A Little Nutty, a Lot Delicious: The Perfect Friendsgiving Grazing Board
Friendsgiving is all about good vibes, good company, and, of course, good food. This year, why not skip the traditional turkey and go all out with a cheese grazing plate that will have your guests grazing, giggling, and getting seconds (or thirds)? Let’s talk about a plate that packs a punch of flavor, with just the right amount of quirk.
The Star of the Show: LaClare Honey Goat Cheese Rolled in Crushed Pecans
Photo Credit: LaClare Cheese
First off, let’s start sweet, salty, and a little nutty with LaClare Honey Goat Cheese. This is like the quirky best friend that steals the show, only in cheese form. Drizzle this creamy, tangy goat cheese with local Kallas honey and rolled in crushed pecans, adding a sweet crunch that’s basically a love letter to your tastebuds.
Next Up: Henning’s Cranberry Cheddar
If this cheese were a person, it’d be the one who shows up with a festive sweater and all the holiday cheer. Henning’s Cranberry Cheddar is a vibrant cheddar that's peppered with tangy cranberries. It’s a fun, colorful addition that says, “Hey, I’m here to party!” Serve it in the traditional thick cut triangle type cubes (because who doesn’t love cheese cubes?) and watch them disappear faster than you can say "cheese board."
Roth Kase Grand Cru: A Touch of Elegance
If your cheese board were a fashion show, Roth Kase Grand Cru would be walking the runway in style. It’s rich, nutty, and just the right amount of buttery — cut into strips so it’s easy to nibble on and elevate the vibe of the whole spread. A true crowd favorite with a little bit of Swiss flair.
Photo Courtesy- Hoard’s Dairyman
Hoard’s Dairy Belaire: A Wedge of Wonder
Next up, we have Hoard’s Dairy Belaire, and let me tell you — it’s the dramatic wedge that every cheese board needs. It’s a semi-soft cheese that’s creamy and slightly tangy, with a light orange hued rind that screams use me for your Thanksgiving cheese plate. Bonus: It requires no prep - just plop the wedge on your plate with an appropriately fall themed cheese knife and let it bring a touch of farm-fresh goodness to your holiday spread.
Italian Spiced Olive Medley: For the Love of Olives
Let’s get a little Mediterranean, shall we? An Italian Spiced Olive Medley brings the savory, herby punch your board’s been waiting for. The olives are seasoned with just the right balance of rosemary, garlic, and oregano — because every cheese board deserves a little extra flavor explosion. Trust me, your guests will be talking about these olives for years to come.
Dried Cranberries: The Perfect Tart Finish
Last but not least, we’ve got dried cranberries. These little guys are the finishing touch your grazing plate deserves. They’re tart, sweet, and slightly chewy — giving you the perfect contrast to the smoothness of the cheeses and the crunch of the pecans. Think of them as the unexpected twist in a plot that keeps your guests coming back for more.
The Sweet and Savory Combo: Mini Jar Dalmatia Fig Spread
This is like the quirky sidekick of your grazing plate — sweet, smooth, and just a little fancy. The Dalmatia Fig Spread brings the sweetness and richness that will complement ALL of the cheeses! My particular favorite — this on a cracker, paired with a bite of Roth Kase Grand Cru, and you’ll be in flavor heaven.
Fresh Red Grapes: The Juicy Pops of Joy
You’ve got the cheese. You’ve got the fig. Now, you need something that’s juicy and fresh to keep it all balanced. Enter fresh red grapes. They’re like little bursts of joy, adding the perfect pop of freshness between all the savory bites. Plus, they look so pretty on your board, making everything feel a little more "Pinterest-ready."
Final Touches:
Now, it wouldn’t be a proper Friendsgiving grazing plate without some beautiful crackers or crusty bread to pair it all together. Lay everything out artfully (or chaotically, if you’re feeling spontaneous) on a platter or wooden board. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy — that’s the charm! Add some fresh herbs or a sprig of rosemary to tie it all together. And boom, you’ve got yourself the ultimate Friendsgiving grazing plate, full of cheesy goodness, sweet and savory bites, and just the right amount of quirky flair.
Pro Tips:
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling Prosecco will elevate the whole experience.
Personalize: Feel free to swap out any of these cheeses or add some fun extras, like jams, pickles, or even little charcuterie items for the ultimate grazing feast!
So, whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just bringing this to your friend’s place, this grazing plate is a fun, playful way to celebrate the season with all your loved ones. Also pro cheater tip — I happen to know a local retailer whose grazing box program I developed for November and this might just be the exact box I put together so if you are feeling stressed and want to put in minimal effort head over to Sendik’s website and order for pick up - you can put it on your own plate and no one will ever know!
