Pin A whimsical, forest-inspired cheese board featuring owl-shaped crackers, assorted cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts—a delightful centerpiece for gatherings or themed parties.
This board always impresses guests and brings a rustic charm to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Owl Crackers: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter cold cubed, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for decoration), 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives (for owl eyes)
- Cheeses: 100 g (3.5 oz) Brie sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) aged Gouda sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) goat cheese crumbled, 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 small bunch seedless grapes, 1 small apple thinly sliced, 1 small pear thinly sliced, 1/2 cup (60 g) dried apricots, 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, 1/2 cup (60 g) roasted almonds
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Owl Crackers:
- In a bowl whisk together flour salt pepper and thyme. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water mixing to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Cut out owl shapes with a cookie cutter or by hand. Use sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Place the crackers on the baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Arrange the Cheese Board:
- On a large wooden board or platter arrange cheese selections in varied sections. Place cooled owl crackers around and among the cheeses. Add fruit slices grapes apricots walnuts and almonds in small piles or clusters. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a forest look.
Pin Sharing this board with family always sparks joy and lively conversation.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, rolling pin, owl-shaped cookie cutter (or paring knife), baking sheet, parchment paper, cheese knife, large serving board or platter
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 350, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Protein 12 g
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir for the perfect complement.
Pin This whimsical board adds fun flair and delicious variety to any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the crackers as owls?
Roll the dough thin and cut owl shapes using a cookie cutter or carefully cut by hand, then decorate with sesame seeds and peppercorns or olives for eyes.
- → What cheeses work best on this board?
Brie, aged Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese provide a balance of creamy, sharp, and tangy flavors to complement the crackers and fruits.
- → Can this board be adapted for nut allergies?
Yes, substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin seeds to maintain texture and flavor without allergens.
- → How should the board be arranged for best presentation?
Arrange cheeses in sections, scatter cooled owl crackers around them, and add clusters of fruit and nuts with garnishes for a forest-inspired look.
- → What drink pairs well with this selection?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir enhances the combination of flavors on the board.