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 horseshaped grazing board is always a hit at gatherings I enjoy how versatile it is with cheeses fruits and more
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 12 cup dried apricots
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 1 cup cucumber sliced 12 cup baby carrots
- Crackers & Bread: 2 cups assorted crackers 1 baguette sliced
- Nuts & Extras: 12 cup roasted almonds 12 cup walnuts 14 cup olives (black or green) 14 cup cornichons or small pickles 14 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 horseshaped 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 brings family and friends together sparking conversation and delight at every gathering
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 per serving
Save Enjoy crafting this unique horseshaped grazing board that will impress your guests and please every palate
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the board into a horse?
Use parchment paper or a template to sketch the horse shape on your board, then arrange ingredients to match the outline.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and increase the variety of cheeses and roasted vegetables for a satisfying alternative.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Aged cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue cheese provide a nice mix of textures and flavors that complement the other ingredients well.
- → How should I arrange the fruits and nuts?
Use clusters of grapes and sliced apples to create curves, and scatter nuts in smaller groups to fill empty spaces and add texture.
- → What beverages pair well with this platter?
Light reds like Pinot Noir or crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc complement the diverse flavors and textures nicely.
- → How long can the board sit before serving?
It's best served fresh but can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance and kept covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.