Elegant Gilded Edge Cheese (Printable Version)

A stylish cheese and charcuterie display with fresh fruits and nuts arranged along an elegant board.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Choose an elegant, large round or oval board with a prominent rim.
02 - Position all cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, accompaniments, and crackers exclusively along the outer edge of the board, following its shape precisely.
03 - Leave the center of the board completely empty to emphasize the shape and create a dramatic visual impact.
04 - Arrange items by alternating colors and textures for visual interest, nestling components closely along the perimeter.
05 - Place small bowls or ramekins with jam, honey, and olives around the perimeter as part of the arrangement.
06 - Present immediately, providing cheese knives and tongs for guests.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning with minimal effort—your guests will think you spent hours, and you'll have a quiet smile knowing it took 25 minutes
  • Everything is served at room temperature, so you can prep it hours ahead and genuinely enjoy your own party
  • The empty center creates such a striking visual that people actually remember this board months later
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you think—cold cheese tastes muted, so let everything sit out long enough to come to room temperature before your guests arrive
  • Slice fruits just before assembling, and toss apple and pear in lemon juice or you'll spend the evening watching them brown, which is as sad as it sounds
  • The empty center is not empty space—it's an intentional design choice that makes this board memorable and sophisticated, so resist every urge to fill it
03 -
  • Slice all cheese and fruit close to serving time to keep everything fresh and beautiful—nothing deflates faster than oxidized apple slices or sweating cheese
  • Buy your cheeses and cured meats from a good specialty counter where the people actually know their products and can guide you to quality, because that's where the difference lies
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