What You’ll Need
– Clean toolbox (preferably new or dedicated for food use). Here’s our favorite from Amazon.
– Variety of cheeses:
– Stilton
– Goat Cheese (Cranberry and Sesame Seed + Red Pepper Flake varieties)
– Cheddar Cheese Cubes
– Boursin
– Smoked Gouda
– Cured meats:
– Prosciutto
– Capicola
– Pepperoni
– Salami
– Fresh fruit (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes)
– Nuts (pistachios, walnuts, pecans)
– Crackers (variety of shapes and sizes)
– Marinated olives
Assembly Guide
1. Prep Work
1. Thoroughly wash all fruits
2. Clean toolbox with soap and hot water, dry completely
3. Line toolbox with food-safe parchment paper
4. Bring cheeses to room temperature for better flavor
2. Base Layer
1. Place larger items first:
– Position goat cheese logs along the back like building materials
– Create cracker foundations in corners and along edges
– Add small bowls or cups for olives and nuts
3. Building the Board
1. Create height and dimension:
– Stack cheese cubes in “construction site” piles
– Roll prosciutto into roses and place throughout
– Fan out salami and pepperoni in circular patterns
2. Add visual interest:
– Create diagonal lines with meat and cheese alternating
– Group fruits in clusters like “construction materials”
– Position nuts in corners like “gravel piles”
4. Final Touches
1. Fill gaps with smaller items:
– Tuck berries into empty spaces
– Scatter extra crackers and nuts
2. Keep items secure:
– Use toothpicks to anchor taller items
– Ensure everything is snug to prevent shifting during transport
Pro Tips
– Use different compartments of the toolbox for separate dietary needs
– Create mini “construction zones” with themed groupings
– Keep wet items separate from crackers to maintain crispness
– Consider adding small construction-themed props for decoration
– Transport toolbox flat to maintain arrangement
Author:
Nikki Murillo
Richard Chef + Food in Your Fridge Owner