Nutcracker Suite Grazing Board (Printable)

Layered board with colorful cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and sweets for a vibrant, festive spread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses (color-themed blocks)

01 - 5.3 oz brie (white block)
02 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar (yellow block)
03 - 5.3 oz blue cheese (blue block)
04 - 5.3 oz gouda (orange block)
05 - 3.5 oz cranberry goat cheese (red/pink block)

→ Charcuterie

06 - 3.5 oz prosciutto (pink/rose block)
07 - 3.5 oz salami (red block)
08 - 3.5 oz soppressata (deep red block)

→ Fruits

09 - 1 cup red grapes (red block)
10 - 1 cup green grapes (green block)
11 - 1 cup blueberries (blue block)
12 - 1 cup strawberries (red block)
13 - 1 cup dried apricots (orange block)
14 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds (ruby block)

→ Nuts & Accompaniments

15 - ½ cup marcona almonds (white block)
16 - ½ cup pistachios (green block)
17 - ½ cup candied pecans (brown block)
18 - ½ cup mixed olives (green/black block)
19 - ½ cup assorted crackers (neutral block)
20 - ½ baguette, sliced (neutral block)

→ Sweets

21 - 5.3 oz white chocolate bark (white block)
22 - 5.3 oz dark chocolate (black block)
23 - 12 colorful macarons (various colors)
24 - 12 petit fours (pastel block)

→ Garnishes

25 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (green accents)
26 - Edible flowers (for color pops)

# Directions:

01 - Select a large, sturdy board or build multiple tiers using cake stands, pedestals, and platters to create a visually dynamic multi-level display.
02 - Place crackers, sliced baguette, and nuts on the bottom tier to form the neutral foundation of the presentation.
03 - Group cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and sweets by their designated colors on each tier, forming distinct color-block sections.
04 - Cut some cheeses into shapes or wedges to accentuate color contrasts and position them as focal points in their respective blocks.
05 - Drape or fold sliced meats attractively alongside or between cheese sections, maintaining clear separation of color blocks.
06 - Cluster and layer fruits by color within blocks to add visual interest and freshness.
07 - Enhance abundance by scattering nuts, olives, and sweets in color-coordinated sections complementing the existing blocks.
08 - Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers to add festive flair and vibrant accents.
09 - Ensure each tier is stable and accessible before serving to guests immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's an edible work of art that gets people talking and photographing before anyone even eats—that's the real win
  • Serves so many people without a single thing cooked, meaning you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being tied to the kitchen
  • Every guest finds something they love, from the cheese lover to the chocolate devotee to the one person who only eats fruit
  • It looks impossibly impressive but comes together in 45 minutes if you're organized about it
02 -
  • The biggest mistake I made the first time was arranging everything too far in advance. Do the boring stuff (nuts, crackers) 30 minutes ahead, but add your berries, pomegranate seeds, and any delicate items in the last 10 minutes so they stay fresh and glossy looking.
  • Cheese temperature matters more than most people think. Bring everything out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving—cold cheese is hard to cut and flavorless. Room temperature cheese is soft, yielding, and actually tastes like something.
  • If you're going to layer this on different height levels, test your stability first. A cake stand with a platter on top needs to be genuinely secure or you'll be anxious the whole time someone's reaching for cheese.
  • Color blocks are your secret weapon, but they only work if you commit to them completely. Don't let a stray blue blueberry end up in the red section—it sounds obsessive, but it's actually what makes the whole thing read as intentional rather than haphazard.
03 -
  • If you're making this for a crowd that doesn't know cheese well, add tiny labels with the names and origins of the unusual cheeses. It transforms the board from beautiful to educational, and people will actually engage with the flavors more intentionally.
  • The candied pecans are the sleeper hit that people come back for. They bridge the savory and sweet in a way that nothing else on the board does. If you make your own, add just a pinch of cayenne—it creates this electric moment of surprise.
  • Arrange your board at least an hour before guests arrive so you can actually enjoy the moment. The board is the party's opening scene; you want to be present for it, not frantically adjusting cheese while people arrive.
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