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.
I love how this cheese board brings everyone together with its playful design and delicious components.
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)
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 This cheese board always sparks joy at family gatherings especially when kids try the owl crackers first.
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. Double-check all packaged ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 Total Fat: 23 g Carbohydrates: 22 g Protein: 12 g per serving
Save This cheese board makes entertaining effortless and delightful each time.
Recipe Help
- → How do I make the owl-shaped crackers crisp?
Roll the dough thinly to about 1/8 inch thickness and bake until golden brown for a crisp texture.
- → Can I substitute nuts for seeds?
Yes, for nut-free options, replace walnuts and almonds with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- → What cheeses pair well on this board?
Brie, aged Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese offer a balanced mix of creamy and sharp flavors.
- → How can I decorate the crackers to resemble owls?
Use sesame seeds for feather details and black peppercorns or olive slices for the eyes.
- → What drinks complement this cheese board?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs nicely with the diverse flavors on the board.