05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded into ribbons
06 - 4.2 oz thinly sliced salami
07 - 3.5 oz coppa or bresaola

→ Fresh Fruit

08 - 1 small bunch red grapes
09 - 1 small bunch green grapes
10 - 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
11 - 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
12 - 1 small handful dried apricots

→ Accompaniments

13 - 1/4 cup Marcona almonds
14 - 1/4 cup salted pistachios
15 - 1/4 cup Castelvetrano olives
16 - 1/4 cup cornichons
17 - 1/4 cup fig jam or quince paste
18 - Honeycomb or drizzle of honey

→ Crackers & Bread

19 - 1 baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted
20 - 1 box assorted crackers

# How To Make It:

01 - Select an elegant large round or oval board with a prominent rim.
02 - Arrange cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, accompaniments, and crackers exclusively along the outer edge, following the board’s shape carefully.
03 - Leave the entire center section empty to accentuate the board’s form and create a striking visual impact.
04 - Alternate colors and textures closely along the perimeter for an inviting and balanced display.
05 - Place small bowls or ramekins with jam, honey, and olives as part of the board’s perimeter.
06 - Present immediately with cheese knives and tongs for ease of serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes just 25 minutes—perfect for when you want to impress without stress.
  • The empty center creates an Instagram moment before anyone even picks up a cheese knife, because the board itself becomes part of the story.
  • You can prep everything in advance and assemble it minutes before guests arrive, leaving you calm and present at your own party.
  • The combination of textures and flavors means there's something for everyone, from adventurous cheese lovers to those who just want good prosciutto and crackers.
02 -
  • The empty center isn't just aesthetic—it's functional. It prevents the board from feeling crowded and gives guests visual landmarks for what they want to grab next.
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think. All these ingredients should be at room temperature or slightly cool, not cold from the fridge. Cold cheese tastes muted; room temperature cheese tastes alive. Pull everything out 30 minutes before serving if you can.
  • Don't prep the apple and pear more than an hour ahead. A light brush with lemon juice helps, but they'll still oxidize. That's actually fine and looks natural, but if you want them pristine, slice them last.
  • The arrangement is more forgiving than it looks. If something doesn't fit perfectly, it's not a failure—it's an opportunity to adjust and make it feel more organic.
03 -
  • Prep your ingredients earlier in the day—slice and store everything separately in containers. This means when it's time to assemble, you're just arranging, not cutting, and you stay calm and present.
  • If any ingredient is cut, toss the apple and pear slices with a tiny bit of lemon juice and store them separately until the last moment; it prevents browning and keeps everything looking pristine.
  • The secret to a board that looks effortless is actually planning. Sketch a rough placement plan on paper first, visualizing where colors will pop and where textures will create flow. Then trust your instincts as you arrange.
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