Pin I'll never forget the summer afternoon when my cousin pulled out a massive wooden board and started arranging cheeses, crackers, and vibrant blue and white accents into the shape of an anchor. It was such a simple idea, yet it completely transformed how I thought about serving food at parties. That moment sparked something in me—the realization that food could be both delicious and a conversation starter, especially when inspired by the coastal charm we all crave during warm months.
I made this board for a Fourth of July celebration last year, and watching my guests gather around it with their phones out to take pictures made me realize how much joy comes from something that feels special and intentional. Someone said it looked too beautiful to eat, then immediately grabbed a handful of pretzels and never looked back.
Ingredients
- Creamy brie, cut into wedges (150 g): This is your anchor's foundation—it's rich, buttery, and melts on the tongue. The wedges create beautiful shapes that fill space elegantly.
- Herbed goat cheese, rolled into small balls (120 g): The tanginess cuts through the richness and adds sophisticated flavor. Rolling them ahead of time keeps them cold and intact.
- Blue cheese, crumbled or sliced (100 g): This is your secret flavor bomb. The bold, salty notes make people pause and appreciate the depth you've created.
- Smoked salmon slices (120 g): The perfect protein that whispers seafood without overpowering. Layer it loosely so it catches the light.
- Prosciutto (100 g): Tissue-thin, salty, and elegant—it drapes beautifully around the anchor shape and adds visual movement.
- Large twisted pretzels (100 g): These form your anchor outline and they're the magic element. Their rope-like texture naturally suggests the nautical theme.
- Round water crackers (80 g): Neutral and crispy, they let the toppings shine without competing.
- Baguette slices (60 g): Slightly toasted if you have time, they add another texture dimension guests expect.
- Blueberries (100 g): These are your color strategy—they're the reason the whole board feels intentional and coastal.
- Black grapes (80 g): They provide darker pops of color and juicy sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Apple slices (from 1 small apple): Fresh and crisp, they brighten the board and add acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Dried apricots (50 g): Their sweet-tart nature and golden color add warmth to your cool color palette.
- Cucumber slices (from 1 small cucumber): Crisp and refreshing, these are your cooling element that makes everything feel lighter.
- Sugar snap peas (80 g): They're naturally sweet and maintain their crunch—eat them raw straight from the board if you want.
- Radishes, halved (50 g): Their slight peppery bite and pretty pink color add unexpected sophistication.
- Whipped cream cheese tinted light blue (80 g): Use spirulina or butterfly pea powder for natural color. This becomes part of your anchor design and tastes amazing with crackers.
- Tzatziki or herbed yogurt dip (60 g): Cool, herbaceous, and comforting—it's the dip people keep returning to.
- White chocolate seashells or candies (40 g, optional): These are your finishing touch that makes it Instagram-worthy.
- Fresh dill sprigs or edible flowers: The final garnish that says you care about every detail.
Instructions
- Start with your canvas:
- Find a large wooden board or serving platter—this is your stage. The bigger, the better, because you want room to create something that feels generous and intentional. Wipe it clean and maybe let yourself imagine the seaside view you're about to create.
- Sketch your anchor outline:
- Take those beautiful twisted pretzels and arrange them in the shape of an anchor right in the center of your board. Overlap them, adjust them, play with them until they look like rough rope forming an anchor. This isn't about perfection—it's about that appealing, rustic rope effect. Step back and look at it. Does it feel like summer by the sea?
- Create your anchor's eyes:
- Place small bowls of your whipped blue cream cheese and tzatziki where the anchor's eyes would be, or at its ends. These dips aren't just functional—they're design elements that anchor the whole composition.
- Fill with cheese and meats:
- Now you're painting with flavor. Arrange clusters of the brie wedges, goat cheese balls, and blue cheese inside and around your anchor outline. Drape the smoked salmon loosely and fold the prosciutto into elegant ruffles. Alternate colors and textures so every angle looks different and interesting.
- Add your color with berries:
- Scatter the blueberries and black grapes along your pretzel outline and fill gaps. Watch how they catch the light and instantly make this feel intentional. This is where the nautical theme really comes alive.
- Arrange fresh vegetables:
- Place cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, and radishes around the anchor shape, keeping your cool blue-and-white color story in mind. These fresh elements provide visual relief and textural contrast.
- Scatter crackers and bread:
- Arrange your round water crackers and baguette slices around the board's perimeter. They should feel accessible and abundant, not squeezed in.
- Finish with garnishes:
- Sprinkle white chocolate seashells if using them. Add fresh dill sprigs and edible flowers for that final touch of intentionality. This is where people see you put thought and care into their experience.
- Final presentation:
- Step back and look at it. Does it feel like a celebration? Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or cover lightly and refrigerate until your guests arrive.
Pin The most meaningful moment came when my grandmother sat down and looked at the anchor board for a long moment before saying, 'You know, this makes me remember summers at my parents' beach house.' That's when I understood that beautiful food does more than nourish—it connects us to memories and feelings we cherish.
Color Strategy and Why It Matters
The genius of this board lies in its color palette. By keeping everything in the blue, white, and natural tones of brie, you create visual harmony that screams 'I planned this carefully.' The blueberries aren't random—they're your color strategy. The black grapes deepen the look. The white chocolate and dill finish it. When someone looks at this board, their brain immediately says 'coastal celebration' before they even taste anything. It's food design at its finest, and it's easier than you think.
Customization for Your Crowd
The beautiful thing about anchor boards is how they adapt. Skip the salmon and prosciutto entirely for a vegetarian celebration—nobody will miss them because the cheeses are that good. Add blue corn tortilla chips or blue potato chips if you want extra crunch and want to play up the color theme even more. Some people I've served this to requested more vegetables, so I added more radishes and cucumber. Others wanted it cheesier, so I doubled the brie. This recipe isn't a rigid formula—it's a framework for your celebration.
Pairing and Serving Wisdom
Serve this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that has that coastal, grassy quality, or go with sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option that feels just as celebratory. The acidity in either choice cuts through the richness of the cheeses and wakes up your palate between bites. I've found that people eat more slowly and mindfully when they have something refreshing to sip between bites.
- Chill your board in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving—it keeps everything fresh and makes the dips stay cold longer
- Place the board where there's good lighting so the colors really pop and people can see what they're choosing
- Have small appetizer plates nearby so guests don't feel awkward about managing their food, especially the cheeses and cured meats
Pin Building a beautiful charcuterie board is really just about seeing your table as a canvas and your ingredients as colors and textures. This nautical anchor takes you straight to summer, no passport required.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the anchor shape on the board?
Use large twisted pretzels to outline the anchor, overlapping slightly for a rope-like appearance as the base shape.
- → Can I make this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, omit smoked salmon and prosciutto. The assortment of cheeses, fruits, and vegetables still offers a flavorful spread.
- → Which dips complement this board best?
Whipped cream cheese tinted blue and a herbed yogurt dip like tzatziki add creamy, tangy layers that pair well with the ingredients.
- → How can I naturally color the cream cheese blue?
Use natural powders like spirulina or butterfly pea powder to tint whipped cream cheese without artificial coloring.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Light, crisp options such as Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon enhance the coastal and fresh flavors.