Save An enchanting cheese platter inspired by the forest, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses, seasonal fruits, nuts, and whimsical garnishes to evoke the charm of woodland creatures. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a magical centerpiece.
This cheese platter has become my go-to for entertaining guests because it is easy to assemble yet impressively beautiful.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g brie whole wheel, 100 g aged cheddar sliced, 100 g gouda cubed, 100 g blue cheese crumbled, 80 g goat cheese log
- Fruits: 1 small bunch of red grapes, 1 small apple sliced, 1 small pear sliced, 1 handful fresh blueberries, 1 handful dried cranberries
- Nuts & Seeds: 50 g whole walnuts, 50 g roasted almonds, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- Accompaniments: 6 8 whole grain crackers, 6 8 mini breadsticks, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fig jam
- Decorative Garnishes (for woodland effect): Fresh rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine needles), Edible flowers (such as violets or pansies), Small mushrooms (e.g. button or enoki) cleaned, Baby carrots trimmed
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden board spacing them apart to allow room for other items.
- Step 2:
- Fan out the apple and pear slices near the cheeses. Scatter grapes and blueberries around the board.
- Step 3:
- Add the nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries in small clusters for visual interest.
- Step 4:
- Place crackers and breadsticks in groups leaning them against cheeses or in small bundles.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the honey and fig jam into small ramekins or directly onto the board.
- Step 6:
- Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs edible flowers and cleaned mushrooms for a woodland effect.
- Step 7:
- Add baby carrots for pops of color and a playful nod to forest creatures.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This platter always brings friends and family together around the table for a memorable occasion.
Notes
For added whimsy, use small cookie cutters to shape cheese slices or arrange nuts and fruits to resemble animal faces. Swap in other cheeses fruits or nuts based on preference or season. Pair with a crisp white wine or light red for best results.
Required Tools
Large wooden serving board, Cheese knives, Small bowls or ramekins, Paring knife
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese) nuts (walnuts almonds) gluten (crackers breadsticks). Check all packaged items for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Save Serve chilled for the best taste and freshness every time.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are best for this platter?
Using a combination of creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, smooth gouda, tangy blue cheese, and mild goat cheese creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
- → How can I maintain freshness before serving?
Arrange all items on the board shortly before serving or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to a couple of hours to keep fruits and cheeses fresh.
- → What garnishes enhance the woodland theme?
Fresh rosemary sprigs, edible flowers, small mushrooms, and baby carrots add visual interest and evoke a forest atmosphere.
- → Can I substitute any fruits or nuts?
Yes, seasonal fruits like figs or berries and nuts such as pecans or pistachios work well and keep the board seasonally relevant.
- → What pairings complement this board?
Light red wines or crisp white wines pair beautifully, balancing the creamy cheeses and sweet accents like honey and fig jam.