Rugby Ball Cheese Board

Featured in: Western Fresh Plates

This elegant platter arranges a selection of French cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, and optional charcuterie in the shape of a rugby ball. The oval presentation includes wedges of Comté, Brie, Chèvre rounds, and crumbled Roquefort, accented by grapes, sliced pears, apples, walnuts, and dried apricots for vibrant texture and flavor. Decorative white cheese strips mimic lacing down the center, while rosemary sprigs add freshness around the edges. Served alongside baguette slices, crackers, and fig jam, this spread suits easy yet impressive gatherings, especially sports-themed events.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:55:00 GMT
Rugby ball cheese board overflowing with cheeses, fruits, and nuts, perfect for appetizers. Save
Rugby ball cheese board overflowing with cheeses, fruits, and nuts, perfect for appetizers. | epicurestates.com

A playful and elegant cheese board arranged in the shape of a rugby ball—perfect for sports gatherings and cheese lovers alike. This creative platter features a selection of French cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, and charcuterie, beautifully presented for maximum impact.

This cheese board has been a hit at every party I&ve hosted, bringing both elegance and fun to the table.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g Comté, cut into wedges 150 g Roquefort, crumbled 150 g Brie, sliced 100 g Chèvre (goat cheese), in rounds
  • Charcuterie (optional): 100 g saucisson sec, sliced 100 g prosciutto, folded
  • Fresh Fruit: 1 bunch red grapes 1 small pear, sliced 1 small apple, sliced
  • Accompaniments: 40 g walnuts 40 g dried apricots 40 g fig jam 1 baguette, sliced Crackers, as desired
  • Garnish & Decoration: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for greenery) 2 strips of white cheese (e.g., mozzarella or goat cheese) for lacing design

Instructions

Arrange cheese:
On a large oval wooden board or platter, arrange the cheese wedges, rounds, and slices in an oval rugby ball shape.
Fill gaps:
Fill gaps with grapes, pear and apple slices, interspersing nuts and dried apricots for color and texture.
Add charcuterie:
Place the charcuterie slices along the outer edge or integrate with the cheeses if desired.
Create lacing:
Use two strips of white cheese to create the rugby balls lacing down the center. Optionally, use thin strips of cheese or chives for horizontal stitches.
Garnish:
Garnish with fresh rosemary around the edge for a grassy effect.
Serve:
Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, and fig jam on the side.
Festive rugby ball cheese board, showcasing diverse cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruit delights. Save
Festive rugby ball cheese board, showcasing diverse cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruit delights. | epicurestates.com

Our family enjoys gathering around this board, sharing stories and savoring each bite together.

Required Tools

Large oval or rectangular wooden board Cheese knife Small bowls for jam and nuts Serving tongs or forks

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese) Gluten (bread some crackers) Tree nuts (walnuts) May contain Sulfites (dried fruit some charcuterie) Check all labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 330 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 13 g per serving

Vibrant rugby ball cheese board, a delicious spread featuring French cheeses with fruit and jam. Save
Vibrant rugby ball cheese board, a delicious spread featuring French cheeses with fruit and jam. | epicurestates.com

Serve fresh and arrange just before guests arrive for the best presentation.

Recipe FAQs

Which cheeses work best for this platter?

French varieties like Comté, Roquefort, Brie, and Chèvre provide a balanced mix of textures and flavors suited for the oval arrangement.

Can charcuterie be omitted?

Yes, the platter remains flavorful and vegetarian-friendly without charcuterie, focusing on cheeses, fruit, and nuts.

How do I create the rugby ball shape?

Arrange cheeses in an oval on a wooden board, fill gaps with fruit and nuts, and add white cheese strips down the center to mimic lacing.

What accompaniments pair well with this spread?

Sliced baguette, crackers, fig jam, and fresh rosemary complement the flavors and textures beautifully.

What wines complement this board?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir enhances the cheese and fruit flavors without overpowering them.

Rugby Ball Cheese Board

A playful oval platter combining French cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, and charcuterie with decorative touches.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage French

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz Comté, cut into wedges
02 5.3 oz Roquefort, crumbled
03 5.3 oz Brie, sliced
04 3.5 oz Chèvre (goat cheese), in rounds

Charcuterie (optional)

01 3.5 oz saucisson sec, sliced
02 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded

Fresh Fruit

01 1 bunch red grapes
02 1 small pear, sliced
03 1 small apple, sliced

Accompaniments

01 1.4 oz walnuts
02 1.4 oz dried apricots
03 1.4 oz fig jam
04 1 baguette, sliced
05 Crackers, as desired

Garnish & Decoration

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 2 strips white cheese (mozzarella or goat cheese) for lacing

Directions

Phase 01

Arrange Cheeses: On a large oval wooden board or platter, position cheese wedges, rounds, and slices to form a rugby ball shape.

Phase 02

Add Fruit and Nuts: Fill the spaces between cheeses with red grapes, pear and apple slices, interspersing walnuts and dried apricots for contrast.

Phase 03

Place Charcuterie: Arrange charcuterie slices along the outer edge or blend them with the cheese as preferred.

Phase 04

Create Lacing: Use two strips of white cheese to simulate the rugby ball lacing down the center; optionally add thin strips of cheese or chives for horizontal stitches.

Phase 05

Garnish Board: Decorate the edges of the board with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic grass.

Phase 06

Serve: Offer alongside sliced baguette, crackers, and fig jam.

Necessary tools

  • Large oval or rectangular wooden board
  • Cheese knife
  • Small bowls for jam and nuts
  • Serving tongs or forks

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk, gluten, and tree nuts
  • May contain sulfites in dried fruit and some charcuterie
  • Verify all ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 13 g