Save A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
This cracker and preserve tower has always been a hit at our gatherings, adding sophistication with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 100 g (3.5 oz) multigrain crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) seeded whole wheat crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) classic water crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) rosemary olive oil crisps
- Preserves & Spreads: 100 g (3.5 oz) fig jam, 100 g (3.5 oz) red onion marmalade, 100 g (3.5 oz) apricot preserves, 100 g (3.5 oz) quince paste
- Cheeses (optional, for pairing): 120 g (4 oz) aged cheddar sliced, 120 g (4 oz) creamy brie sliced, 120 g (4 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 firm pear sliced, ½ cup toasted walnuts, ½ cup dried apricots
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the assorted crackers in vertical stacks or a cascading tower on a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Step 2:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Step 3:
- Arrange cheese slices or wedges near the preserves for easy pairing (if using).
- Step 4:
- Garnish the board with grapes, pear slices, walnuts, and dried apricots for color and texture.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, providing cheese knives and small spreaders for easy access.
Save Our family enjoys assembling the tower together which makes for a fun and interactive start to any event.
Notes
Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation. Substitute nuts or fruits based on seasonality or allergies.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter. Small bowls or ramekins. Cheese knives and spreaders.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (crackers) dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). Preserves may contain traces of nuts or other allergens& always check labels if unsure.
Save This gourmet cracker tower is an effortless way to impress guests and elevate any party spread.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of crackers are best for this tower?
Using a variety like multigrain, seeded whole wheat, water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps provides diverse textures and flavors.
- → Can this be adapted for gluten-free needs?
Yes, substitute the regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- → What spreads pair well with the crackers?
Fig jam, red onion marmalade, apricot preserves, and quince paste offer a balance of sweetness and tang perfect for pairing.
- → Are cheeses necessary for this arrangement?
Cheeses like aged cheddar, brie, or blue cheese are optional but add richness and complement the preserves nicely.
- → How can I enhance the presentation of the tower?
Arrange fruits such as seedless grapes and sliced pear, then garnish with toasted walnuts and dried apricots for color and texture contrast.
- → What tools help in assembling the tower?
A large serving board, small ramekins for spreads, and cheese knives or spreaders make assembly neat and convenient.