Save A sophisticated appetizer featuring a variety of artisanal crackers, paired with gourmet preserves and accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or elevating a cheese board.
This cracker and preserve tower is always a hit at gatherings where I want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 100 g (3.5 oz) multigrain crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) seeded whole wheat crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) classic water crackers, 100 g (3.5 oz) rosemary olive oil crisps
- Preserves & Spreads: 100 g (3.5 oz) fig jam, 100 g (3.5 oz) red onion marmalade, 100 g (3.5 oz) apricot preserves, 100 g (3.5 oz) quince paste
- Cheeses (optional, for pairing): 120 g (4 oz) aged cheddar sliced, 120 g (4 oz) creamy brie sliced, 120 g (4 oz) blue cheese crumbled
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 firm pear sliced, ½ cup toasted walnuts, ½ cup dried apricots
Instructions
- Arrange Crackers:
- Arrange the assorted crackers in vertical stacks or a cascading tower on a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Prepare Preserves:
- Spoon each preserve or jam into small ramekins or bowls, and place them around the cracker tower.
- Add Cheese:
- Arrange cheese slices or wedges near the preserves for easy pairing (if using).
- Garnish:
- Garnish the board with grapes, pear slices, walnuts, and dried apricots for color and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing cheese knives and small spreaders for easy access.
Save My family loves gathering around this cracker tower during holidays and special occasions.
Notes
For gluten-free guests, include gluten-free crackers. Pair with a crisp white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc) or a light red (e.g., Pinot Noir). Add cured meats for a charcuterie variation. Substitute nuts or fruits based on seasonality or allergies.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls or ramekins, cheese knives and spreaders.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (crackers), dairy (cheese), and tree nuts (walnuts). Preserves may contain traces of nuts or other allergens always check labels if unsure.
Save 
Enjoy this elegant and easy-to-assemble appetizer that impresses without stress.
Questions & Answers
- → What types of crackers work best for this tower?
Multigrain, seeded whole wheat, classic water crackers, and rosemary olive oil crisps offer a diverse texture and flavor profile, enhancing the tasting experience.
- → Can cheese be included with the preserves and crackers?
Yes, sliced aged cheddar, creamy brie, and crumbled blue cheese complement the preserves and add richness to the board.
- → How should the preserves be served alongside the crackers?
Preserves are best spooned into small ramekins placed around the cracker tower, allowing easy access for spreading.
- → What fruits and nuts pair well with the crackers and preserves?
Seedless red grapes, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and dried apricots add color, texture, and subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- → Are there variations for dietary preferences or restrictions?
Gluten-free crackers can be substituted for guests with sensitivities, and cured meats can be added for a charcuterie-style twist.