Save A vibrant, seasonal grazing tray arranged in the shape of a maple leaf featuring an assortment of cheeses charcuterie fruits nuts and crackers perfect for autumn entertaining.
This grazing tray was a hit at our last fall gathering and made entertaining effortless.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g goat cheese crumbled
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto folded 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey rolled
- Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple sliced 1 pear sliced ½ cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Extras: ½ cup maple-glazed pecans ½ cup walnuts ¼ cup honey ¼ cup fig jam
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced 200 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Outline:
- On a large board or tray outline the shape of a maple leaf using parchment paper or by arranging crackers and bread as a guide.
- Arrange Cheeses:
- Arrange cheeses evenly throughout the maple leaf shape.
- Add Charcuterie:
- Artfully fold and place charcuterie slices around the cheeses filling in gaps.
- Add Fruits:
- Fill in spaces with grapes apple and pear slices and dried cranberries for color contrast.
- Add Nuts:
- Scatter maple-glazed pecans and walnuts throughout the tray.
- Add Bowls:
- Place small bowls of honey and fig jam on the board.
- Add Crackers:
- Add crackers and baguette slices along the edges and within the shape to maintain the maple leaf outline.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately replenishing items as needed.
Save This tray brings our family together especially during holiday parties and special fall occasions.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray Small bowls for honey and jam Cheese knives Paring knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (pecans walnuts) Gluten (crackers bread) Some charcuterie may contain allergens like mustard check labels For nut-free or gluten-free needs substitute as appropriate and ensure all packaged items are labeled allergen-free
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories ~320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 12 g
Save This grazing tray is a beautiful centerpiece and an easy way to impress guests.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I keep apple and pear slices from browning?
Toss the slices in lemon juice before arranging to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- → Can I omit the charcuterie for a vegetarian option?
Yes, simply leave out the charcuterie and add extra cheeses or marinated vegetables instead.
- → What types of cheeses work best for this tray?
Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese provide a balanced mix of textures and flavors ideal for this arrangement.
- → How should I arrange the tray to form a maple leaf shape?
Use parchment paper or crackers as an outline guide on a large board, then place ingredients within the shape for visual impact.
- → What beverages pair well with this assortment?
A dry Riesling or sparkling cider complements the flavors and enhances the autumn theme.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This tray contains milk, tree nuts, and gluten. Check charcuterie labels for additional allergens and substitute as needed.