Yin-Yang Appetizer Board (Printable)

A visually striking board with blackberries dividing light and dark cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dividing Line

01 - 5.3 oz fresh blackberries

→ Light Side

02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese (chevre), sliced
03 - 3.5 oz young Manchego or white cheddar, cubed
04 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
05 - 1.8 oz white grapes
06 - 1.1 oz raw almonds
07 - 1.1 oz rice crackers or light-colored crackers

→ Dark Side

08 - 3.5 oz aged blue cheese, sliced
09 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, cubed
10 - 1 small black plum, thinly sliced
11 - 1.8 oz red or black grapes
12 - 1.1 oz roasted hazelnuts
13 - 1.1 oz dark rye crisps or seeded crackers

→ Garnishes

14 - Fresh mint leaves
15 - Edible flowers (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Place a large, round serving board on your work surface.
02 - Arrange the blackberries in a curved line across the center of the board, mimicking the yin-yang divide.
03 - On one side of the blackberry curve, neatly arrange the light cheeses, pear slices, white grapes, almonds, and light crackers.
04 - On the opposite side, arrange the dark cheeses, plum slices, red or black grapes, hazelnuts, and dark crackers.
05 - Add mint leaves and edible flowers for visual contrast and freshness.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the balance of flavors and colors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes only twenty minutes, making you look far more effortful than you actually were.
  • The flavor journey is built into the visual—you naturally taste light and dark together, discovering how each side makes the other taste better.
  • No cooking required means you can throw it together while wearing whatever you want, stress-free.
02 -
  • Slice your pear and plum as close to serving time as possible—they oxidize quickly, and browning ruins the visual magic you've created.
  • Keep everything at room temperature; cold cheese tastes muted, and the whole point is tasting how the flavors actually work together.
  • The blackberries aren't just decoration—they're meant to be eaten with the cheeses, so choose them carefully and don't hesitate to snack one while building the board.
03 -
  • Buy the blackberries two days before and store them unwashed in a paper towel-lined container—they'll stay fresher and hold their shape better on the board.
  • If your board doesn't have naturally smooth surfaces, use parchment paper as a base to prevent cheese oils from staining; it also makes cleanup easier and looks intentional.
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