Fruit and Cheese Board Recipe

Grapes: Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of sweetness and color to the board.

Strawberries: Sliced for easy eating, they provide a tangy and sweet flavor.

Blueberries: Small and packed with antioxidants, they offer a pop of color and a sweet-tart taste.

Vegan cheese: A dairy-free alternative that adds a savory element to the board. Choose a variety that pairs well with fruits.

Mixed nuts: A combination of different nuts adds crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the board.

When arranging your grapes, strawberries, and blueberries on the platter, consider grouping them by color and size to create a visually appealing presentation. For the vegan cheese, use a variety of shapes and textures to add interest. You can also lightly toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and add a warm, crunchy element to your board.

• grapes - Substitute with cherries: Cherries provide a similar sweet and juicy texture, making them a great alternative to grapes.

• strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a tart and sweet flavor profile that complements other fruits similarly to strawberries.

• blueberries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries have a comparable size and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute for blueberries.

• vegan cheese - Substitute with hummus: Hummus provides a creamy and savory element that can replace the texture and flavor of vegan cheese.

• mixed nuts - Substitute with seeds mix: A mix of seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and chia seeds offers a similar crunchy texture and nutritional benefits as mixed nuts.

• To keep your fruit and cheese board fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will prevent the fruits from drying out and the vegan cheese from hardening.
• If you need to prepare the board ahead of time, arrange the grapes, strawberries, blueberries, vegan cheese, and nuts on the platter, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For longer storage, consider separating the fruits and vegan cheese into different containers. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each component.
• If you have leftovers, store the fruits and vegan cheese in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.
• To freeze, place the grapes, strawberries, and blueberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the fruits from clumping together.
• Avoid freezing the vegan cheese as it may alter its texture and flavor. Instead, store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week.
• When ready to use frozen fruits, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. They may release some liquid, so pat them dry with a paper towel before arranging on the board.
• For the mixed nuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate or freeze them to extend their shelf life.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the vegan cheese and nuts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, just until the vegan cheese starts to soften.
  3. Avoid microwaving the fruits to prevent them from becoming mushy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Spread the vegan cheese and nuts on a baking sheet.
  3. Warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on the nuts to prevent burning.
  4. Remove and let cool slightly before adding back to the fruits.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. Remove the fruit and cheese board from the refrigerator.
  2. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  3. This method is ideal for maintaining the texture and flavor of the fruits and vegan cheese.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Add the vegan cheese and nuts to the skillet.
  3. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegan cheese is soft and the nuts are slightly toasted.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool before combining with the fruits.

• Serving platter: A flat, large dish used to arrange and present the fruits, vegan cheese, and nuts attractively.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the strawberries and cubing the vegan cheese to the desired size.

• Cutting board: A safe surface to slice and prepare the fruits and vegan cheese without damaging your countertops.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure one cup each of grapes, strawberries, blueberries, vegan cheese, and mixed nuts.

• Colander: Useful for washing and draining the grapes and blueberries thoroughly.

• Refrigerator: Keeps the arranged fruit and cheese board fresh until ready to serve.

Pre-wash and prep: Wash and slice all fruits ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Use pre-cubed cheese: Buy vegan cheese that is already cubed to save cutting time.

Buy mixed nuts: Purchase a pre-mixed bag of nuts to avoid measuring and mixing different types.

Assemble in advance: Arrange the ingredients on the platter and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.