Save A whimsical, forest-inspired cheese board featuring owl-shaped crackers, assorted cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts—a delightful centerpiece for gatherings or themed parties.
This cheese board quickly became my go-to for entertaining guests, as it is visually impressive and delicious.
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Ingredients
- Owl Crackers: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter cold cubed, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for decoration), 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives (for owl eyes)
- Cheeses: 100 g (3.5 oz) Brie sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) aged Gouda sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) goat cheese crumbled, 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 small bunch seedless grapes, 1 small apple thinly sliced, 1 small pear thinly sliced, 1/2 cup (60 g) dried apricots, 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, 1/2 cup (60 g) roasted almonds
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
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Instructions
- Prepare the Owl Crackers:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour salt pepper and thyme. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water mixing to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Cut out owl shapes with a cookie cutter or by hand. Use sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Place the crackers on the baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Arrange the Cheese Board:
- On a large wooden board or platter arrange cheese selections in varied sections. Place cooled owl crackers around and among the cheeses. Add fruit slices grapes apricots walnuts and almonds in small piles or clusters. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a forest look.
Save My family loves gathering around this cheese board during special occasions, enjoying both the flavors and the playful presentation.
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Required Tools
Large mixing bowl rolling pin owl-shaped cookie cutter (or paring knife) baking sheet parchment paper cheese knife large serving board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) tree nuts (walnuts almonds). May contain traces of sesame.
Nutritional Information
Calories 350 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 12 g per serving.
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This cheese board is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests with its whimsy and taste.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the crackers into owls?
Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and use an owl-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut by hand to create owl shapes.
- → What cheeses work best on this board?
A combination of Brie, aged Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese offers varied flavors and textures ideal for this spread.
- → Can I prepare the crackers ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated before baking, and crackers can be baked and stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- → What are good garnishes for a forest theme?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers create a natural, woodland-inspired appearance, perfect for this board.
- → How can I make this suitable for nut allergies?
Substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch without allergens.
