Arrowhead Directional Board (Printable Version)

A visually dynamic snack board with angled cheeses, meats, vegetables, and nuts converging at a central dip.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into triangles
02 - 3.5 oz brie, sliced into wedges
03 - 3.5 oz gouda, cut into strips

→ Meats (omit for vegetarian)

04 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced and folded

→ Fresh Produce

06 - 1 cup seedless grapes, cut into small clusters
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 small cucumber, sliced diagonally
09 - 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into strips

→ Crackers & Bread

10 - 1 cup artisan crackers
11 - 1 small baguette, sliced on the bias

→ Nuts & Extras

12 - ½ cup Marcona almonds
13 - ¼ cup dried apricots
14 - ¼ cup olives

→ Dips & Spreads

15 - 100 ml herbed hummus or whipped feta dip

# Directions:

01 - Place the dip bowl at one end or corner of the board to establish the arrowhead focal point.
02 - Fan out the cheese wedges and triangles from the opposite side, orienting their points toward the dip bowl.
03 - If using meats, fold and arrange slices in lines that direct attention toward the dip, maintaining the directional flow.
04 - Lay fresh produce, such as sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, grapes, and tomatoes, diagonally with all pieces angled toward the dip bowl.
05 - Position artisan crackers and baguette slices in radiating lines pointing to the dip, reinforcing the arrowhead design.
06 - Distribute Marcona almonds, dried apricots, and olives along the spaces between main elements, strengthening the directional pattern.
07 - Balance the composition by filling any gaps, ensuring all components maintain their angled alignment toward the dip bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive without requiring any cooking skills or hours of prep time
  • The directional arrangement naturally guides guests and creates an almost playful sense of discovery
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what you have on hand and dietary preferences
  • It works for intimate gatherings or larger parties without any fuss
02 -
  • Slice your cheeses and vegetables at least 30 minutes before serving so they come to room temperature and flavors bloom, but cover them loosely until guests arrive to prevent drying
  • The directional arrangement works best when you actually step back multiple times during assembly, because what feels right from above might not guide the eye from standing height where people actually view the board
03 -
  • Pre-chill your board in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembly if you're working in warm conditions, this keeps soft cheeses from softening and gives you more working time
  • Arrange everything except the smallest filler items first, then use olives, nuts, and dried fruit to fill gaps and reinforce your directional pattern, rather than arranging these elements first and working around them
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