Arrowhead Directional Board (Printable view)

An angled board featuring cheeses, meats, and produce focused toward a dip bowl for a lively presentation.

# What You Need:

→ 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 in a small bowl

# How To Make:

01 - Place the dip bowl at one end or corner of the board to establish the arrowhead point.
02 - Arrange cheese wedges and triangles so their points face the dip bowl, fanning out from the opposite side.
03 - If using, position folded meats in lines aiming toward the dip, preserving the visual flow.
04 - Lay vegetables and fruit diagonally, ensuring all slices and clusters angle toward the dip bowl.
05 - Arrange crackers and bread slices in radiating lines pointing at the dip.
06 - Distribute nuts, dried apricots, and olives along the lines between main components to enhance the directional pattern.
07 - Adjust components for balance and fill gaps as needed, maintaining all items angled toward the dip bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • People stop talking and start staring when you bring this to the table because it looks almost too beautiful to eat
  • The directional arrangement makes it feel intentional and special, like you spent hours planning when really it takes just 25 minutes
  • Everyone finds themselves naturally drawn to the center dip, making it the gathering point that brings people together
  • You can easily customize it vegetarian, gluten-free, or around any dietary preference without losing the visual impact
02 -
  • Assemble this board no more than 4 hours before serving because crackers soften, cheese begins to dry, and fresh items wilt. If you must make it earlier, keep ingredients covered separately and arrange them just before guests arrive.
  • The dip bowl's placement is everything. A bowl placed off-center or in a cramped spot will make the entire arrangement feel chaotic no matter how perfectly you angle the other elements. Take a moment to choose the right position before you begin.
  • Soft cheeses like brie need to be cold when you slice them or they'll lose their shape. Keep them in the refrigerator until the very last moment, then work quickly and use a warm knife for clean cuts.
03 -
  • Use a large board—at least 14 by 10 inches—so you have room to create the directional flow without cramping components. A crowded board loses its visual impact entirely.
  • If you're serving this for more than 8 people, make two smaller boards rather than one massive one. Two arrow-pointed boards create visual interest and ensure everyone can reach components without reaching across others.
  • Keep your dip bowl slightly elevated or use one with a pedestal base. This makes it a true focal point rather than just another component sitting on the board.
  • Taste your dip before serving and adjust seasoning generously. It's the destination everyone's arrows point to, so it needs to be genuinely delicious and worth the journey.
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