Save A whimsical and impressive appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a horse featuring a variety of cheeses charcuterie fruits nuts and accompaniments perfect for parties or themed celebrations
I first created this grazing board to impress guests at a gathering and loved how it brought everyone together around the table
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g gouda cubed 100 g blue cheese crumbled
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple thinly sliced 1 pear thinly sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 1 cup cucumber sliced 1/2 cup baby carrots
- Crackers & Bread: 2 cups assorted crackers 1 baguette sliced
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/2 cup walnuts 1/4 cup olives (black or green) 1/4 cup cornichons or small pickles 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large clean board or tray sketch or outline the shape of a horse using parchment paper or use a horse-shaped template as a guide
- Step 2:
- Begin by arranging the cheeses to define the horses head mane and body varying colors and shapes for visual interest
- Step 3:
- Layer charcuterie slices to form contours and add texture such as the mane or legs
- Step 4:
- Fill in with fruits and vegetables using grape clusters and sliced apples for curves and accents
- Step 5:
- Place crackers and baguette slices along the border or as the horses ground
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts olives and pickles in small groupings to add detail and fill gaps
- Step 7:
- Use a small dish of honey or fig jam as an eye or to accent the board
- Step 8:
- Adjust and refine the arrangement for a clear horse shape ensuring even distribution of colors and textures
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately providing cheese knives and serving utensils
Save This board always sparks conversation and fun memories when shared with family and friends
Notes
For a vegetarian board omit charcuterie and add more cheeses roasted vegetables or marinated tofu
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray Paring knife Cheese knives Small bowls or ramekins Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy Tree Nuts Gluten (from bread crackers) possible Sulfites (in dried fruits cured meats) possible Egg (in some crackers)
Save Enjoy creating this unique and delicious centerpiece that will impress your guests every time
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Simply omit the charcuterie and add extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated tofu to maintain variety and texture.
- → What fruits work best on the board?
Red and green grapes, sliced apples, pears, and dried apricots offer vibrant colors and complement savory flavors.
- → How should I arrange the meats and cheeses?
Use cheeses to form key shapes like the horse’s head and body, layering charcuterie to add contours and texture within the mane and legs.
- → What nuts are recommended for this board?
Roasted almonds and walnuts provide crunch and earthy notes to balance softer elements like cheese and fruits.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best assembled shortly before serving to keep ingredients fresh and maintain crisp textures, especially for fruits and crackers.
- → What tools help shape the horse design?
Use parchment paper templates, cookie cutters, or small bowls to outline and arrange components precisely on the serving board.