Rugby Ball Cheese Board

Featured in: Crunchy Snacks

This elegant platter presents a unique arrangement of French cheeses formed into a rugby ball shape, complemented by fresh grapes, pears, apples, walnuts, dried apricots, and fig jam. Optional cured meats add a savory touch, while fresh rosemary garnishes enhance the presentation. Quick to assemble, this board suits casual gatherings, offering a harmonious balance of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors paired with sliced baguette and crackers.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:13:00 GMT
Rugby ball cheese board overflowing with cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie, ready for your party. Save
Rugby ball cheese board overflowing with cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie, ready for your party. | kookycrunch.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 quickly became a favorite at our family parties, sparking conversations and compliments each time I present it.

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.
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Creating this cheese board brings our family together as everyone enjoys picking at the beautiful array of flavors and textures.

Additional Serving Suggestions

Add olives or cornichons for extra variety and pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.

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.

Elegant rugby ball cheese board creation: French cheeses, grapes, and nuts beautifully arranged and inviting. Save
Elegant rugby ball cheese board creation: French cheeses, grapes, and nuts beautifully arranged and inviting. | kookycrunch.com

This cheese board is a simple yet stunning centerpiece to impress guests and celebrate any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What cheeses work best for this cheese board?

French varieties like Comté, Roquefort, Brie, and Chèvre provide a balance of creamy, tangy, and sharp flavors perfect for this arrangement.

How do I create the rugby ball shape with cheese?

Arrange various cheese forms—wedges, slices, and rounds—into an oval shape, mimicking a rugby ball. Use white cheese strips to form the iconic lacing on top.

Can this board be made vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the charcuterie. The combination of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and accompaniments still offers a satisfying flavor profile.

What are good beverage pairings for this platter?

Light wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir complement the creamy cheeses and fresh fruit nicely without overwhelming the flavors.

How should I serve the accompaniments?

Arrange sliced baguette, crackers, fig jam, and nuts around the cheeses to enhance texture and offer diverse tastes alongside the main components.

Rugby Ball Cheese Board

An elegant cheese display with French cheeses, fresh fruit, nuts, and savory charcuterie on a rugby ball-shaped board.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage French

Output 8 Portions

Diet 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 for garnish
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 the cheese wedges, rounds, and slices in an elongated oval resembling a rugby ball.

Phase 02

Fill with fruit and nuts: Fill the spaces between cheeses with red grapes, sliced pear and apple, interspersing walnuts and dried apricots for contrasting texture and color.

Phase 03

Place charcuterie: Arrange charcuterie slices along the outer edge or integrate them among the cheeses as preferred.

Phase 04

Create lacing design: Use the two strips of white cheese to form the rugby ball’s lacing down the center; optionally, add thin strips of cheese or chives for the stitches.

Phase 05

Add garnish: Decorate the edges with fresh rosemary sprigs to simulate grass.

Phase 06

Serve accompaniments: Present with sliced baguette, crackers, and fig jam alongside for spreading and pairing.

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 carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains milk (cheese), gluten (bread, some crackers), and tree nuts (walnuts). May contain sulfites (dried fruit, some charcuterie). Check labels for other allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 13 g