Pin 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 grazing tray has been a hit at every fall gathering I have hosted families love the colorful presentation and variety of flavors.
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.
Pin This tray always brings everyone together sharing stories and laughter over delicious food.
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 about 320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 12 g per serving
Pin This maple leaf grazing tray offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures perfect for any fall gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I keep the apple and pear slices from browning?
Toss slices lightly in lemon juice before arranging to preserve their fresh appearance and prevent oxidation.
- → What vegetarian alternatives work well on this tray?
Omit charcuterie and add marinated vegetables, extra cheeses, or nuts to maintain variety and texture.
- → Which beverages pair best with this tray?
A dry Riesling or sparkling cider complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
- → How should I arrange the tray to create the maple leaf shape?
Use parchment paper or crackers and bread slices to outline a maple leaf as a guide before placing ingredients.
- → Can this tray be prepared in advance?
Most ingredients can be prepped ahead, but assemble fresh close to serving to maintain optimal texture and appearance.