Save A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
This cracker and preserve tower has always been a hit at my gatherings, impressing guests with both its look and taste.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 100 g (3.5 oz) multigrain crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) seeded whole wheat crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) classic water crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) rosemary olive oil crisps
- Preserves & Spreads: 100 g (3.5 oz) fig jam, 100 g (3.5 oz) red onion marmalade, 100 g (3.5 oz) apricot preserves, 100 g (3.5 oz) quince paste
- Cheeses (optional for pairing): 120 g (4 oz) aged cheddar sliced, 120 g (4 oz) creamy brie sliced, 120 g (4 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 firm pear sliced, ½ cup toasted walnuts, ½ cup dried apricots
Instructions
- Arrange crackers:
- Arrange the assorted crackers in vertical stacks or a cascading tower on a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Prepare preserves:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Cheese pairing:
- Arrange cheese slices or wedges near the preserves for easy pairing (if using).
- Garnish:
- Garnish the board with grapes, pear slices, walnuts, and dried apricots for color and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately providing cheese knives and small spreaders for easy access.
Save This recipe brings my family together every time, sparking conversation around the vibrant flavors and textures.
Notes
Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation. Substitute nuts or fruits based on seasonality or allergies.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls or ramekins, cheese knives and spreaders.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (crackers), dairy (cheese), and tree nuts (walnuts). Preserves may contain traces of nuts or other allergens — always check labels if unsure.
Save Enjoy this elegant and simple appetizer that delights both visually and in flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of crackers are best for this tower?
Use a mix of multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and flavored crisps to provide varied textures and flavors.
- → Can the preserves be substituted?
Yes, feel free to swap preserves based on personal taste or seasonality, such as using berry jams or citrus marmalade.
- → How can I accommodate gluten-free guests?
Include gluten-free cracker options to ensure everyone can enjoy the spread.
- → What cheeses pair well with this assortment?
Aged cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese complement the preserves and crackers nicely.
- → How should the tower be served?
Arrange crackers vertically on a large board, place preserves in small bowls around, and garnish with fruits and nuts for an attractive display.