Autumn Harvest Horn Plenty (Printable Version)

An abundant autumn horn loaded with dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, crackers, and fresh herbs for seasonal celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit & Nuts

01 - 1 cup dried apricots
02 - 1 cup dried figs
03 - 1 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1 cup dried apple rings
05 - 1 cup seedless grapes (optional)
06 - 1 cup walnuts
07 - 1 cup pecans
08 - 1 cup almonds

→ Cheeses

09 - 6 oz aged cheddar, cubed
10 - 6 oz creamy goat cheese, sliced into rounds or logs
11 - 6 oz rustic blue cheese, crumbled
12 - 6 oz aged gouda or similar hard cheese, cubed

→ Crackers & Bread

13 - 2 cups rustic crackers or gluten-free crackers
14 - 1 small baguette, sliced

→ Garnishes

15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
16 - Fresh thyme sprigs
17 - Edible flowers or seasonal leaves (optional)

→ Cornucopia Base

18 - 1 large wicker cornucopia basket or homemade edible bread horn (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the wicker cornucopia basket or bread horn on a large serving platter or board.
02 - Place cheeses inside the opening of the horn, allowing some pieces to spill outward to create abundance.
03 - Layer dried fruits and nuts around and spilling out of the horn, mixing colors and textures for visual appeal.
04 - Tuck crackers and bread slices along the sides or in small bunches amongst the fruits and nuts.
05 - Decorate with fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and optional edible flowers or seasonal leaves for a festive touch.
06 - Serve at room temperature, inviting guests to choose their preferred selections.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it takes just 25 minutes to create something truly showstopping
  • Every guest finds something they love—the cheese lover, the fruit enthusiast, the nut connoisseur, all satisfied at once
  • It doubles as both a stunning centerpiece and a generous appetizer, making it the easiest way to feed a crowd with elegance
  • There's something deeply satisfying about arranging it; it becomes a creative, meditative act rather than a chore
02 -
  • The arrangement doesn't have to be perfect—in fact, the slightly chaotic overflow of abundance is what makes it work. I spent an hour once trying to make mine look magazine-worthy, and it was only when I stepped back and embraced the organized chaos that it truly looked alive
  • If using fresh grapes, add them just before serving; they'll weep and release moisture if left sitting too long, and you want them to stay plump and jewel-like
  • The cheese selection matters more than quantity. Four different cheeses in smaller amounts creates more interest than one large wheel. Each guest gets to explore and find their favorite pairing
03 -
  • Prep all your components in advance—cube the cheeses, portion the nuts into small bowls, arrange everything within arm's reach—so the final assembly becomes quick and enjoyable rather than stressful
  • If you're serving this for a gathering where timing matters, assemble it no more than 2–3 hours ahead; the cheeses will taste better at room temperature, and everything will look fresher and less tired
  • Use a large board or platter with plenty of negative space around the cornucopia; it makes the arrangement look generous and gives guests actual room to navigate without bumping into each other
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