Book Club Pairing Platter (Printable)

Vibrant platter featuring sections with cheese, fruits, nuts, and herbs for elegant gatherings and wine pairing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Section 1: Pairing with Chardonnay (White Wine)

01 - 3.5 oz triple-cream brie, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Gruyère cheese, cubed
03 - 1 small bunch green grapes
04 - 1 crisp apple, sliced
05 - 1.75 oz Marcona almonds

→ Section 2: Pairing with Pinot Noir (Red Wine)

06 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
07 - 3.5 oz smoked gouda, sliced
08 - 2.5 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
09 - 2.5 oz sliced salami
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes

→ Section 3: Pairing with Sparkling Wine or Rosé

11 - 3.5 oz herbed goat cheese, formed into a log
12 - 2.5 oz dried apricots
13 - 1.75 oz roasted pistachios
14 - 1/2 cup mixed olives
15 - 1 small cucumber, sliced

→ For Serving and Garnish

16 - 1 baguette, sliced
17 - 1 box assorted crackers
18 - 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs for dividers
19 - Honey or fig jam (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Arrange a large serving platter or board and place rosemary sprigs evenly to divide it into three distinct sections.
02 - Position the brie slices, cubed Gruyère, green grapes, apple slices, and Marcona almonds neatly within the first section.
03 - Place aged cheddar cubes, smoked gouda slices, prosciutto, salami, and cherry tomatoes in the second section.
04 - Set the herbed goat cheese log, dried apricots, roasted pistachios, mixed olives, and cucumber slices in the final section.
05 - Fill remaining spaces around the platter with baguette slices and assorted crackers to complement each section.
06 - Place small bowls of honey or fig jam alongside the platter, if desired.
07 - Ensure each section remains separated by rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks far more impressive than the 25 minutes it takes to make—perfect for when you want to feel like you've done something special without the stress
  • Wine pairing sections take the guesswork out of entertaining, so you and your guests can focus on conversation instead of wondering what to drink
  • Every ingredient is meant to be enjoyed as-is; there's no last-minute cooking to worry about, just beautiful, honest flavors coming together
02 -
  • Slice and prep everything just before assembling if you can; apples brown, some cheeses sweat, and everything stays fresher and more vibrant when it's not sitting waiting
  • The rosemary dividers aren't just pretty—they actually help organize your work as you build the platter, so place them first and let them guide your decisions
  • Room temperature matters more than most people think; take your cheeses out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving so their flavors and textures shine
  • Wine pairing is a guide, not a rule; the real magic happens when you taste combinations together and discover what speaks to you
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses and meats 2-3 days before serving when possible; they have time to settle and develop flavor, and you're not stressed the day of
  • If you're assembling more than a few hours ahead, cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate; bring it out 20-30 minutes before guests arrive so everything returns to its best temperature
  • Small wooden or ceramic boards within your larger board create visual interest and help define the sections even more clearly
  • A sharp, thin-bladed cheese knife makes slicing softer cheeses easier; have it nearby for guest convenience
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