Nautical Anchor Charcuterie Board (Printable)

An anchor-shaped spread combining creamy cheeses, smoked salmon, fruits, and coastal accents for summer gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz creamy brie, cut into wedges
02 - 4.2 oz herbed goat cheese, rolled into small balls
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled or sliced

→ Meats (optional, omit for vegetarian)

04 - 4.2 oz smoked salmon slices
05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto

→ Breads & Crackers

06 - 3.5 oz large, twisted pretzels (rope-like)
07 - 2.8 oz round water crackers
08 - 2.1 oz baguette slices

→ Fruits

09 - 3.5 oz blueberries
10 - 2.8 oz black grapes
11 - 1 small apple, sliced
12 - 1.8 oz dried apricots

→ Vegetables

13 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
14 - 2.8 oz sugar snap peas
15 - 1.8 oz radishes, halved

→ Dips & Spreads

16 - 2.8 oz whipped cream cheese, tinted light blue with natural food coloring
17 - 2.1 oz tzatziki or herbed yogurt dip

→ Accents & Garnishes

18 - 1.4 oz white chocolate seashells or candies (optional, for decoration)
19 - Fresh dill sprigs or edible flowers (blue/white, for garnish)

# Method:

01 - Place a large wooden board or serving platter as your foundation.
02 - Arrange the large pretzels to create a rope-like anchor shape at the center, adjusting and overlapping as needed.
03 - Set small bowls containing whipped blue cream cheese and tzatziki at the anchor’s ends or eye.
04 - Fill the anchor’s outline with clusters of cheeses and, if used, smoked salmon and prosciutto, alternating for visual interest.
05 - Scatter blueberries and black grapes along the outline and in the gaps to introduce coastal colors.
06 - Place cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, radishes, and apple slices surrounding the anchor, maintaining the blue-and-white palette.
07 - Position crackers and baguette slices around the board outside the anchor for easy access.
08 - Decorate with optional white chocolate seashells, edible flowers, and fresh dill sprigs for a seaside ambiance.
09 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking, meaning you can spend time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • The anchor shape gives you permission to be creative—every board is different, every arrangement is uniquely yours
  • Vegetarian-friendly by nature, with optional meats on the side, so everyone at your table feels included
  • It celebrates summer and coastal vibes without needing an actual ocean nearby
02 -
  • Prep all your components before you touch the board—sliced apples, cheese cut, bowls filled. This changes the entire experience from stressful to meditative and joyful.
  • The anchor shape is your safety net. If you're worried about balance, the anchor automatically creates visual rhythm. Trust the shape.
  • Room-temperature ingredients taste better than cold ones straight from the fridge. Take your board out 20 minutes before serving if you have time. This small thing makes a huge difference in how creamy the brie tastes, how tender the prosciutto feels.
03 -
  • Buy your pretzels fresh from a bakery if possible—they're sturdier and more impressive than packaged, and they make the anchor look artisanal rather than assembled
  • The blue-tinted cream cheese is the secret surprise. When people ask what it is, watching their faces when you explain the natural coloring creates a little moment of delight every single time
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