Pin It An elegant and visually stunning cheese platter inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, featuring artisanal cheeses, fresh fruit, and gourmet accompaniments & perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings.
This platter was a highlight at our holiday party and always impresses guests with its beautiful star shape and flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g aged Manchego, 150 g creamy Brie, 150 g blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort), 150 g goat cheese log, 100 g smoked cheddar
- Fresh Fruit: 1 small cluster red grapes, 1 small cluster green grapes, 1 ripe pear sliced, 1 ripe apple sliced, 1 small pomegranate seeds only, 6–8 dried figs halved
- Accompaniments: 80 g honey-roasted almonds, 80 g marcona almonds, 60 g honey, 60 g fig jam, 1 small baguette sliced, 120 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheeses in a star-shaped pattern on a large wooden board or platter starting with the goat cheese as the center point.
- Step 2:
- Fan the Manchego, Brie, blue cheese, and smoked cheddar around the center mimicking the rays of a star.
- Step 3:
- Fill spaces between cheeses with clusters of grapes, pear and apple slices, and dried figs.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the fruit for a festive touch.
- Step 5:
- Nestle small bowls of honey and fig jam among the cheeses.
- Step 6:
- Add almonds and arrange baguette slices and crackers around the perimeter.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers.
- Step 8:
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Pin It This platter brings my family together every festive season for a lovely shared appetizer and conversation starter.
Required Tools
Large wooden board or platter, small serving bowls, cheese knives, paring knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese), Gluten (bread/crackers), Tree nuts (almonds). May contain traces of other allergens depending on cheese and cracker selection. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving: Calories 430, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 15 g
Pin It This cheese platter is easy to assemble yet makes a memorable impression every time you serve it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I arrange the cheeses?
Place the goat cheese log at the center, then fan Manchego, Brie, blue cheese, and smoked cheddar around it in a star pattern for a visually striking presentation.
- → What fruits complement the cheese selection?
Red and green grapes, sliced pears and apples, pomegranate seeds, and dried figs add a balance of sweetness and texture.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, feel free to swap in your favorite local cheeses to suit taste preferences and availability.
- → What accompaniments enhance this platter?
Honey, fig jam, roasted almonds, marcona almonds, baguette slices, and assorted crackers provide contrasting flavors and crunch.
- → Any tips for serving the platter?
Serve at room temperature to maximize the flavor and creamy texture of the cheeses and ensure fruits and nuts taste fresh.