Pin It I'll never forget the first time I made a heart-shaped board for someone special. It was February 14th, and I wanted to create something that felt personal, not store-bought. As I arranged those ruby-red strawberries and creamy brie wedges into a heart outline, I realized this wasn't just about the food—it was about showing someone they mattered through thoughtful presentation. That board became a tradition, and now whenever I need to impress, I reach for this arrangement that always feels like a love letter made of cheese and fruit.
I remember my friend gasping when she saw this board at a dinner party I hosted last spring. She literally pulled out her phone to photograph it before touching anything. That moment taught me that food arranged with intention and color in mind becomes an experience, not just sustenance. Now she requests this board at every gathering, and honestly, I think the presentation is half the reason everyone comes.
Ingredients
- Brie, 100 g in wedges: Choose a high-quality brie that's ripe but not oversoft—you want it creamy but shapeable. The pale ivory color looks beautiful against the red fruits, and the richness balances the tart raspberries perfectly.
- Goat cheese, 100 g shaped into small rounds: Creamy, tangy, and it holds its shape beautifully when rolled into little logs or rounds. This is the cheese that adds sophistication and a slight tang that guests never expect.
- Manchego, 100 g thinly sliced: A firm Spanish cheese with a golden hue that adds visual depth to your board. It's nutty and slightly salty, giving you another flavor dimension beyond the soft cheeses.
- Prosciutto, 80 g folded: Buy this sliced thin from the deli counter if possible. When you fold it casually, it catches light and looks wonderfully elegant. The salty umami is essential for balance.
- Salami, 80 g rolled: Choose a good quality salami with visible fat marbling—it signals freshness and flavor. Roll it loosely so each piece looks inviting and shows off its beautiful texture.
- Coppa, 60 g fanned out: This Italian ham has a gorgeous marbled appearance. When you fan it slightly, it becomes a visual anchor point on your board and adds another layer of savory richness.
- Strawberries, 1 cup halved: The star of the color story. Choose ripe but firm berries and halve them just before assembling so they stay fresh and juice doesn't run everywhere.
- Raspberries, 1 cup: Delicate and precious-looking, they scatter beautifully to fill gaps. Add these last or they'll get crushed under your hands.
- Red grapes, 1 cup halved: They stay plump and perfect for hours, making them reliable for boards that sit out. Halving them shows off their jewel-like interior.
- Pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup: These tiny rubies are the finishing touch that makes people say wow. They add texture, tartness, and they catch the light like nothing else.
- Mini sweet red peppers, 8–10 sliced: Crisp, sweet, and visually stunning. Slice them open to show the cavity inside—it's an interesting visual element and makes them feel gourmet.
- Cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup halved: Fresh and bright, they add another shade of red and a juicy burst of flavor. Halve them just before serving to prevent weeping.
- Pink beet hummus, 1/2 cup: The secret weapon for color coordination. That natural pink from the beets ties the whole board together and gives you a creamy dip that feels intentional, not like an afterthought.
- Red pepper jelly, 1/2 cup: Sweet, slightly spicy, and the color is absolutely gorgeous. It's the dip that makes people pause and ask what it is—conversation starter built in.
- Candied pecans, 1/2 cup: Crunchy, sweet, slightly salty—they're the textural secret that makes people keep reaching back for more. Make sure they're truly candied, not just roasted.
- Dark chocolate–covered almonds, 1/2 cup: The romance touch. Dark chocolate with the snap of an almond is sophisticated enough for date night but fun enough for casual entertaining.
- Heart-shaped crackers or thinly sliced baguette, 1 cup: The vehicle for everything else. If you can find actual heart crackers, they complete the theme. If not, thin baguette slices work beautifully and feel more artisanal.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Lay out your large platter or board on a clean surface. If you're using parchment paper to outline a heart shape, trace it gently with a pencil or marker so you have a guide. If you have an actual heart-shaped tray or board, you're already halfway to magic. This is your canvas—take a moment to imagine how you want the colors to flow.
- Anchor with the spreads:
- Place small bowls of your beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart where they'll catch eyes first. These aren't just condiments; they're color statements. Make sure they sit stable and won't tip.
