Holly Berry Cluster Appetizer (Print)

Vibrant red berries and fresh herbs artfully arranged with creamy cheeses for a fresh holiday platter.

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants (or substitute with pomegranate arils, cranberries, or red grapes)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, small and bright red
03 - 1 cup firm raspberries
04 - 1 bunch fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, washed and dried
05 - 1 bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
06 - 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
07 - 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs
08 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced seedless cucumber

→ Cheese & Accompaniments

09 - 5 oz soft goat cheese, shaped into small balls
10 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
11 - 1/2 cup Marcona almonds or toasted walnuts (optional)
12 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
13 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Wash all berries, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and cucumber thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Discard any bruised or spoiled berries. Slice cucumbers into very thin rounds approximately 1/16 inch thick. Form goat cheese into small, bite-sized balls using a teaspoon.
02 - Choose a large, flat serving platter or rustic wooden board approximately 12–14 inches in diameter. Wipe the surface clean and dry to enhance visual contrast with the ingredients.
03 - Position sprigs of rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme in overlapping clusters across about half of the platter's surface, allowing some sprigs to spill over the edges. This creates a lush, natural foliage foundation that frames the berries.
04 - Nestle red currants, cherry tomatoes, and raspberries in tight, overlapping clusters among the herbs. Vary cluster density for a dynamic, organic appearance ensuring stability by gently pressing berries into herbs or anchoring with small sprigs.
05 - Tuck mozzarella pearls and goat cheese balls near berry clusters without dominating the red-and-green palette. Scatter nuts and cucumber slices naturally, avoiding symmetry. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the cheese and season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Avoid contact between cheese and moist berries to preserve texture.
06 - Step back and adjust clusters to maintain a lush, organic arrangement reminiscent of holly foliage. Remove any smudges or excess olive oil from the platter rim. Serve immediately to retain optimal freshness and texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours creating a masterpiece, but honestly, it takes just 30 minutes and requires zero cooking skills.
  • Your guests will photograph it before they even taste it—this platter is the kind of thing that makes people say, 'Did you really make this?'
  • It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and so beautiful that even those with dietary restrictions feel celebrated, not accommodated.
02 -
  • Moisture is the silent killer of this platter. I've learned through experience that even slightly damp berries or herbs will wilt and weep within the hour. Always pat everything completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel immediately before arranging.
  • Resist the urge to assemble this too far in advance. While you can prepare all your components up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them separately, the actual platter assembly should happen no more than 30 minutes before serving. Fresh herbs wilt faster than you'd think, and berries can begin to bleed their color onto the cheese.
  • Never, ever refrigerate an assembled platter for extended periods. I learned this the hard way when I tried to prep one the night before a party—the herbs turned dark and sad, the berries released their juices, and the whole thing looked defeated by morning.
03 -
  • The freshness of your herbs makes or breaks this platter. Buy them the same day you plan to serve, preferably in the morning. Bunches that are fragrant and vibrant green will make your whole platter smell and look incredible.
  • A mandoline slicer transforms your cucumber slicing from tedious to effortless, and paper-thin slices look infinitely more elegant than chunks. If you don't have one, just take your time with a sharp knife—the effort is worth it.
  • When rolling goat cheese into balls, keep a bowl of cold water nearby and dip your teaspoon between each scoop. Cold utensils make shaping much easier and prevent the cheese from sticking.
  • Consider doing a final flavor check by tasting one bite of each component before you serve—a bland tomato or weak herb means it's time to source fresher ingredients for your next platter.
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