Elegant Gilded Edge Board (Printer View)

Premium cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and nuts arranged along a board's rim for a striking centerpiece.

# Components:

→ 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 a drizzle of honey

→ Crackers & Bread

19 - 1 baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted
20 - 1 box assorted crackers

# Method:

01 - Choose a large round or oval wooden or marble board with a prominent rim to provide an elegant foundation.
02 - Place all cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, accompaniments, and crackers meticulously along the outer perimeter of the board, following its shape precisely.
03 - Keep the center area of the board completely empty to accentuate its shape and create a striking visual impact.
04 - Nestle assorted items closely, alternating colors and textures for a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
05 - Incorporate ramekins or small bowls along the edge to hold fig jam, honey, and olives.
06 - Present immediately with cheese knives and tongs for effortless serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on the table, turning a simple gathering into a celebration without needing to cook a thing.
  • The arrangement teaches you a design principle that works for everything—sometimes the empty space is what makes something beautiful.
  • You can prep it in just 25 minutes and still feel like you've created something restaurant-worthy.
02 -
  • The empty center is not a mistake—it's the design. Resist the urge to fill it. This restraint is what separates an elegant board from a crowded one.
  • Bring everything to room temperature before serving, especially the cheeses. Cold cheese is closed off; room temperature cheese is generous and welcoming.
  • Don't slice everything in advance. Apples and pears oxidize, cured meats dry out, and some cheeses can weep. Slice just before your guests arrive and within an hour of serving.
03 -
  • Use a pastry brush to gently remove any crumbs from the board after arranging. It keeps everything looking pristine and intentional.
  • Keep small serving utensils nearby—cheese knives for hard cheeses, small forks for fruit, and tongs for cured meats. This prevents hands from touching everything and keeps the board looking beautiful throughout the gathering.
  • If you're making this ahead, arrange everything except apples, pears, and any items prone to browning. Add these in the last 15 minutes before guests arrive.
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