Pin This A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
This elegant cracker and preserve tower was a hit at my last gathering for its ease and impressive presentation
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
- Step 1:
- Arrange the assorted crackers in vertical stacks or a cascading tower on a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Step 2:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Step 3:
- Arrange cheese slices or wedges near the preserves for easy pairing (if using).
- Step 4:
- Garnish the board with grapes, pear slices, walnuts, and dried apricots for color and texture.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, providing cheese knives and small spreaders for easy access.
Pin This This recipe always sparks lively conversation and compliments during family gatherings
Notes
Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation, and 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
Pin This This cracker and preserve tower is a quick elegant appetizer sure to impress guests
Recipe FAQ
- → What types of crackers are used?
Multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps create a varied texture and flavor base.
- → Which preserves complement the crackers best?
Fig jam, red onion marmalade, apricot preserves, and quince paste provide a balanced mix of sweetness and tang.
- → Can cheeses be included with this tower?
Yes, optional cheese pairings like aged cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese work beautifully to enhance taste diversity.
- → What fruits and nuts are recommended for garnish?
Seedless red grapes, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots add freshness and texture variation.
- → How can this appetizer be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Use gluten-free crackers for gluten sensitivities and swap nuts or fruits based on allergies or seasonal availability.
- → What beverages pair well with this assortment?
Light, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or gentle reds like Pinot Noir complement these flavors nicely.