Save A vibrant, seasonal cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers, artfully arranged with autumn leaves for a festive and elegant presentation.
This cheese platter is my go-to for autumn gatherings as it combines seasonal produce with an elegant presentation that always impresses our guests.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar sliced, 150 g brie wedge, 150 g blue cheese wedge, 120 g goat cheese log sliced, 120 g smoked gouda sliced
- Fruits: 1 ripe pear sliced, 1 small apple sliced, 1 bunch red grapes, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup raw pecans, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced, 150 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes: A handful of fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, Clean non-toxic autumn leaves for decoration (optional not for eating)
Instructions
- Arrange Cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses evenly across a large wooden board or platter, spacing them to allow for easy serving.
- Fan Fruits:
- Fan out the apple and pear slices around the cheeses.
- Cluster Grapes:
- Cluster the grapes in small bunches and scatter them across the board.
- Add Dried Fruits:
- Add dried apricots and cranberries in small piles near the cheeses.
- Distribute Nuts:
- Distribute pecans and walnuts in between the fruit and cheese groups.
- Place Baguette & Crackers:
- Place the sliced baguette and crackers around the edges of the board.
- Drizzle Honey:
- Drizzle honey over the goat cheese or serve it in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Add Herbs:
- Tuck in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for aroma and visual appeal.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with clean non-toxic autumn leaves for a festive touch (remind guests the leaves are decorative only).
- Serve:
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.
Save This platter has become a family favorite during the fall as it brings everyone together to enjoy the beautiful flavors and seasonal vibes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the cheese platter with a crisp white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir for an elevated experience.
Storage Tips
Prepare the platter components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Variations
Add cured meats such as prosciutto or salami for a non-vegetarian version or swap fruits depending on seasonal availability.
Save Enjoy this beautiful and easy-to-assemble platter that celebrates the flavors of autumn in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Aged cheddar, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese, and smoked gouda offer a balance of textures and flavors that create an interesting variety.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes. Use plant-based cheeses and omit honey for a vegan version, or add cured meats for a non-vegetarian option.
- → How should the platter be served?
Arrange all components on a large wooden board and serve immediately at room temperature to enhance flavors and textures.
- → What is the purpose of the autumn leaves?
The leaves serve as a decorative, non-edible garnish to evoke a seasonal, festive atmosphere.
- → What pairings complement this platter?
Light red wines like Pinot Noir or crisp white wines pair wonderfully with the varied flavors and textures present.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
Yes. This platter contains milk, gluten, and tree nuts. Check labels if allergies are a concern.