Book Club Pairing Platter (Printable)

Elegant platter with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and rosemary for perfect pairing at any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ Section 1: To Pair 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: To Pair 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: To Pair 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 - ½ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Arrange a large serving platter or board and place rosemary sprigs to divide the surface into three distinct sections.
02 - Place brie, Gruyère, green grapes, apple slices, and Marcona almonds neatly within the first section.
03 - Position aged cheddar, smoked gouda, prosciutto, salami, and cherry tomatoes in the second section.
04 - Set herbed goat cheese, dried apricots, pistachios, mixed olives, and cucumber slices within the third section.
05 - Fill spaces between sections with sliced baguette and assorted crackers to enhance variety and presentation.
06 - Place small bowls of honey or fig jam alongside, if desired, to complement the cheeses and fruits.
07 - Present immediately, ensuring rosemary sprigs separate sections to maintain distinct pairing areas and aroma.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours planning when it actually takes just 25 minutes—the kind of impressive that feels effortless
  • Three distinct flavor profiles mean there's genuinely something for every palate, and the wine pairings actually work beautifully
  • The aromatic rosemary dividers aren't just pretty; they're conversation starters that guests will actually smell and appreciate
02 -
  • Room temperature matters more than you'd think—take your cheeses out 15 minutes before serving so their flavors actually shine. Cold cheese tastes like nothing; soft cheese tastes like everything.
  • The rosemary dividers aren't just decorative; they genuinely help organize the platter visually and make it easier for guests to understand the wine pairings without you having to explain them
03 -
  • Buying from a proper cheese counter means you can ask for recommendations and often get the exact quantities you need—no waste, and the person helping you often has wisdom about pairings
  • Make the platter your own by adding one unexpected element—maybe a small pot of honeycomb, or some candied walnuts, or a surprising cheese you've never tried. That one special thing becomes the conversation everyone remembers
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