Book Club Pairing Platter (Printable)

An elegant platter with cheeses, fruits, and nuts, designed for effortless entertaining and pairing.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - 1.8 oz Marcona almonds

→ 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

→ 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 - 1.8 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 - 3–4 fresh rosemary sprigs (for dividers)
19 - Honey or fig jam (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange a large serving platter or board and position rosemary sprigs to separate it into three distinct sections.
02 - Place sliced brie, cubed Gruyère, green grapes, apple slices, and Marcona almonds in the first section.
03 - Arrange cubed aged cheddar, sliced smoked gouda, prosciutto, salami, and cherry tomatoes in the second section.
04 - Set herbed goat cheese log, dried apricots, roasted pistachios, mixed olives, and cucumber slices in the third section.
05 - Fill remaining spaces around the platter with baguette slices and assorted crackers to complement the selections.
06 - Add small bowls of honey or fig jam if desired to enhance flavor contrast.
07 - Present immediately, ensuring each section remains clearly separated by rosemary sprigs for visual appeal and ease of pairing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required—just the joy of careful selection and beautiful arrangement, perfect when you want to impress without stress
  • It's endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand, so it becomes your own edible masterpiece every time
  • The rosemary dividers do double duty, creating visual magic while filling your space with that incredible herbaceous aroma
  • Each wine gets its own flavor story, turning a simple gathering into a conversation about taste and discovery
02 -
  • Prep every component except the apple and baguette until the last possible moment—apples brown quickly despite best intentions, and bread can dry out if cut too early
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think: take cheeses out 15-20 minutes before serving so their flavors fully bloom and textures soften just right
  • The rosemary sprigs are doing more work than you realize—keep them fresh and fragrant by misting them lightly just before guests arrive
03 -
  • Slice everything at the last moment except cheese; prep components in advance but save actual slicing for when guests are minutes away
  • Wet paper towels placed underneath the platter prevent it from sliding on the table and keep everything grounded
  • If you're uncertain about cheese firmness, remember that slightly soft is always better than too cold and hard—personality over perfection
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