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Festive Holiday Snack Board

A colorful and inviting snack board featuring an assortment of cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fruits, arranged artfully on a large platter. The dish combines contrasting textures and flavors, from creamy cheeses and crunchy nuts to sweet dried fruits and fresh grapes, creating a playful and satisfying grazing experience. Its flexible design makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, with a vibrant visual appeal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large wooden serving platter preferably with character or a bit worn
  • 3 varieties cheeses soft brie, aged cheddar, smoky gouda
  • 1 box crackers whole grain or seeded
  • 1 cup roasted almonds toasted for flavor
  • 1 cup pecans roasted or toasted
  • 1/2 cup spiced walnuts coated in warming spices
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots plump and chewy
  • 1/2 cup dried figs rich and chewy
  • 1 bunch fresh grapes vibrant and firm
  • 2 pears sliced ripe but firm, sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup spicy honey for drizzling
  • 1 jar fig jam for spreading

Equipment

  • Large wooden board or platter
  • Small bowls or ramekins
  • Cheese knives and spreaders
  • Tweezers or tongs
  • Palette knife or spatula

Method
 

  1. Begin by placing your large wooden platter in the center of the table, giving it a rustic, inviting look.
  2. Arrange the cheeses in different corners of the platter, slicing the softer cheese like brie into wedges and leaving the harder cheeses in larger chunks for visual interest.
  3. Place small bowls or ramekins filled with spreads like fig jam and spicy honey near the cheeses for easy access.
  4. Layer crackers in stacks and arrange them around the cheeses, mixing shapes and sizes for visual appeal.
  5. Scatter roasted almonds, pecans, and spiced walnuts across the board, placing some in small bowls and others directly on the platter for varied height and texture.
  6. Add dried apricots and figs in small piles or nestled between other ingredients, ensuring they look inviting and colorful.
  7. Arrange fresh grapes and thinly sliced pears in loose bunches or overlapping groups to add freshness and vibrant color.
  8. Drizzle a little spicy honey over some nuts and dried fruits for a hint of sweetness and warmth.
  9. Add finishing touches like sprigs of fresh herbs, edible flowers, or thyme for a pop of color and fragrance.
  10. Ensure everything is arranged with some ingredients slightly overlapping and others spaced out to create a balanced, eye-catching display.
  11. Serve the snack board at room temperature, allowing the cheeses to soften slightly and flavors to meld, then enjoy the vibrant medley of textures and tastes with your guests.

Notes

For added visual interest, vary the heights of some ingredients using small bowls or stacking items. Keep moist items covered until serving to preserve freshness. Plumping dried fruits in warm water briefly can enhance their appearance.