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 is my go-to appetizer for gatherings, always impressing guests with its elegant presentation and delightful flavors.
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.
- Set Preserves:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Add Cheese:
- 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 always brings my family together for a delightful pre-dinner snack that sparks conversation and compliments.
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 Elevate your appetizer game with this easy and elegant cracker tower that your guests will love.
Recipe Guide
- → What crackers are best for the tower?
Using a mix of multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps offers varied textures and flavors.
- → Can I include cheeses in the arrangement?
Yes, adding sliced aged cheddar, creamy brie, or crumbled blue cheese complements the preserves and crackers well.
- → How should I arrange the components?
Stack the crackers vertically or in cascading tiers, placing preserves in small bowls around the tower, and arrange fruits and nuts for color and texture.
- → Are there suggestions for dietary preferences?
For gluten-free needs, substitute crackers accordingly; fruits and nuts can be varied based on allergies or seasonality.
- → What beverages pair well with this tower?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicacy of the preserves and crackers.