Save to Pinterest Bring a touch of whimsy and woodland charm to your next gathering with the Owl Cracker and Cheese Board. This delightful appetizer combines intricately shaped owl crackers with an assortment of creamy and robust cheeses, fresh seasonal fruits, and crunchy nuts to create a truly enchanting centerpiece. Perfectly suited for themed parties or casual get-togethers, this spread not only pleases the palate but also sparks conversation and admiration.
Save to Pinterest Crafting the owl crackers from scratch allows you to dive into the artistry of baking, while the cheese and fruit selections keep it approachable and inviting. This cheese board encourages creativity — from choosing your favorite cheeses to arranging each element like a woodland tableau.
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:
- a. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and thyme.
b. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
c. Mix in cheddar cheese.
d. Gradually add cold water, mixing to form a soft dough.
e. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
f. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
g. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. Cut out owl shapes with a cookie cutter or by hand.
h. Use sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes.
i. Place the crackers on the baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes, until golden. Cool completely. - Arrange the Cheese Board:
- a. On a large wooden board or platter, arrange cheese selections in varied sections.
b. Place cooled owl crackers around and among the cheeses.
c. Add fruit slices, grapes, apricots, walnuts, and almonds in small piles or clusters.
d. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a forest look.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the owl crackers hold their shape and bake evenly, chill the dough well before rolling and use a sharp cookie cutter or knife for clean edges. Handling the dough minimally avoids tough crackers. Arrange the cheese board just before serving for optimal freshness and visual appeal.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This cheese board can be customized by swapping nuts for seeds for a nut-free version or by adding sweet accompaniments like honey, fig jam, or assorted chutneys. Experiment with different animal-shaped crackers to surprise your guests and keep the theme playful.
Serviervorschläge
Pair your Owl Cracker and Cheese Board with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the variety of cheeses and fruits. Present it on a rustic wooden platter to enhance the forest-inspired aesthetic, making it a perfect starter for any celebration.
Save to Pinterest With its blend of whimsy, flavor, and texture, the Owl Cracker and Cheese Board is sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser. Its easy preparation and adaptability make it a fulfilling project for cooks of all levels who want to offer a unique and inviting appetizer.
Common Questions
- → How are the owl crackers decorated?
Owl crackers are adorned with sesame seeds for feathers and black peppercorns or olive slices for eyes, giving them a whimsical appearance.
- → Which cheeses are recommended for this board?
The board features Brie, aged Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese to offer a variety of textures and flavors.
- → Can nuts be substituted on the board?
Yes, for nut-free options, seeds like pumpkin seeds can be used instead of walnuts and almonds.
- → What wine pairs well with this cheese board?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the cheeses and accompaniments beautifully.
- → How long should the owl cracker dough be chilled?
The dough should be chilled for 15 minutes before rolling out to ensure ease in shaping and baking.
- → Are there suggestions for adding extra flavor?
Adding honey, fig jam, or chutneys on the board can provide extra sweetness and depth of flavor.