Pomegranate Jewel Cascade Board (Printable version)

A stunning cascade of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and vibrant pomegranate seeds on a serving board.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz creamy goat cheese, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz aged Manchego cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled

→ Cured Meats

04 - 2.8 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
05 - 2.8 oz spicy salami, thinly sliced

→ Fresh Fruits

06 - 1 large pomegranate, arils only
07 - 1 small bunch red grapes, halved
08 - 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced

→ Dried Fruits & Nuts

10 - 1.8 oz dried apricots, halved
11 - 1.4 oz dried figs, sliced
12 - 1.4 oz toasted pistachios
13 - 1.4 oz roasted almonds

→ Accompaniments

14 - 1 small piece honeycomb
15 - 1 small jar fig jam
16 - 1 crusty baguette, sliced
17 - 2.8 oz artisan crackers

→ Garnish

18 - Fresh mint leaves

# How-To Steps:

01 - Arrange a large serving board or platter and visualize a diagonal line from the top left to the bottom right corner.
02 - Place slices and crumbles of goat cheese, Manchego, and blue cheese along the diagonal, alternating types for visual appeal.
03 - Fold prosciutto and spicy salami gently and place them between cheese sections, allowing edges to overlap attractively.
04 - Distribute pear and apple slices, grape halves, dried apricots, and figs evenly along the cascade, maintaining the flowing line.
05 - Generously sprinkle pomegranate arils across the entire diagonal, focusing on clusters to create a jewel-like appearance.
06 - Nestle toasted pistachios and roasted almonds throughout the cascade to provide texture contrast.
07 - Set small bowls containing honeycomb and fig jam at either end of the cascade for accessibility.
08 - Fan slices of baguette and artisan crackers along both sides of the design for easy serving.
09 - Decorate the board with fresh mint leaves to enhance color and aroma.
10 - Offer immediately to guests, maintaining ambient temperature for optimal flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like gallery-worthy art but takes just 25 minutes, making you feel like the most effortless entertainer
  • Everyone finds something they adore—whether they're a cheese devotee, a charcuterie explorer, or a fruit lover seeking hidden sweetness
  • The pomegranate arils add that unexpected crunch and burst of tart sweetness that makes people pause and smile
  • You can adapt it endlessly based on what's in your kitchen, so it never feels rigid or demanding
02 -
  • Slice your apples and pears as close to serving time as possible—even a light brush of fresh lemon juice can't compete with oxidation that's already begun. I learned this the hard way at a brunch where perfectly arranged fruit turned brown in the hour before guests arrived.
  • Cold cheese loses its nuance; remove your board from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving so the goat cheese regains its creamy texture and the Manchego's nutty character shines through instead of tasting muted and hard.
  • The pomegranate arils should go on last or as close to serving as possible—they'll weep into their own juice if they sit too long, and while that liquid is delicious, it can make your cheeses soggy and dilute the visual drama.
03 -
  • If you're making this board more than 30 minutes ahead, assemble everything except the pomegranate arils, fresh fruit, and mint. Add these finishing touches just before guests arrive, and your board will look as fresh as the moment you created it.
  • Invest in a truly beautiful board or platter—it doesn't need to be expensive, but it should be something that makes you want to use it. A board becomes an extension of your hospitality, and using one you love elevates the entire experience.
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