Picket Fence Snack Platter (Print Version)

Crisp crackers frame a flavorful mix of nuts and berries, creating a colorful snack for any gathering.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crackers (The Fence)

01 - 20 to 24 whole wheat rectangular or oval crackers (e.g., Melba toasts or water crackers)

→ Garden Mix

02 - ½ cup raw almonds
03 - ½ cup walnut halves
04 - ½ cup shelled pistachios
05 - ½ cup dried cranberries
06 - ½ cup fresh blueberries
07 - ½ cup fresh raspberries
08 - ¼ cup chopped dried apricots

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for drizzling)
10 - Fresh mint leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Select a large, flat serving platter or board for assembly.
02 - Arrange the crackers upright, side by side, around the platter's perimeter forming a continuous picket fence; angle slightly inward to stabilize.
03 - In a medium bowl, gently mix almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dried cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and chopped dried apricots.
04 - Spoon the nut and berry mixture loosely into the center inside the cracker fence, allowing an abundant appearance.
05 - Lightly drizzle honey or agave syrup over the garden mix if desired for added sweetness.
06 - Top with fresh mint leaves for fragrance and color; serve immediately encouraging guests to scoop from the center using crackers.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes but looks like you spent an hour planning, which feels like a small kitchen magic trick.
  • The "fence" of crackers creates a built-in boundary that keeps everything contained yet encourages grazing, so guests feel invited to dig in without hesitation.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to dietary needs, so you're never scrambling for backup options.
02 -
  • If you're making this more than an hour ahead, keep fresh berries separate and scatter them in at the last moment—they'll weep into the nuts otherwise, which affects both texture and appearance.
  • The crackers will gradually absorb moisture from the surrounding ingredients, so if you're prepping for a long event, consider standing them up no more than 30 minutes before guests arrive, or use a second batch as backup.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts lightly in a dry skillet for five minutes before assembly if you have time—it deepens their flavor and adds a subtle warmth that elevates the whole arrangement without extra work.
  • Keep crackers in an airtight container until the last moment, and use the sturdiest ones you can find; they're your foundation and deserve respect.
Go Back