Last Minute Fruit Board

Last month, we had friends over for dinner. I’d planned the main dish and they were bringing a salad. I’d been gone all day and as I was driving home, I realized I didn’t have anything to have out to snack on before dinner.

While starters aren’t always a necessity if you’re having a big dinner, we did need a little something that night – and I like keeping guests occupied with food than worrying about helping in the kitchen.

I racked my brain for what we had on hand, avoiding a trip to the market at all costs.

Finally, I decided to slice up some of the great fall fruit I had (apples and persimmons) and serve it on an appetizer board with some crackers, honey, and a bit of herbed goat cheese leftover from a recipe I’d just made.

I wasn’t proud of what I’d put out, but at least I had something and it was easy…

Last Minute Appetizer Board

I set out the platter and wandered back into the kitchen to check on dinner. A few moments later, I came back out to see that almost half the fruit was already gone and I had to stick around to make sure I got a few slices of my beloved persimmons!

In my haste I rediscovered the wonderment of simple presentations and good food. What felt somewhat over the top (two apples and persimmon slices just seemed like too much fruit) was actually just right.

Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the spread but was still ready for dinner! For a simple spread for just a few people, I recommend some seasonal fruit (it’ll be the tastiest), crackers, and honey.

Click here to see more appetizer recipes (some in need of a little more prep)!

Can You Make this Ahead of Time?

Part of the beauty of this board is how quickly in comes together. Short of washing the grapes and maybe cutting them into smaller bunches, no, you can’t make any of it ahead of time – because there’s not much to make.

You don’t want to cut open the fruit too soon, either, as it will start to oxidize and brown.

Seasonal Fruit Options

Seasonal fruit really is the best option. Whether you’re trying to live more sustainably or just want delicious food.

Seasonal fruit usually is available from local farmers. Produce is picked closer to its ripest point and has little travel time. That’s why local fruit is always so darn tasty. So here are options for all through the year for your fruit appetizer boards!

Get More Seasonal Produce Ideas

You can check out these simple cheese board ideas as well!

This winter fruit appetizer plate is stunning; this fall charcuterie board is fun; and this small rummer fruit platter is too. Don’t miss this Trader Joe’s charcuterie board, a kids charcuterie board that everyone will love, and fun holiday appetizer boards for Valentine’s Day Appetizers and St. Patrick’s Day apps!