Pomegranate Jewel Cascade Board (Print)

An elegant board combining cheeses, fruits, nuts, and charcuterie topped with sparkling pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5 oz brie cheese, chilled
02 - 5 oz manchego cheese, chilled
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, chilled
04 - 3.5 oz goat cheese log, chilled

→ Charcuterie

05 - 5 oz sliced prosciutto
06 - 5 oz sliced salami

→ Fruits

07 - 1 large pomegranate
08 - 1 cup red grapes, washed, stems removed
09 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
10 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
11 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved

→ Nuts & Crunch

12 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
13 - 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
14 - 1/2 cup candied pecans

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 1 cup assorted crackers (approx. 20 pieces)
16 - 1/2 baguette, thinly sliced and toasted

→ Condiments

17 - 1/4 cup honey
18 - 1/4 cup fig jam

→ Garnish

19 - Fresh mint leaves

# Directions:

01 - Select a large rectangular or oval board or platter (minimum 18 x 12 inches). Place parchment or wax paper if preferred for easy cleanup. Ensure all tools and ingredients are within reach to maintain an efficient workspace.
02 - Slice brie and manchego into thin wedges, cut blue cheese into rustic chunks, and slice goat cheese log into coins. Allow cheeses to come to room temperature for 30–40 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
03 - Halve the pomegranate and tap out seeds over a bowl, removing any white pith. Wash and halve strawberries, remove bruised spots, and separate grapes into small clusters. Halve dried figs for bite-sized pieces.
04 - Visualize a diagonal line across the board. Place small dishes with honey and fig jam slightly off-center along this path. Alternate cheese and charcuterie clusters along the diagonal to create a balanced, visually appealing cascade.
05 - Tuck grapes, strawberries, dried figs, and apricots among the cheese and meats, maintaining the diagonal flow. Scatter almonds, pistachios, and candied pecans to fill gaps and add texture and flavor.
06 - Fan crackers and toasted baguette slices at both ends of the cascade, ensuring they remain dry and crisp by keeping them away from moist ingredients.
07 - Generously sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the cascade, clustering for visual impact. Tuck fresh mint leaves throughout to add aroma and a pop of green color.
08 - Inspect the board for even distribution, vibrant color, and inviting flow. Wipe any spills for a polished presentation that excites the senses.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that does all the heavy lifting for you—no cooking required, just assembly and artful arrangement
  • Your guests will be amazed by how professional it looks, but you'll know how simple it truly was to create
  • The diagonal cascade design is so visually stunning it practically photographs itself, making you look like a culinary genius
  • It handles almost every dietary preference at once, so everyone at your table feels included and celebrated
02 -
  • Timing is everything: assemble the board up to 2 hours ahead if you'd like, but add the crackers, bread, and fresh pomegranate seeds only 15 minutes before serving. This is non-negotiable if you want everything to remain crisp and fresh. Your guests' experience depends on this moment of restraint.
  • Room temperature is your secret weapon for cheese flavor: many people serve cheese straight from the refrigerator, but this mutes the complex flavors you paid for. Those 30 to 40 minutes of warming time transform the entire tasting experience and make people wonder why your board tastes so much better than others.
  • Pomegranate pith is the hidden enemy: even a little white pith clinging to a seed will create bitterness that distracts from everything else. Take the time to remove it completely. Your taste buds—and your guests'—will thank you.
  • Boards don't need to be perfectly symmetrical to feel balanced: I spent years trying to make everything mirror itself, until I realized that a flowing, organic arrangement actually feels more sophisticated and intentional. Trust your eye more than your ruler.
03 -
  • Fresh pomegranate seeds can oxidize slightly if exposed to air for too long. Add them as close to serving time as possible, but if you must prepare them ahead, toss them very lightly with a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice—this keeps them looking ruby-bright and adds subtle brightness to their flavor.
  • If you're making this board in winter or pomegranates aren't available, substitute fresh pomegranate with pomegranate molasses drizzled very lightly over some white cheese, or swap in fresh tart cranberries for a similar tartness and jewel-like appearance.
  • The candied pecans are worth making from scratch if you have 10 minutes: toss raw pecans with honey and a tiny pinch of sea salt, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. They'll taste infinitely better than store-bought, and your kitchen will smell incredible.
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