Anchor Nautical Charcuterie Board (Printable Version)

Coastal-inspired anchor-shaped board with cheeses, fruits, and rope-like pretzels for a vibrant summer spread.

# 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, omit for vegetarian)

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/white flowers

# How To Make It:

01 - Select a large wooden board or serving platter as the base.
02 - Position large twisted pretzels centrally to form an anchor shape, overlapping to simulate rope texture.
03 - Set small bowls with whipped blue cream cheese and tzatziki at the anchor’s eye and ends.
04 - Fill the anchor’s outline with clusters of cheeses and optional smoked salmon and prosciutto, alternating for visual appeal.
05 - Distribute blueberries and black grapes along the anchor outline and fill spaces to enhance coastal colors.
06 - Place cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, radishes, and apple slices around the anchor, maintaining the blue-and-white theme.
07 - Scatter water crackers and baguette slices outside the anchor for easy access.
08 - Decorate with optional white chocolate seashells, fresh dill sprigs, and edible flowers for a seaside touch.
09 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 30 minutes to create—no cooking required, which means you can focus entirely on the artistry
  • The anchor shape is a conversation starter that immediately transports your guests to a seaside escape, no matter where you're serving it
  • You get to customize it completely: vegetarian, pescatarian, or traditional—everyone at your table will find something they love
  • It's the rare appetizer that feels both effortless and impressive, giving you back your evening while you enjoy your guests
02 -
  • The order of placement matters enormously—arrange your structure first (pretzels and dips), then your lasting elements (cheeses, meats), then finally your delicate pieces (berries, fresh vegetables). This way, nothing gets crushed or displaced as you work.
  • Chill everything except the dips for at least 30 minutes before arranging. Cold cheeses hold their shape, cold fruits stay firm, and the entire board will last longer on your table without everything starting to soften and slide around.
  • If you're tinting cream cheese naturally, mix the coloring agent into the whipped cheese thoroughly and let it sit for 15 minutes so the color develops and deepens—it's always more vibrant than you think it will be at first.
  • Don't assemble this more than 2 hours before serving. Crackers start absorbing moisture, fresh fruits begin to oxidize, and the whole composition loses its crisp, intentional feeling. This board is best enjoyed within a couple hours of creation.
03 -
  • If your pretzel outline starts looking too uniform, rotate a few pretzels in different directions—it creates movement and makes the whole thing feel less staged and more alive.
  • Keep a small damp cloth nearby while you're building. If you accidentally smudge or drop something, a quick wipe keeps your board looking pristine and intentional.
  • The moment guests start eating, the board stops being art and starts being food—and that's exactly when it becomes its best self. Don't stress about keeping it perfect; watch people enjoy it instead.
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