Heart Romance Charcuterie Cheese (Printable Version)

A visually striking heart-shaped board featuring cheeses, meats, fruits, and colorful accompaniments for sharing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz brie, cut into wedges
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
03 - 3.5 oz manchego, sliced thinly

→ Cured Meats (omit for vegetarian)

04 - 2.8 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 2.8 oz salami, rolled
06 - 2.1 oz coppa, fanned out

→ Fresh Fruits

07 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
08 - 1 cup raspberries
09 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
10 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds

→ Vegetables

11 - 8–10 mini sweet red peppers, sliced
12 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Accompaniments

13 - ½ cup pink beet hummus
14 - ½ cup red pepper jelly
15 - ½ cup candied pecans
16 - ½ cup dark chocolate–covered almonds
17 - ¼ cup heart-shaped candies (optional)

→ Crackers & Bread

18 - 1 cup heart-shaped crackers or thinly sliced baguette

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - On a large platter or board, use parchment paper to outline a heart shape or use a heart-shaped tray if available.
02 - Place small bowls of beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart.
03 - Distribute cheeses evenly in several areas within the heart, ensuring visual balance.
04 - Fold or roll cured meats and arrange them to emphasize the heart outline and add texture.
05 - Scatter strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds focusing on vibrant red and pink tones.
06 - Fill gaps with sliced mini red peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans.
07 - Add dark chocolate–covered almonds and optional heart-shaped candies for a romantic accent.
08 - Position crackers and bread slices along edges or in small piles within the heart shape.
09 - Ensure all spaces are filled to create a lush, abundant appearance. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it truly takes just 25 minutes—the perfect secret weapon for impressive entertaining
  • There's no cooking involved, which means even on your busiest days you can create something restaurant-worthy and romantic
  • Everyone finds something they love on the board, from cheese lovers to fruit enthusiasts to those who can't resist a bit of chocolate
  • It's naturally Instagram-worthy with those gorgeous reds and pinks, but more importantly, it tastes as beautiful as it looks
02 -
  • Remove your board from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving—cold cheese is tight and doesn't taste nearly as good as cheese at room temperature that's had a chance to open up
  • The order of assembly matters: always set your dips and firm items first, then add delicate fruits last so they stay vibrant and don't get crushed under the weight of everything else
  • If you're concerned about items sliding around, the parchment paper outline is your friend—it creates just enough texture for things to stay put without being noticeable
03 -
  • Quality matters more than quantity—one exceptional cheese is better than three mediocre ones. This board is small enough that every ingredient needs to earn its place
  • The psychological power of a well-arranged board is real; people will eat more slowly, savor more deeply, and linger longer when food is presented with this kind of care
  • If you're making this for someone special, a handwritten note tucked beside the board saying why you made it for them transforms it from a beautiful appetizer into a love letter
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