- Build with cheese:
- Arrange your three cheeses in separate areas, spacing them around the heart for visual balance. Don't cluster them all in one spot. Position the pale brie, the creamy goat cheese rounds, and golden manchego slices so they create rhythm as the eye moves across the board.
- Add the meats with intention:
- This is where drama happens. Fold your prosciutto loosely so it looks airy and delicate. Roll the salami into loose spirals. Fan out the coppa so its marbled pattern shows. Place these strategically along the heart outline to emphasize its shape and add layers of texture.
- Paint with fruit:
- Scatter strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds as if you're painting. Focus on creating pockets of brilliant red and deep crimson throughout. These jewel tones are what make people stop and stare. Leave some gaps still—you're not done yet.
- Fill the landscape:
- Tuck mini peppers, cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans into the remaining spaces. This step feels like a puzzle, and that's exactly right. You're looking for balance—not too empty, not too crowded. Think of it as arranging flowers.
- Scatter the luxuries:
- Dot the dark chocolate-covered almonds around the board for sophistication. If you're using heart-shaped candies, place them purposefully—maybe in the very center or along the outline. These small touches are what transform a board into an experience.
- Edge with bread:
- Arrange your heart-shaped crackers or baguette slices along the perimeter or in small leaning piles within the heart. They should look inviting and accessible, like the first thing someone would reach for.
- Assess and adjust:
- Step back and look at your creation. Are there any bare spots? Any areas that feel too crowded? Make small adjustments. Fill gaps with a few more raspberries or a candied pecan. This is the moment where your board becomes beautiful—when you trust your eye and make those final tweaks.
- Serve with confidence:
- Bring your board to the table and present it with pride. Watch people's faces light up. This moment is the real reward.
Pin It The night I made this board for my partner's birthday, they actually cried. Not because it was food, but because it represented thought, care, and the message that they were worth the effort. That's when I understood that a beautiful board is really about love, dressed up in cheese and fruit.
Making It Vegetarian
Simply omit all the cured meats and add roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes in their place. The board loses nothing in elegance—honestly, sometimes it feels even more elegant with just cheese, fruit, and vegetables. The beauty of this arrangement is that it's adaptable. Your vegetarian guests shouldn't have a diminished experience, and with this board, they won't.
Pairing This Board with Drinks
A sparkling rosé is absolutely the dream pairing—the bubbles cut through the richness of the cheese while the slight sweetness complements the fruit. If you prefer still wine, a light Pinot Noir works beautifully without overwhelming the delicate flavors. And if your crowd is non-drinkers, cold sparkling water with berries or a light fruit juice makes the board feel celebratory without the alcohol.
Transforming Good Into Extra Special
The little touches are what transform a nice board into one that feels truly special and thoughtful. Here are the secrets I've learned that make the difference:
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut your cheeses or even some of your baguette slices—these tiny details show someone you cared enough to go that extra step
- Arrange your board the day before if you're nervous, keeping everything covered in the fridge until the last moment—this removes stress and guarantees you'll present it with confidence
- Add edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums if you can find them—they're the final touch that makes people think you're a chef when really you're just thoughtful
Pin It This board isn't just food; it's an invitation to slow down and savor something beautiful together. Whether it's for romance, celebration, or simply because you wanted to make someone smile, this is the arrangement that always delivers.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the board into a heart?
Use parchment paper to outline a heart on your serving surface or utilize a heart-shaped tray for easy arrangement.
- → Can I make this board vegetarian?
Yes, omit cured meats and add roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes to maintain richness and color balance.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Brie, goat cheese formed into rounds, and thinly sliced manchego provide a creamy and flavorful variety.
- → Which accompaniments enhance the board's flavor and appearance?
Beet hummus, red pepper jelly, candied pecans, and chocolate-covered almonds add vibrant color and diverse textures.
- → What drinks pair well with this board?
A sparkling rosé or a light Pinot Noir complement the fruity and savory elements beautifully.
- → How should I arrange the fruits and vegetables?
Scatter strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds, mini sweet red peppers, and cherry tomatoes to fill spaces and enhance the romantic red and pink theme.