Cozy Forest Animal Board (Printable)

Whimsical board with cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and playful animal accents for inviting gatherings.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 4.2 oz brie cheese, cut into wedges
02 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz gouda, cubed
04 - 2.8 oz goat cheese log, sliced

→ Meats (optional)

05 - 2.8 oz prosciutto
06 - 2.8 oz salami, sliced

→ Fruits

07 - 1 small bunch red grapes
08 - 1 small green apple, sliced
09 - 1 small pear, sliced
10 - 0.5 cup blueberries
11 - 0.5 cup dried apricots

→ Nuts & Seeds

12 - 0.33 cup whole almonds
13 - 0.33 cup walnuts

→ Crackers & Breads

14 - 1 cup assorted crackers (e.g., water crackers, multigrain)
15 - 0.5 baguette, sliced

→ Garnishes & Accents

16 - 0.25 cup honey (served in a small dish)
17 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
18 - Edible flowers (optional)
19 - 2 to 3 animal-shaped cookies or chocolates (fox, owl, hedgehog)

# Preparation steps:

01 - Position the variety of cheeses evenly across a large wooden board, leaving space between each type.
02 - Fold or roll the prosciutto and salami then nestle them around the cheeses.
03 - Place grapes, apple slices, pear slices, blueberries, and dried apricots in visually appealing clusters across the board.
04 - Sprinkle almonds and walnuts either in small piles or scattered for a rustic touch.
05 - Fan assorted crackers and baguette slices to fill empty spaces for easy access.
06 - Place a small dish filled with honey on the board.
07 - Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible flowers throughout to evoke a woodland atmosphere.
08 - Position animal-shaped cookies or chocolates strategically to complete the forest animal theme.
09 - Serve immediately; brush apple and pear slices with lemon juice beforehand to prevent browning.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Easy to assemble with no cooking required, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  • Customizable selections allow flexibility for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
  • A visually stunning and playful presentation inspired by forest themes adds a magical touch.
  • Balanced flavors and textures with creamy cheeses, savory meats, sweet and tart fruits, crunchy nuts, and crisp crackers.
02 -
  • Use a variety of cheese textures and flavors to keep the board interesting and balanced.
  • Roll or fold meats for easier picking and attractive presentation.
  • Distribute nuts in clusters rather than scattering to avoid mess and add rustic charm.
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs add aroma and enhance the woodland theme.
  • Select animal-shaped treats that fit the board’s playful atmosphere for extra delight.
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