Assisi Olive & Cheese Board
Inspired by the warm hospitality of central Italy, this Assisi-style antipasto board features an inviting assortment of olives, artisan cheeses, dried fruits, toasted nuts, fresh fruit, preserves, and rustic bread. Designed for sharing, it encourages relaxed conversation and communal dining.
Servings 8
Calories 390kcal
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 6 oz aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cut into chunks
- 6 oz Pecorino Romano sliced
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
Olives
- 1 cup Castelvetrano olives
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup oil-cured black olives
Fruits
- 1 cup dried figs
- ½ cup dried apricots
- 1 cup fresh grapes
- 2 ripe pears sliced
Nuts
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ½ cup roasted almonds
Accompaniments
- ½ cup fig preserves
- ¼ cup local honey
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Bread & Crackers
- 1 rustic Italian artisan loaf sliced
- Whole grain crackers or crispbread optional
Optional Extras
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Cherry tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil for dipping
- Aged balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Board
- Choose a large wooden serving board or platter.
- Place three small bowls on the board for:
- olives
- fig preserves
- honey
- Arrange the Cheeses
- Position each cheese in separate sections.
- Leave enough room for guests to slice or serve themselves.
- Add Fruits
- Arrange:
- grapes
- pear slices
- dried figs
- dried apricots
- around the cheeses.
- Fill with Nuts
- Scatter walnuts and almonds throughout the board to fill empty spaces.
- Add Bread
- Arrange sliced artisan bread along one side of the board.
- Add crackers if desired.
- Garnish
- Finish with:
- rosemary sprigs
- thyme sprigs
- Serve immediately.
Notes
High Power Suggestions
For a High Power serving board, consider:- Use sprouted grain or high-protein artisan bread.
- Offer fresh seasonal fruit in place of some dried fruit to reduce concentrated sugars.
- Include raw vegetables such as cucumber, celery, bell peppers, and radishes.
- Add hummus or white bean dip for additional plant-based protein.
- Include roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios for extra texture.
- Drizzle cheeses lightly with high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Estimated Nutrition Facts (FDA Format)
Serving Size: Approximately 1/8 of the board (excluding optional extras)Servings Per Container: 8
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 390
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 24 g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 610 mg | 27% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30 g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | 14% |
| Total Sugars | 15 g | |
| Includes Added Sugars | 4 g | 8% |
| Protein | 16 g |
Key Vitamins & Minerals (Approximate)
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg (0%)
- Calcium: 340 mg (25%)
- Iron: 2 mg (10%)
- Potassium: 380 mg (8%)
Ingredient Functionality
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Provides a firm texture and rich, savory flavor.
- Pecorino Romano: Adds a sharp, salty contrast that pairs well with fruit.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Offers a mild, creamy balance to the aged cheeses.
- Mixed Olives: Contribute briny, savory flavors and a variety of textures.
- Dried Figs & Apricots: Add concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that complement the cheeses.
- Fresh Pears & Grapes: Provide juicy freshness and natural sweetness.
- Walnuts & Almonds: Add crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
- Fig Preserves & Honey: Offer sweet accompaniments that pair beautifully with aged cheeses.
- Fresh Herbs: Enhance the presentation with aroma and color.
- Rustic Bread: Serves as the traditional base for enjoying the cheeses and accompaniments.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cheeses, olives, and fruit separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Bread: Best enjoyed fresh. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Nuts: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
