Pin I discovered this board by accident on a sweltering July afternoon when my neighbor brought over three white peaches from her garden, still warm from the sun. I had brie chilling in the fridge and a few leftover meringues from the weekend, and suddenly there it was—this ethereal, almost cloudlike arrangement that looked too beautiful to eat. The first guest to taste it closed their eyes and said it felt like a celebration, and I realized that sometimes the simplest combinations become the most memorable.
I made this for my sister's engagement dinner last month, and watching everyone lean in to admire it before they even tasted it told me everything. Someone asked if it was too pretty to eat, which made us all laugh—but they devoured their portions anyway, building little flavor combinations with the brie and peaches and meringues, discovering new tastes with each forkful.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: Look for a wheel that's slightly soft but still holds its shape; chilling it keeps it from melting into a puddle during assembly.
- White peaches: The heart of this board—use ones that smell sweet and yield slightly to pressure, and slice them just before serving so they stay juicy.
- Meringue kisses or nests: Homemade gives you control over sweetness, but quality store-bought versions save time without sacrificing elegance.
- Edible silver leaf: This is the flourish that transforms the ordinary into ceremony; handle it with tweezers and place it with intention.
- White grapes: Optional but lovely for color contrast and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Blanched almonds: A subtle crunch that echoes the meringue's texture; toast them lightly for deeper flavor.
Instructions
- Make or source your meringue:
- If baking from scratch, preheat your oven low and slow to 90°C (200°F)—this gentle heat keeps them pale and delicate. Beat egg whites with superfine sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then pipe small mounds onto parchment and bake for a full hour until they're crisp all the way through and cool completely before touching them.
- Center your brie:
- Place the chilled wheel or wedge in the center of a large, clean serving board—this becomes your anchor point and lets everything else radiate outward.
- Fan the peaches:
- Arrange your thin slices in overlapping clusters around the brie, letting them curve naturally like petals. The soft peachy tones will create visual flow across the white palette.
- Scatter the meringues:
- Place your kisses or nests in small groups between the peaches and brie, creating pockets of crispness that guests will reach for.
- Add optional companions:
- Nestle white grapes and almonds into any remaining gaps, treating the board like a still life you're composing rather than just filling space.
- Apply the silver leaf:
- Using tweezers, gently press delicate pieces of edible silver leaf onto a few meringues and peach slices—it catches the light and makes everything feel more precious without overwhelming the fresh, simple flavors.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring it to the table before anyone eats, let them admire it for a moment, then invite them to build their own flavor combinations with whatever speaks to them.
Pin There's something quietly powerful about watching people slow down around food this beautiful, setting down their phones and actually tasting each component. This board isn't just nourishment; it's permission to linger, to notice, to celebrate the ordinary fact that fruit and cheese and a little sweetness can feel like something sacred.
The Art of the All-White Board
Going monochromatic feels daring until you realize how calming it is to look at. Whites, creams, and silver create a visual story that's sophisticated without trying too hard, and the flavors shine through without color distraction. I started building boards like this after seeing one at a gallery opening, and I've never looked back.
Why Meringue Matters Here
Meringue isn't just a sweet accent—it's a textural anchor that makes every other component taste sharper and more defined. The contrast between the crispy shell and creamy brie, between the sweetness and the subtle tang of cheese, is what makes people pause and savor instead of just eating. That's the secret this board is built on.
Building Your Own Version
This board is forgiving and wants you to make it your own, whether that means swapping in a different soft cheese, adding white chocolate shards, or using whatever stone fruit is in season. The structure stays the same but the flavors can shift with the market and your mood.
- White peaches can be replaced with white nectarines, white plums, or even thin slices of honeydew melon if that's what speaks to you.
- If you can't find edible silver leaf, a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible pearl dust creates a similar shimmer with less fuss.
- Pair this with something sparkling—Prosecco, Moscato d'Asti, or even a crisp white wine that lets the delicate flavors breathe.
Pin This board is proof that elegance doesn't require complexity, just intention and ingredients that taste like themselves. Serve it when you want people to feel celebrated without fanfare.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make the meringue for this board?
Beat egg whites with superfine sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Pipe small mounds onto a tray and bake at a low temperature for 1 hour until crisp. Cool before serving.
- → Can I use store-bought meringue instead?
Yes, high-quality store-bought meringue can be used as a convenient shortcut without compromising taste or texture.
- → What are good accompaniments for this cheese board?
White grapes and blanched almonds add complementary sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
- → How should I serve the brie for best texture?
Keep the brie chilled prior to serving to maintain its creamy texture and flavor integrity on the board.
- → Is it possible to adapt this board for a vegan diet?
Yes, substitute the brie with plant-based alternatives and use aquafaba-based vegan meringues to keep the board vegan-friendly.