Save to Pinterest 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 was a centerpiece at our family gathering and everyone loved picking their favorites and trying new combinations.
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.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around this tray became a cherished family moment full of laughter and shared tastes.
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 For nut-free or gluten-free needs substitute as appropriate and ensure all packaged items are labeled allergen-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 12 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy customizing this vibrant grazing tray making every gathering uniquely delicious.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the maple leaf shape formed?
Arrange crackers and bread as a guide or use parchment paper to outline the maple leaf shape on a large serving board before adding ingredients.
- → What cheeses work best for this tray?
Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese provide variety of textures and flavors that complement the other ingredients well.
- → How can I make a vegetarian option?
Omit the charcuterie and substitute with marinated vegetables or additional cheeses to maintain flavor diversity.
- → How to prevent fruit slices from browning?
Toss apple and pear slices in lemon juice before arranging to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Dry Riesling or sparkling cider pair wonderfully, enhancing the tray's autumnal flavors.
- → Can allergens be managed in this tray?
Substitute nuts and gluten-containing crackers as needed and check labels to accommodate dietary restrictions.