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 was a hit at my last gathering—guests loved the combination of flavors and the elegant presentation
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 This recipe always sparks lively conversations and shared moments as everyone picks their favorite combinations
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, without cheese: Calories 210, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 4 g
Save This elegant appetizer tower adds style and flavor to any gathering
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of crackers work best for this tower?
Multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps provide varied textures and flavors that complement the preserves.
- → Can I include cheeses with the cracker tower?
Yes, sliced aged cheddar, creamy brie, and crumbled blue cheese pair wonderfully, adding depth and richness.
- → How should the preserves be served?
Place preserves like fig jam, apricot, quince paste, and red onion marmalade in small bowls around the cracker stack for easy spreading.
- → Are there suitable fruit and nut pairings recommended?
Seedless grapes, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots add freshness and texture, enhancing the overall presentation.
- → What tools are needed to assemble the tower?
A large serving board or platter, small ramekins for preserves, and cheese knives or spreaders make assembly and serving simple.
- → Can this tower be adapted for gluten-free guests?
Absolutely, substituting with gluten-free crackers ensures inclusivity while maintaining the delightful tower arrangement.