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 tray has become a favorite at our autumn gatherings, always impressing guests with its unique shape and delicious components.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheeses evenly throughout the maple leaf shape.
- Step 3:
- Artfully fold and place charcuterie slices around the cheeses, filling in gaps.
- Step 4:
- Fill in spaces with grapes, apple and pear slices, and dried cranberries for color contrast.
- Step 5:
- Scatter maple-glazed pecans and walnuts throughout the tray.
- Step 6:
- Place small bowls of honey and fig jam on the board.
- Step 7:
- Add crackers and baguette slices along the edges and within the shape to maintain the maple leaf outline.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers, if desired.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, replenishing items as needed.
Pin it Our family looks forward to this tray every year as a colorful centerpiece for fall celebrations.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320 Total Fat: 17 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 12 g
Pin it Enjoy this delightful tray as a stunning and tasty addition to your autumn gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep apple and pear slices fresh?
Toss them in lemon juice before arranging to prevent browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
- → Can the tray accommodate vegetarian options?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add marinated vegetables or extra cheeses for a vegetarian-friendly spread.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese provide a mix of textures and flavors that complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- → How can I maintain the maple leaf shape?
Use parchment paper or arrange crackers and bread slices as an outline guide to shape the elements on the board.
- → What beverages pair well with this tray?
Dry Riesling or sparkling cider offer a refreshing balance to the rich cheeses and savory elements.
- → Are there allergen considerations to note?
This tray contains milk, tree nuts, and gluten. Substitute or check labels for allergen-free alternatives if needed.