Elegant Gilded Edge Cheese Board (Print View)

Sophisticated assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and accompaniments arranged elegantly.

# 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 - Choose an elegant, large round or oval board with a prominent rim.
02 - Place all cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, accompaniments, and crackers exclusively along the board's outer perimeter, following its shape precisely.
03 - Keep the entire center section empty to showcase the board's form and create visual impact.
04 - Nestle items closely together along the edge, arranging contrasting colors and textures for appealing presentation.
05 - Add ramekins or small bowls for fig jam, honey, and olives along the perimeter.
06 - Present immediately with cheese knives and tongs for convenient serving.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours when it actually takes just 25 minutes—the kind of effortless elegance that makes you feel like a culinary artist
  • The dramatic empty center becomes the secret star of your table, creating conversation about the thoughtful design itself
  • It accommodates every preference at once, from the cheese lover to the charcuterie devotee, without feeling scattered or chaotic
02 -
  • Never work with cold cheeses directly from the refrigerator. They'll be stubborn to slice and will taste muted and rubbery. Pull everything out 20-30 minutes before arranging, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
  • The empty center is not a mistake or a space to fill—it's the design. This is what separates an elegant board from a cluttered one. Resist the urge to add 'just one more thing' to the middle. The restraint is the sophistication.
03 -
  • Chill your board in the freezer for 10 minutes before arranging if you're working in a warm kitchen. A cool surface keeps cheeses firm and everything arranged exactly where you placed it
  • Use small tongs or a fork to position delicate items like prosciutto and thin-sliced fruits—your fingers warm the cheese and can leave marks on delicate surfaces
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