Nautical Anchor Charcuterie (Printable)

Anchor-shaped spread with cheeses, smoked salmon, pretzels, fruits, and coastal-themed garnishes for summer entertaining.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz creamy brie, cut into wedges
02 - 4.2 oz herbed goat cheese, rolled into small balls
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled or sliced

→ Meats (optional)

04 - 4.2 oz smoked salmon slices
05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto

→ Breads & Crackers

06 - 3.5 oz large twisted pretzels (rope-like)
07 - 2.8 oz round water crackers
08 - 2.1 oz baguette slices

→ Fruits

09 - 3.5 oz blueberries
10 - 2.8 oz black grapes
11 - 1 small apple, sliced
12 - 1.8 oz dried apricots

→ Vegetables

13 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
14 - 2.8 oz sugar snap peas
15 - 1.8 oz radishes, halved

→ Dips & Spreads

16 - 2.8 oz whipped cream cheese tinted light blue with natural coloring
17 - 2.1 oz tzatziki or herbed yogurt dip

→ Accents & Garnishes

18 - 1.4 oz white chocolate seashells or candies (optional)
19 - Fresh dill sprigs or edible blue and white flowers

# How to make it:

01 - Choose a large wooden board or serving platter to build upon.
02 - Arrange large twisted pretzels in the center to create an anchor shape, overlapping to mimic a rope effect.
03 - Place bowls filled with whipped blue cream cheese and tzatziki at the ends and the eye of the anchor outline.
04 - Fill the anchor outline with clusters of cheeses and, if desired, smoked salmon and prosciutto, alternating for visual interest.
05 - Arrange blueberries and black grapes along the anchor’s outline and in gaps to enhance color contrast.
06 - Distribute cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, radishes, and apple slices around the anchor, maintaining the blue-and-white theme.
07 - Place water crackers and baguette slices around the perimeter for easy access.
08 - Decorate with white chocolate seashells, edible flowers, and fresh dill sprigs to evoke a seaside atmosphere.
09 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 30 minutes to assemble—no cooking required, just thoughtful arranging
  • Every guest finds something they love, from creamy brie to crisp crackers to juicy grapes
  • The nautical anchor shape becomes the conversation starter before anyone even takes a bite
  • It's naturally vegetarian-friendly and easily adapted for any dietary preference
02 -
  • Cut hard cheeses just before serving—once exposed to air, they start to oxidize and lose their delicate flavor complexity. This one lesson changed everything about how I approach boards.
  • If you're tinting cream cheese, start with the tiniest amount of spirulina or butterfly pea powder. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more color but can't take it back. I learned this the hard way with a very green anchor eye.
03 -
  • Invest in a truly beautiful wooden board—it's the foundation of everything, and a gorgeous one makes you want to fill it with care and intention every single time
  • Buy your cheeses from a good cheese counter where you can taste before you commit, and ask for help selecting ones that complement each other rather than compete
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