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 elegant assortment has been a hit at every gathering I've hosted, impressing guests with its balance and 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 Sharing this cracker tower has become a family favorite when friends come over for a casual evening.
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 cracker and preserve tower is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What types of crackers work best for this tower?
A combination of multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps provide varied textures and flavors.
- → Can cheeses be included in the tower?
Yes, placing sliced aged cheddar, creamy brie, and crumbled blue cheese nearby complements the preserves and crackers.
- → What preserves pair well with these crackers?
Fig jam, red onion marmalade, apricot preserves, and quince paste offer a balance of sweet and savory notes.
- → Are there any suggestions for garnishes?
Seedless red grapes, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots add freshness, crunch, and color contrast.
- → How long does preparation take?
The entire assembly takes about 15 minutes, with no cooking necessary, making it quick and easy to prepare.