Pin A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
This cracker and preserve tower has always impressed my guests with its elegant presentation and delightful taste combinations.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 100 g (3.5 oz) multigrain crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) seeded whole wheat crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) classic water crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) rosemary olive oil crisps
- Preserves & Spreads: 100 g (3.5 oz) fig jam, 100 g (3.5 oz) red onion marmalade, 100 g (3.5 oz) apricot preserves, 100 g (3.5 oz) quince paste
- Cheeses (optional for pairing): 120 g (4 oz) aged cheddar sliced, 120 g (4 oz) creamy brie sliced, 120 g (4 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 firm pear sliced, ½ cup toasted walnuts, ½ cup dried apricots
Instructions
- Arrange Crackers:
- Arrange the assorted crackers in vertical stacks or a cascading tower on a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Prepare Preserves:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Add Cheese:
- Arrange cheese slices or wedges near the preserves for easy pairing (if using).
- Garnish:
- Garnish the board with grapes, pear slices, walnuts, and dried apricots for color and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing cheese knives and small spreaders for easy access.
Pin This appetizer always brings my family together around the table to enjoy the vibrant flavors and company.
Additional Pairings
Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation and substitute nuts or fruits based on seasonality or allergies.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls or ramekins, cheese knives and spreaders.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (crackers), dairy (cheese), and tree nuts (walnuts). Preserves may contain traces of nuts or other allergens—always check labels if unsure.
Pin Elevate your appetizer experience with simple yet elegant presentation that impresses every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What types of crackers are used in this platter?
The selection includes multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps for varied textures and flavors.
- → Which preserves complement the crackers best?
Fig jam, red onion marmalade, apricot preserves, and quince paste provide a balance of sweet and savory notes.
- → Can cheeses be included with the platter?
Yes, optional cheeses like aged cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese can be added to enhance the flavor combinations.
- → What fresh elements are used for garnish?
Seedless red grapes, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots offer additional color, texture, and complement the preserves.
- → Are there any tips for dietary preferences?
Gluten-free crackers can be substituted to accommodate gluten sensitivities, and nut or fruit choices can be adjusted for allergies.