Pin This I discovered this board entirely by accident one July afternoon when my sister called with a wedding announcement. I was standing in my kitchen, overheating in the summer sun, and realized I had three perfect white peaches on the counter, a wedge of brie I'd been saving, and absolutely no time to fuss. Something about the simplicity clicked—the cool cream of the cheese, the delicate sweetness of the fruit, and this wild idea to dust everything silver felt like a celebration waiting to happen. That casual kitchen moment turned into something I've made for every special occasion since.
I'll never forget watching my grandmother's face when I set this board down at my cousin's engagement dinner. She's not one for fussing, but she picked up a sliver of peach with a piece of brie and a meringue kiss, and just closed her eyes. That's when I realized this wasn't about technical skill or complicated recipes—it was about creating a moment where simple, beautiful things made people feel seen and celebrated.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese (250 g / 9 oz): Choose a wheel or large wedge and keep it chilled until the last moment—cold brie has a silky texture that melts differently than room temperature cheese, and that contrast with the warm sweetness of peaches is everything.
- White peaches (3 ripe ones): Look for peaches that smell fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure; they should be just ripe enough to slice cleanly without being mushy.
- Meringue kisses or nests (12 small pieces): If you're short on time, buy quality store-bought meringue—the homemade version takes an hour in a low oven, but the shortcut doesn't sacrifice the magic.
- Edible silver leaf: This is your secret weapon for that ethereal, celebratory shimmer; apply it with tweezers just before serving so it catches the light.
- White grapes and blanched almonds (optional): These add subtle pops of texture and mild flavor without competing with the main players.
Instructions
- Make or gather your meringue:
- If baking from scratch, preheat your oven to 90°C (200°F) and beat 2 egg whites with 100 g superfine sugar and ¼ tsp cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Pipe small mounds onto parchment paper and bake for 1 hour until crisp and pale, then cool completely. For the shortcut route, simply grab quality store-bought meringues and you'll still have the same impact.
- Arrange the brie as your anchor:
- Place the chilled brie wheel or wedge slightly off-center on your board—it should feel like the heart of the composition, with room for the other elements to dance around it.
- Fan the peaches with intention:
- Slice your white peaches thinly and arrange them in overlapping, curved lines around the brie, as if you're creating gentle waves; the visual rhythm matters as much as the taste.
- Cluster the meringue pieces:
- Group the meringue kisses or nests in small clusters around the board rather than scattering them randomly—this creates visual balance and makes it easier for guests to grab them.
- Add optional companions:
- If using grapes and almonds, nestle small handfuls into the remaining gaps, keeping the white-on-white color story intact.
- Apply the silver leaf with care:
- Using tweezers, gently press small pieces of edible silver leaf onto a few meringue pieces and one or two peach slices; the delicate shimmer should feel accidental, not overdone.
- Serve fresh and let guests explore:
- Bring the board to the table while everything is still chilled and the brie is at its silkiest, and watch people discover their own favorite combinations.
Pin This The moment that made this recipe truly mine was when a friend who's usually skeptical about "fancy" food actually went back for thirds. She said it reminded her that elegance doesn't have to be complicated, and that simple, honest ingredients with a little intention could feel like luxury. That's what this board does—it makes everyone at the table feel like the occasion is worth celebrating.
Why This Board Works for Every Occasion
There's something about an all-white color palette that instantly elevates any moment. It reads as intentional and sophisticated without requiring you to be a trained pastry chef or have a vast pantry. This board bridges the gap between casual entertaining and special-occasion worthy, which is where most of us actually live. The beauty is that each element—soft, crisp, sweet, creamy—plays a different role, so every bite feels like a small discovery.
Building Your Own Variations
Once you understand the structure, you can play with this concept. White chocolate shards instead of meringue, white nectarines when peaches aren't in season, creamy goat cheese if brie feels too expected—the framework stays the same but the conversation shifts. The edible silver leaf is really the thread that ties the entire presentation together; without it, it's just a nice cheese board, but with it, something magical happens. I've even done a vegan version with cashew brie and aquafaba meringues, and the magic held.
The Right Moment to Serve This
This board shines as an opener to a special meal or as the finale if you want something light and elegant. I've learned it works beautifully paired with a chilled glass of Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti—the bubbles and subtle sweetness echo what's on the board. The timing matters too: summer lunches, spring celebrations, intimate dinner parties where you want people to linger and talk rather than rush through courses.
- Make it the day-before conversation piece by setting it up and photographing it before guests arrive—they'll notice the care.
- Keep a small damp cloth nearby so guests can wipe their hands between bites, especially after touching the silver leaf.
- Remember that the best boards feel generous without feeling cluttered; less is truly more with something this refined.
Pin This This board taught me that some of the most memorable meals aren't about complexity or hours in the kitchen—they're about paying attention to quality ingredients and giving yourself permission to make something beautiful. Serve it with confidence and watch it become the thing people remember long after the last bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the meringue kisses from scratch?
Beat egg whites with superfine sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then pipe onto a tray and bake at 90°C for 1 hour until crisp.
- → Can I use alternative cheeses instead of brie?
Yes, soft cheeses with creamy textures like camembert or goat cheese would work well as substitutes.
- → What is the purpose of edible silver leaf on the board?
It adds a delicate, shimmering decorative element that enhances the festive and elegant presentation.
- → Are there vegan options for this cheese board?
Plant-based brie alternatives and aquafaba-based vegan meringues can be used to create a vegan-friendly version.
- → How should the cheese be served for best texture?
Keep the brie slightly chilled until serving to maintain its firmness and creaminess.