Pin it A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
A must-have for gatherings when you want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum style.
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.
- Arrange Cheeses:
- 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 it This platter has been a favorite at family gatherings where everyone enjoys mixing and matching flavors.
Notes
For gluten-free guests include gluten-free crackers. Pair with a crisp white wine (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc) or a light red (e.g. Pinot Noir). Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation. 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 it A visually stunning and delicious appetizer that is both easy to assemble and sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of crackers work best for this tower?
Artisanal multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps create a diverse texture and burst of flavor ideal for this arrangement.
- → Can the preserves be substituted with other spreads?
Yes, other fruit jams, marmalades, or savory spreads like chutneys can be used to complement the cracker varieties and personal taste preferences.
- → How should the tower be arranged for the best presentation?
Stack crackers vertically in neat piles or a cascading tower on a large serving board and surround with small bowls holding preserves to achieve an elegant, inviting display.
- → Are there suggestions for pairing cheese with this tower?
Slices of aged cheddar, creamy brie, or crumbled blue cheese work well alongside the crackers and preserves, adding rich and contrasting flavors.
- → What garnishes enhance the overall flavor and look?
Fresh seedless grapes, ripe pear slices, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots add freshness, crunch, and subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.