Save A whimsical and impressive appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a horse featuring a variety of cheeses charcuterie fruits nuts and accompaniments perfect for parties or themed celebrations.
This grazing board always wows guests with its creative presentation and delicious combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g gouda cubed 100 g blue cheese crumbled
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple thinly sliced 1 pear thinly sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 1 cup cucumber sliced 1/2 cup baby carrots
- Crackers & Bread: 2 cups assorted crackers 1 baguette sliced
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/2 cup walnuts 1/4 cup olives (black or green) 1/4 cup cornichons or small pickles 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large clean board or tray sketch or outline the shape of a horse using parchment paper or use a horse-shaped template as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Begin by arranging the cheeses to define the horses head mane and body varying colors and shapes for visual interest.
- Step 3:
- Layer charcuterie slices to form contours and add texture such as the mane or legs.
- Step 4:
- Fill in with fruits and vegetables using grape clusters and sliced apples for curves and accents.
- Step 5:
- Place crackers and baguette slices along the border or as the horses ground.
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts olives and pickles in small groupings to add detail and fill gaps.
- Step 7:
- Use a small dish of honey or fig jam as an eye or to accent the board.
- Step 8:
- Adjust and refine the arrangement for a clear horse shape ensuring even distribution of colors and textures.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately providing cheese knives and serving utensils.
Save This board is always a hit when shared with family especially during celebrations and gatherings.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray Paring knife Cheese knives Small bowls or ramekins Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy Tree Nuts Gluten (from bread crackers) possible Sulfites (in dried fruits cured meats) possible Egg (in some crackers)
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 14 g
Save This horse-shaped grazing board is a show stopper and offers endless customization options.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the grazing board like a horse?
Start by outlining the horse shape on your board using parchment paper or a template. Arrange cheeses and charcuterie to form the head and body, then add fruits and vegetables for details like the mane and legs.
- → Can this board be made vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and increase the variety of cheeses, roasted vegetables, or add marinated tofu as alternative protein sources.
- → What are some good pairings for this platter?
The board pairs well with light red wines like Pinot Noir or crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the diverse flavors.
- → How should I arrange the nuts and extras?
Scatter nuts, olives, and pickles in small clusters around the board to fill gaps and add texture contrast, integrating them naturally into the horse shape.
- → What tools can help with the assembly?
Using a paring knife, cheese knives, and small bowls for organizing ingredients makes shaping and layering easier and more precise.
- → How long does it take to prepare this platter?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, with no cooking required, making it quick to assemble before guests arrive.