Gilded Acorn Charcuterie Board (Printable)

Elegant nut and cheese board accented with gold almonds and acorn shapes for stylish entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Nuts

01 - 1 cup whole almonds
02 - 1/2 cup pecans
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts
04 - 1/2 cup hazelnuts

→ Gold-Sprinkled Almonds

05 - 1/2 cup whole almonds
06 - 1/2 teaspoon edible gold dust or gold leaf flakes

→ Cheeses

07 - 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese block
08 - 8 ounces gouda cheese block
09 - 8 ounces brie or camembert (optional)

→ Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
11 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved
12 - 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
13 - 1/2 cup fresh apple slices
14 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if required)
16 - 1 small baguette, sliced

# How To Make It:

01 - Place 1/2 cup almonds in a small bowl. Lightly mist or brush with water to help gold dust adhere. Sprinkle edible gold dust evenly and toss gently to coat. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.
02 - Slice cheddar and gouda into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick slabs. Use a small acorn-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes. Optionally, add detail or a two-tone effect by stacking cheese layers using a paring knife.
03 - Place all nuts, including gold-sprinkled almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts, in small clusters or bowls on a large platter.
04 - Arrange the acorn-shaped cheese cutouts around the board. Add cubes or wedges of brie or camembert for textural variety.
05 - Distribute dried apricots, figs, grapes, and fresh apple slices in small piles or fan shapes to add color and freshness.
06 - Place honey or fig jam in a small dish with a spoon or honey dipper for easy serving.
07 - Fill remaining spaces on the board with assorted crackers and baguette slices.
08 - Serve immediately or cover lightly and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks far more impressive than the thirty minutes it takes to assemble, which means less stress and more compliments.
  • You can swap almost everything based on what you love or what's in your fridge, so it never feels like you're following rules.
  • Gold-dusted almonds are a small touch that makes people feel genuinely celebrated, whether it's a casual gathering or something formal.
02 -
  • Cheese at room temperature tastes better, so pull your board from the fridge about fifteen minutes before serving—textures soften and flavors wake up.
  • The gold dust is edible but entirely optional; the board is stunning without it, though people do notice that detail and it's easier to add than you'd think.
  • Pre-slice your apples only if you're serving within thirty minutes, or toss them in a tiny bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning and looking neglected.
03 -
  • Assemble the board no more than an hour before serving; it stays fresh, looks intentional, and nothing wilts or dries out before guests arrive.
  • If you're nervous about the acorn cutouts looking imperfect, remember that slight irregularities make them look handmade and thoughtful rather than mass-produced.
  • Pair this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling rosé, and watch how the wine conversation becomes secondary to the board conversation.
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