A grazing board so good, your guests will be dying for seconds.
BUILD IT FROM THE BONES UP
Simple Ingredients. Wicked-Good Results.
CHEESE
Choose 3–4 varieties with different flavors and textures. Try Brie or Camembert, sharp cheddar, Gouda and blue cheese.
MEAT
Plan on 2–3 varieties. Prosciutto, Genoa salami and soppressata give you a good mix of flavors and shapes for folding and layering.
FRUIT
Dark grapes, green grapes and fresh figs bring color and a little sweetness. Pear or apple slices work well, too—just toss cut fruit with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
CRUNCH
Use at least two types of crackers, plus toasted pecans, almonds or other favorite nuts.
SOMETHING EXTRA
Add a small bowl of fig preserves, pepper jelly, honey or grainy mustard. Olives or dried fruit are easy additions, too.
MAKE IT SPOOKY
Once your board is built, tuck in a few plastic spiders or other Halloween accents. Scatter mini pumpkins and gourds around the serving area. Keep anything that isn’t food-safe from directly touching what you’ll eat.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED?
SERVING BEFORE DINNER:
Plan on about 2 ounces each of cheese and meat per person, plus 3–4 crackers and ½ cup fruit.
MAKING IT THE MEAL:
Increase to about 3–4 ounces each of cheese and meat per person, plus 6–8 crackers and ¾ cup fruit.
SIDE BAR
5 TRICKS FOR A KILLER BOARD
- Lay down the bones.
Place your skeleton on the empty board. Arrange the arms and legs so there’s plenty of room to tuck food around—and even inside—the bones. - Add the anchors.
Position your largest cheeses and small bowls next. Tuck them around the skeleton rather than covering it so the bones remain visible. - Fill it up.
Add meats, grapes, figs and other larger ingredients. Pile some inside the rib cage and nestle others around the arms and legs for that overflowing look. - Mind the gaps.
Fill open spaces with nuts, olives, dried fruit and small crackers. A grazing board looks best when you can barely see the board beneath it. - Finish with the fright.
Add crackers just before serving so they stay crisp, then tuck in a few spooky accents.
THE MAGIC TOUCH
Arrange the cheeses, meats and fruit a few hours before guests arrive, cover tightly and refrigerate. Add crackers, nuts and Halloween decorations just before serving.
