Elegant Gilded Edge Cheese (Printable)

Sophisticated assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and nuts artfully arranged on a large rimmed board.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Select an elegant, large round or oval board with a prominent rim.
02 - Arrange all cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, accompaniments, and crackers exclusively along the outer perimeter of the board, carefully following its shape.
03 - Leave the entire center section empty to highlight the board’s form and create a striking presentation.
04 - Alternate colors and textures for visual appeal, nestling items closely together along the edge.
05 - Place ramekins or small bowls for jam, honey, and olives as part of the perimeter.
06 - Serve immediately with cheese knives and tongs.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-quality but takes just 25 minutes—no cooking required, only thoughtful arrangement
  • The dramatic empty center creates a conversation piece that makes your table feel intentional and curated
  • You can tailor it to your guests; vegetarian friends? Swap the charcuterie for marinated artichokes and roasted peppers
02 -
  • The center stays empty—this is not a suggestion, it's the entire design philosophy. That blank marble or wood is what makes people stop and appreciate the board as an object, not just a collection of food
  • Room temperature changes everything. Cold cheese tastes muted and dense; cheese at room temperature opens up, becomes luxurious. Pull your board from the fridge 15 minutes before serving if you can
  • Slice your apples and pears last. They brown quickly, and browning isn't elegant. A tiny squeeze of lemon keeps them pristine for at least 30 minutes
03 -
  • Invest in a quality wooden or marble board with a distinctive rim—this board is the foundation of your presentation, and it should feel like an investment in elegance
  • Arrange everything on a cool board. If it's warm from sitting out, your cheeses will start to sweat and lose their composure. A chilled board keeps everything looking fresh for longer
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