Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter

Featured in: Warm Spiced Plates

This autumn-inspired platter combines a variety of cheeses including aged cheddar, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese, and smoked gouda. Fresh and dried fruits like apples, pears, grapes, apricots, and cranberries bring vibrant colors and natural sweetness. Nuts such as pecans and walnuts add texture and richness, while assorted crackers and sliced baguette provide a satisfying crunch. Drizzled honey and fragrant rosemary or thyme sprigs elevate the flavor. Garnished with decorative autumn leaves, this spread offers an inviting centerpiece perfect for seasonal gatherings served at room temperature.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Vibrant Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, a beautiful arrangement of cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a fall appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, a beautiful arrangement of cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a fall appetizer. | saffronmoss.com

A vibrant, seasonal cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers, artfully arranged with autumn leaves for a festive and elegant presentation.

I enjoy assembling this platter for gatherings because it always impresses guests and allows for easy customization.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar sliced, 150 g brie wedge, 150 g blue cheese wedge, 120 g goat cheese log sliced, 120 g smoked gouda sliced
  • Fruits: 1 ripe pear sliced, 1 small apple sliced, 1 bunch red grapes, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup raw pecans, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
  • Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced, 150 g assorted crackers
  • Garnishes: A handful of fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, Clean non-toxic autumn leaves for decoration (optional not for eating)

Instructions

Arrange Cheeses:
Arrange the cheeses evenly across a large wooden board or platter spacing them to allow for easy serving
Fan Fruits:
Fan out the apple and pear slices around the cheeses
Cluster Grapes:
Cluster the grapes in small bunches and scatter them across the board
Add Dried Fruits:
Add dried apricots and cranberries in small piles near the cheeses
Distribute Nuts:
Distribute pecans and walnuts in between the fruit and cheese groups
Place Crackers:
Place the sliced baguette and crackers around the edges of the board
Drizzle Honey:
Drizzle honey over the goat cheese or serve it in a small bowl with a spoon
Add Herbs:
Tuck in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for aroma and visual appeal
Garnish with Leaves:
Garnish the platter with clean non-toxic autumn leaves for a festive touch (remind guests the leaves are decorative only)
Serve:
Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor
Indulge in an Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, showcasing diverse cheeses alongside fresh pears, apples, and grapes. Save to Pinterest
Indulge in an Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, showcasing diverse cheeses alongside fresh pears, apples, and grapes. | saffronmoss.com

This platter always brings my family together especially during the colorful fall season when we enjoy nature and food alike

Optional Additions

Add cured meats such as prosciutto or salami for a non-vegetarian version and pair with crisp white wine or light red like Pinot Noir

Required Tools

Large wooden board or serving platter, cheese knives, small bowls for honey or spreads, bread knife

Allergen Information

Contains milk (cheese), gluten (bread some crackers), and tree nuts (pecans walnuts). Always check cheese cracker and bread labels for allergens or cross-contamination warnings

Taste the flavors of fall with this Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, a delightful mix of cheese, crackers, and honey. Save to Pinterest
Taste the flavors of fall with this Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter, a delightful mix of cheese, crackers, and honey. | saffronmoss.com

This cheese platter is an easy but elegant appetizer perfect for any seasonal gathering

Recipe FAQs

What cheeses work best on this platter?

Aged cheddar, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese, and smoked gouda provide a rich range of flavors and textures.

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?

Plant-based cheeses can replace dairy varieties, and honey can be omitted for a vegan-friendly option.

How should I arrange the platter for best presentation?

Space out cheeses evenly, fan fruit slices around them, cluster grapes, sprinkle nuts in between, and surround edges with crackers and bread.

Are the autumn leaves edible?

The autumn leaves are for decoration only and should not be eaten; ensure they are clean and non-toxic.

What beverages pair well with this spread?

A crisp white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the varied flavors beautifully.

Autumn Leaf Cheese Platter

Seasonal cheese and fruit board accented with nuts, crackers, and autumn leaves for elegant serving.

Prep Steps Duration
25 min
0
Overall Time Required
25 min
Created by Leah Winslow

Dish Type Warm Spiced Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Servings Made 7 Number of Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz aged cheddar, sliced
02 5.3 oz brie, wedge
03 5.3 oz blue cheese, wedge
04 4.2 oz goat cheese log, sliced
05 4.2 oz smoked gouda, sliced

Fruits

01 1 ripe pear, sliced
02 1 small apple, sliced
03 1 bunch red grapes
04 ½ cup dried apricots
05 ¼ cup dried cranberries

Nuts & Extras

01 ½ cup raw pecans
02 ½ cup walnuts
03 ¼ cup honey (for drizzling)

Crackers & Bread

01 1 baguette, sliced
02 5.3 oz assorted crackers

Garnishes

01 A handful of fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
02 Clean, non-toxic autumn leaves for decoration (not for consumption)

How to Make It

Step 01

Arrange cheeses: Place sliced and wedge cheeses evenly across a large wooden board or platter, leaving space for comfortable serving.

Step 02

Add fresh fruit: Fan out the sliced apple and pear around the cheeses to complement flavors and add visual appeal.

Step 03

Position grapes: Cluster red grapes into small bunches and distribute across the board for balance and color.

Step 04

Incorporate dried fruits: Arrange dried apricots and cranberries in small piles adjacent to the cheeses to introduce sweetness.

Step 05

Scatter nuts: Distribute raw pecans and walnuts evenly between fruit and cheese sections for texture contrast.

Step 06

Place crackers and bread: Arrange baguette slices and assorted crackers around the perimeter of the board to complete the selection.

Step 07

Drizzle honey: Drizzle honey over the goat cheese or serve it alongside in a small bowl with a spoon for guest preference.

Step 08

Add fresh herbs: Insert fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs throughout the board to enhance aroma and visual interest.

Step 09

Garnish with leaves: Decorate the platter with clean, non-toxic autumn leaves for a festive presentation, informing guests they are decorative only.

Step 10

Serve: Present immediately at room temperature to maximize flavor and enjoyment.

Equipment List

  • Large wooden board or serving platter
  • Cheese knives
  • Small bowls for honey or spreads
  • Bread knife

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy cheeses), gluten (baguette and some crackers), and tree nuts (pecans and walnuts).
  • Check labels of cheeses, crackers, and bread for cross-contamination or allergen warnings.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Only use this info for reference—it won't replace expert advice.
  • Calorie Content: 380
  • Amount of Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein Amount: 13 g