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.
I love creating this horse-shaped grazing board because it always impresses guests and makes gatherings memorable.
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 recipe brings my family together as we enjoy assembling and sharing this artistic platter at parties.
Notes
Use cookie cutters or small bowls to help define shapes if desired. Wine pairing suggestions include a light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc.
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). Substitute ingredients as needed for allergies.
Save This horse-shaped grazing board is sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering and delights all ages alike.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the horse shape on the board?
Start by outlining the horse shape on parchment paper or use a template. Place cheeses to form the head, mane, and body, then layer meats and fruits to build contours and details.
- → Can I make this grazing board vegetarian?
Yes, omit charcuterie and add extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated tofu to maintain variety and balance.
- → What fruits work best for this arrangement?
Halved grapes, thinly sliced apples and pears, and dried apricots add color, texture, and natural sweetness to the board.
- → How should nuts and extras be incorporated?
Scatter roasted almonds, walnuts, olives, and pickles in small clusters to fill gaps and add contrasting flavors and textures.
- → Any tips for serving this grazing board?
Provide cheese knives and serving utensils to encourage easy selection. Serve immediately after arranging to preserve freshness and appearance.
- → What drinks pair well with this platter?
Light reds like Pinot Noir or crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc complement the variety of flavors beautifully.