The Starbucks Cheese & Fruit Bistro Box has become a go-to option for busy people seeking a nutritious, satisfying meal on the run. This perfectly portioned combination of cheeses, fruit, nuts, and crackers provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout your day.
The best part? You can easily recreate this popular Starbucks item at home in just minutes, and for about the price of a single store-bought box, you can make multiple servings. This DIY version allows you to customize ingredients to your preferences while saving money on your favorite grab-and-go meal.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade protein box perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors with varying textures. Combining three distinct cheeses provides different flavor profiles and protein content, while the almonds add crunch and healthy fats. The sweet dried cherries and crisp apple slices complement the savory elements, creating a satisfying snack or light meal that keeps you full for hours.
Ingredients
- Gouda cheese – Adds a smooth, slightly sweet nutty taste
- Wheat crackers – Provide a crunchy base for cheese and a source of whole grains
- Dried cherries – Add natural sweetness and chewy texture contrast
- Raw almonds – Deliver protein, healthy fats, and satisfying crunch
- Apple slices – Contribute fresh crispness and natural sweetness
- Brie cheese – Offers a creamy, mild flavor with a soft texture
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Provides a bold, tangy flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the brie, sharp cheddar, and gouda cheeses into portion-sized pieces.
- Arrange the cheese slices in one section of your container.
- Place wheat crackers in another compartment of the box.
- Mix the raw almonds and dried cherries, then add them to a separate section.
- Slice the apple and arrange it in the remaining compartment.
- Close the container and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Chef’s Notes
For the closest match to Starbucks, use Beecher’s Flagship cheddar, a mild gouda, and a creamy brie. Pre-slicing everything and storing in individual containers means you can quickly assemble multiple boxes at once, saving time during busy weeks.
Starbucks Cheese & Fruit Bistro Box Copycat – Homemade
Ingredients
- 8 wheat crackers
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
- 1/3 cup raw almonds
- 3-5 apple slices
- 1 ounce brie
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar
- 2 ounces gouda
Instructions
- Slice your cheeses and arrange them in the box. Add your crackers to the side. Mix together the almonds and cherries and toss them in. Place the apple slices in the box and you are done.
I bought some containers and made a few of these to snack on. I saved a ton of money.
I love the crackers that Starbucks has. Can anyone recommend a brand that’s similar??
I have Celiac Disease and I can’t eat any of them cause they have bread of some kind. I can’t just eat around the bread either. If they would make one without bread it would help us out. I know I can make this myself but if I’m out running errands and get hungry this would be perfect to eat out of hand. I know they make a breakfast sandwich that has a gluten free bun like an English muffin and it’s made in a gluten free area so we don’t have to worry about cross contamination. But thanks for all the great recipes you have here. Sorry to run on.
No problem 😉 We all have unique dietary requirements. I will do a bunch of these at once to help me save money. I will put them in containers in my house and have them ready for me for when I am on the run.
One thing to note is that the Starbucks one is Gluten-free, including the crackers. I never would have noticed if my friend with celiac hadn’t been raving about how great the crackers are. If you ever come across any GF crackers that are as good as the Sbux ones, please add it to the post!
Mary’s gone crackers original are best with cheese tuna salad and gf
I love this! For my grandchildren, husband, & myself…..Sweet & easy! Thank you, Vicki
Let me see… you can make 1 of these for the same cost as buying 1 at Starbucks. So, apart from the fact that you can change items to your personal preference you haven’t actually saved any money. Or am I missing something here?
I think this costs less to make each individual box than it does to buy this at Starbucks when you price out per ounce of food. So no it isn’t cheaper when you different types of cheese, an apple, a bag of nuts, and a bag of cherries. When this comes into play is when you use the full ingredients and you make several boxes at once.
For some people, they care about the footprint of waste they generate, and using a reusable bento box or other plastic containers rather than purchasing something again and again that they will toss is important to them.
For someone else, they may not like the Gala apple and they may want to use a Golden delicious. Others may have most of these ingredients on hand and can prepare a box with food they already have.
I appreciate your comment and thank you for checking out the recipe or you might want to call it assembly instructions 😉
I think he was pointing out that you wrote “You can make these at home for so much less money. In fact, you can make 1 at home for what 1 costs you at Starbucks.” not questioning the benefits of the recipe/assembly instructions 🙂
Great combo. I make these to take on road trips so we do not stop for fast food.
They are very satisfying for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Thank you for the recipe.
I love this! For my grandchildren, husband, & myself…..Sweet & easy! Thank you, Vicki
Lovely idea to make and deliver to someone in hospital.
Thanks!