Maple Leaf Grazing Tray

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Plates

This vibrant seasonal tray is artfully arranged in a maple leaf shape, combining aged cheddars, brie, goat cheese, savory charcuterie, fresh grapes, apples, pears, and dried cranberries. Accents of maple-glazed pecans, walnuts, honey, and fig jam add layers of texture and flavor. Crackers and baguette slices outline the design while rosemary sprigs and edible flowers provide a fresh garnish. With quick preparation and vegetarian options, this spread is perfect for autumn gatherings and pairs well with a dry Riesling or sparkling cider.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:12:00 GMT
Beautifully arranged Maple Leaf Grazing Tray, overflowing with delicious cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for autumn. Save
Beautifully arranged Maple Leaf Grazing Tray, overflowing with delicious cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for autumn. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A vibrant, seasonal grazing tray arranged in the shape of a maple leaf featuring an assortment of cheeses charcuterie fruits nuts and crackers perfect for autumn entertaining

This grazing tray became my family's favorite fall appetizer perfect for parties and cozy gatherings

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g brie sliced 100 g goat cheese crumbled
  • Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g prosciutto folded 100 g salami sliced 100 g smoked turkey rolled
  • Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved 1 cup green grapes halved 1 apple sliced 1 pear sliced ½ cup dried cranberries
  • Nuts & Extras: ½ cup maple-glazed pecans ½ cup walnuts ¼ cup honey ¼ cup fig jam
  • Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced 200 g assorted crackers
  • Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large board or tray outline the shape of a maple leaf using parchment paper or by arranging crackers and bread as a guide
Step 2:
Arrange cheeses evenly throughout the maple leaf shape
Step 3:
Artfully fold and place charcuterie slices around the cheeses filling in gaps
Step 4:
Fill in spaces with grapes apple and pear slices and dried cranberries for color contrast
Step 5:
Scatter maple-glazed pecans and walnuts throughout the tray
Step 6:
Place small bowls of honey and fig jam on the board
Step 7:
Add crackers and baguette slices along the edges and within the shape to maintain the maple leaf outline
Step 8:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers if desired
Step 9:
Serve immediately replenishing items as needed
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| meanwhilerecipe.com

Gathering around this tray always sparks joyful conversations and shared smiles

Required Tools

Large serving board or tray Small bowls for honey and jam Cheese knives Paring knife

Allergen Information

Contains Milk cheese Tree nuts pecans walnuts Gluten crackers bread Some charcuterie may contain allergens like mustard check labels For nut-free or gluten-free needs substitute as appropriate and ensure all packaged items are labeled allergen-free

Nutritional Information

Calories ~320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 12 g

Sensory view of a vibrant Maple Leaf Grazing Tray: cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts make a festive appetizer. Save
Sensory view of a vibrant Maple Leaf Grazing Tray: cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts make a festive appetizer. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This meat leaves a charming impression and is easy to assemble for any occasion

Recipe FAQ

How can I keep apple and pear slices from browning?

Toss slices in lemon juice before arranging to prevent browning and maintain freshness.

What cheeses are best for this tray?

Aged cheddar, brie, and goat cheese provide a balanced mix of creamy, sharp, and tangy flavors.

Can this tray accommodate a vegetarian diet?

Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add marinated vegetables or extra cheeses for variety.

What nuts complement the flavors here?

Maple-glazed pecans and walnuts add a sweet and earthy crunch that pairs nicely with the fruits and cheeses.

What beverages pair well with this tray?

Dry Riesling or sparkling cider enhance the tray’s flavors and provide a refreshing balance.

How should the tray be assembled to keep the maple leaf shape?

Use parchment or crackers and bread as a guide to outline the maple leaf, arranging ingredients within and along the edges.

Maple Leaf Grazing Tray

Seasonal tray arranged as a maple leaf with cheeses, fruits, nuts, charcuterie, and crackers, ideal for fall entertaining.

Time to Prepare
25 mins
Time to Cook
1 mins
Complete Time
26 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Weekend Comfort Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type North American

Makes 9 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
02 3.5 oz brie, sliced
03 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option)

01 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded
02 3.5 oz salami, sliced
03 3.5 oz smoked turkey, rolled

Fruits

01 1 cup red grapes, halved
02 1 cup green grapes, halved
03 1 apple, sliced
04 1 pear, sliced
05 ½ cup dried cranberries

Nuts & Extras

01 ½ cup maple-glazed pecans
02 ½ cup walnuts
03 ¼ cup honey
04 ¼ cup fig jam

Crackers & Bread

01 1 baguette, sliced
02 7 oz assorted crackers

Garnishes

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 Edible flowers (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Create maple leaf outline: Using parchment paper or by arranging crackers and bread, outline the shape of a maple leaf on a large serving board or tray.

Step 02

Arrange cheeses: Distribute the cubed cheddar, sliced brie, and crumbled goat cheese evenly within the maple leaf shape.

Step 03

Add charcuterie: Fold and place prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey slices around the cheeses to fill gaps, or omit for the vegetarian option.

Step 04

Incorporate fruits: Fill remaining spaces with halved grapes, apple and pear slices (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning), and dried cranberries for vibrant color contrast.

Step 05

Scatter nuts: Distribute maple-glazed pecans and walnuts throughout the tray for added texture and flavor.

Step 06

Add sweet accompaniments: Place small bowls containing honey and fig jam on the board within the maple leaf area.

Step 07

Arrange crackers and bread: Position the sliced baguette and assorted crackers along the edges and inside the shape to reinforce the maple leaf outline.

Step 08

Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible flowers. Serve immediately, replenishing items as necessary.

Tools Needed

  • Large serving board or tray
  • Small bowls for honey and jam
  • Cheese knives
  • Paring knife

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (pecans, walnuts), and gluten (crackers, bread).
  • Some charcuterie may contain allergens such as mustard; verify product labels.
  • For nut-free or gluten-free requirements, substitute ingredients accordingly ensuring allergen-free packaging.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 320
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 12 g