If you’re looking to impress at your next summer gathering with something that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than the Peach Melba Board. This modern twist on the classic dessert “Peach Melba” blends ripe peaches, creamy cheeses, salty meats, fresh herbs, and sweet accompaniments into a charcuterie-style platter that’s perfect for grazing, entertaining, and indulging.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a picnic, or crafting a no-cook dinner, this Peach Melba Board captures the essence of summer with juicy stone fruits and creamy textures, paired with crisp Melba toast and savory bites. In this article, we’ll break down how to build the perfect board from ingredients to arrangement, with variations and pairing ideas that make it suitable for all tastes.
What Is a Peach Melba Board?
O Peach Melba Board is inspired by the iconic dessert created by chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 1800s—a dish of poached peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream made in honor of the opera singer Nellie Melba. While the traditional version is a plated dessert, this board takes that inspiration and turns it into a versatile and interactive platter perfect for summer spreads.
By incorporating peaches, raspberry preserves, sweet cheeses, and crunchy elements like Melba toast, it bridges the gap between dessert and appetizer. Add charcuterie staples like prosciutto, burrata, brie, and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a savory-sweet board that’s sure to delight.
🧀 Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Melba Board
To build your Peach Melba Board, choose a balance of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and salty components. Here’s a guide to the must-haves:
Fresh Fruit (Star of the Show)
- Fresh ripe peaches (yellow or white, sliced or halved)
- Grilled peaches (optional, to add a smoky layer)
- Fresh raspberries (to echo the traditional Melba sauce)
- Dried apricots or figs (for texture contrast)
Cheese Selection
- Brie or Camembert – creamy and mild, pairs beautifully with peaches
- Goat cheese – tangy and spreadable; try a honey or herb variation
- Burrata – luxurious, creamy, and pairs well with fruit
- Ricotta or mascarpone – for a sweet-smooth component (optional)
Charcuterie Meats
- Prosciutto – the salty, delicate slices contrast perfectly with peach
- Soppressata or spicy salami – optional for a spicier edge
- Smoked salmon – unconventional, but delicious with cream cheese and fruit
Bread & Crackers
- Melba toast – classic nod to the original dessert
- Crostini or baguette slices
- Seedy crackers or gluten-free options
Jams & Spreads
- Raspberry preserves or jam – the “Melba sauce”
- Honey or hot honey – a drizzle of sweet heat
- Fig jam or peach chutney
Nuts & Extras
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
- Fresh basil or mint
- Arugula or microgreens for garnish
- Dark chocolate shards (for dessert-style boards)
🧾 How to Assemble the Peach Melba Board
A stunning board is about texture, color, and layers. Follow these steps for a foolproof presentation:
1. Choose the Right Surface
Opt for a large wooden board, slate, or marble platter. A rustic tray or serving dish works beautifully. Make sure you have enough space to spread out each component without crowding.
2. Start with the Cheese
Place the cheese selections around the board, spacing them apart. Slice the brie or camembert partially to invite guests to dig in. Scoop goat cheese into a small bowl or roll into mini balls topped with crushed pistachios.
3. Add the Fruit
Arrange fresh peach slices around the cheeses. Fan them out for visual appeal. Add whole or halved raspberries in clusters. If you’re using grilled peach halves, place them near soft cheeses like burrata.
4. Layer in Meats
Drape prosciutto into soft folds and nestle near peaches or cheeses. Spiral or roll other meats for texture and volume.
5. Fill in with Crunch
Add piles of Melba toast, crackers, and crostini. Use small bowls for jams and honey, placing them near the cheeses.
6. Garnish & Finish
Tuck in fresh mint or basil sprigs between components. Scatter toasted nuts. For an extra touch, sprinkle microgreens or edible flowers like nasturtiums.
🌟 Flavor Pairing Ideas
The beauty of a Peach Melba Board is its balance of flavor profiles. Here are some winning combinations to try:
- Peach + Brie + Melba Toast + Raspberry Jam
- Prosciutto + Peach + Goat Cheese + Honey
- Grilled Peach + Burrata + Basil + Sea Salt
- Camembert + Raspberry + Chocolate Shards
You can even layer ingredients to create mini toasts, such as:
- Peach and Burrata Toast with honey drizzle and cracked pepper
- Peach Goat Cheese Crostini with mint
- Prosciutto Peach Platter Bites no Melba toast with raspberry compote
🥂 Beverage Pairings
Enhance the experience with drinks that complement the fruity, creamy, and savory flavors:
- Sparkling Rosé – crisp and floral, perfect for the fruit
- Chardonnay or Prosecco – light, buttery notes match the cheese
- Peach Bellini ou Aperol Spritz – ideal summer cocktails
- Iced Chamomile or Green Tea – non-alcoholic, light, and floral
- Lemon-infused sparkling water – for a refreshing and cleansing sip
🍑 Seasonal & Dietary Variations
Vegan Peach Melba Board
- Swap dairy cheeses for plant-based brie or cashew cheese
- Use coconut yogurt instead of burrata
- Include hummus or beet dip for savory color
- Skip meat or use vegan charcuterie slices
Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free Melba toast or crackers
- Include seed-based crisps and roasted sweet potato rounds
Peach Melba Dessert Board
- Add vanilla bean ice cream or frozen yogurt scoops in mini bowls
- Use graham crackers and cookies instead of charcuterie meats
- Include roasted peaches with cinnamon sugar and white chocolate
🛍️ Tips for Shopping and Prep
- Choose ripe but firm peaches so they slice cleanly
- Pick local or seasonal produce for better flavor
- Pre-slice cheeses if serving a large group
- Assemble just before serving for freshness
- Add a mini cheese knife, spoons, and tongs for easy sharing
🍽️ When to Serve the Peach Melba Board
This elegant yet easy-to-assemble board is suitable for:
- Brunches & bridal showers
- Alfresco dinners or summer cookouts
- Light lunch or no-cook dinner
- Wine nights & picnics
- Holiday spreads & potlucks
Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavor make it ideal for any warm-weather occasion where you want to keep things effortless but elevated.
📌 Final Thoughts
O Peach Melba Board isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. A harmony of sweet peaches, creamy cheese, savory meats, and crunchy elements make this board a show-stopper for any summer celebration. It’s flexible, fast to assemble, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece at your next gathering or enjoying a luxurious solo picnic, the Peach Melba Board brings all the joy of the classic dessert into a modern, sharable, and totally Instagram-worthy dish.
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