Fancy Meat and Cheese Board

Name: Fancy Meat and Cheese Board
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: prosciutto and capicola; mozzarella sticks; white cheddar cheese log; blue cheeses; grapes; olives, grilled artichoke hearts and sweet piquanté peppers; nuts; RITZ Crackers, TRISCUIT Crackers and WHEAT THINS Big Snacks; thyme

This gourmet charcuterie board is the perfect party appetizer that requires no work during the party - arrange the meats, cheeses and crackers and enjoy!

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 min

Servings:

Makes 16 servings.

Ingredient list

Thinly sliced prosciutto and capicola
Salami-wrapped mozzarella sticks
Nut-covered white cheddar cheese log
Fontina and blue cheeses
Seedless red and green grapes
Drained marinated mixed olives, grilled artichoke hearts and sweet piquanté peppers
Mixed nuts
RITZ Crackers, TRISCUIT Crackers and WHEAT THINS Big Snacks
Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme

Directions

Arrange meats and cheeses on large board or platter. Fill in spaces with small bunches of grapes, and bowls of olives, peppers, artichoke hearts and nuts. Add crackers. Serve additional crackers in bowls or baskets next to the board.

Meat and cheese boards can be prepared for any number of servings, depending on the size of the gathering. Use a guideline of 1 oz. cheese, 1/2 oz. meat and 1 oz. (or labeled serving size) of crackers* per person. For a well-balanced board, fill in empty spaces on board with fruit and marinated vegetables. For the 16 servings shown here, figure on purchasing 1 lb. of cheese and 1/2 lb. of thinly sliced meat. Have plenty of RITZ Crackers, TRISCUIT Crackers and WHEAT THINS Snacks available for guests to choose from, along with the fruit and marinated vegetables. *Serving size of RITZ Crackers is 1/2 oz.

Recipe Tips

Make it Simple
Thinly sliced meats, such as these shown in the photo, can often be purchased in an assortment package found in the deli or cheese departments of your supermarket. Check out the store's olive or salad bar for the marinated vegetables and olives. Try serving an assortment of olive varieties, such as those flavored with crushed red pepper or herbs.
Vary the Cheeses and Meats
For a more interesting board, serve 3 or 4 varieties of cheeses with a variety of textures, shapes and flavors. Soft, semi-soft and firm cheese; cubes, slices, logs and wedges all add more interest. Meats can be rolled or just laid out flat, or rolled around mozzarella cheese sticks. Salami is commonly available in mild, spicy or pepper-encrusted slices.
Cheese Tips
For best flavor, let the cheeses sit for about 15 min. at room temperature before serving. If serving a wedge or full piece of cheese, be sure to place a knife on the board for each variety of cheese you are serving.