Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Print)

Elegant berry and herb display with goat cheese, nuts, and olive oil, perfect for festive occasions.

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants (or substitute with pomegranate arils, cranberries, or red grapes)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes (small, round, bright red)
03 - 1 cup raspberries (firm, unblemished)
04 - 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley (flat-leaf), 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, rolled 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 - Thoroughly rinse all berries, tomatoes, herbs, and cucumber under cold water. Gently pat dry with paper towels. Discard any bruised or damaged berries. Slice cucumbers into ultra-thin rounds, about 1/16 inch thick. Use a teaspoon to form goat cheese into bite-sized balls. Ensure all components are completely dry to prevent wilting or sogginess.
02 - Choose a large, flat serving platter or rustic wooden board measuring 12 to 14 inches in diameter. Clean and dry the surface thoroughly to provide a neutral background that emphasizes the vibrant reds and greens.
03 - Position sprigs of rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme in overlapping, organic clusters across the platter’s surface. Cover approximately 50% of the area, allowing some herbs to spill slightly over the edges to create a natural, lush foundation reminiscent of holly foliage.
04 - Nestle red currants, cherry tomatoes, and raspberries among the herbs in tight, overlapping clusters that mimic natural holly berry growth. Vary cluster size and density for dynamic visual interest, anchoring berries gently if needed to prevent rolling. Ensure each cluster is distinctly bordered by herbs for optimal contrast.
05 - Distribute mozzarella pearls and goat cheese balls near berry clusters in small groups, maintaining the dominance of red and green hues. Scatter nuts and cucumber slices in natural, asymmetrical piles. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the cheese, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Avoid contact between cheese and moist berries to maintain texture.
06 - Step back and assess the platter’s balance and organic flow, ensuring it appears lush and abundant without rigidity. Adjust clusters and herbs to fill any sparse areas and enhance the holly motif. Remove any smudges or excess oil from the platter rim. Serve immediately to preserve freshness and texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-quality but takes barely 30 minutes—nobody needs to know how effortless it actually is
  • Everything is fresh and uncooked, so you can prep components hours ahead and assemble just before guests arrive
  • It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and works for almost any dietary preference with simple swaps
  • Your guests will photograph it, compliment it, and come back for seconds without realizing they're eating something impossibly healthy
02 -
  • Moisture is the enemy—berries and herbs will wilt and bleed if they're even slightly damp. Dry everything with obsessive care; it's the difference between a platter that stays beautiful for an hour and one that looks sad within 20 minutes.
  • Never assemble this platter more than 30-45 minutes before serving, no matter how much time pressure you feel. The assembled version truly must be served fresh; refrigeration will cause herbs to wilt and berries to start bleeding into the cheese. Do all your prep hours ahead, then assemble at the last possible moment.
  • Cluster matters more than evenness—one large, tight grouping of raspberries next to herbs has more visual impact than raspberries scattered across the platter. Think clusters, not distribution.
03 -
  • For larger gatherings, create multiple smaller platters instead of one massive one—they're easier to pass, refill, and actually more beautiful because scale is better proportioned
  • If you're serving this outdoors or at a longer event, keep the assembled platter on ice in a larger shallow pan to maintain freshness without making it wet
  • The night before, create a detailed visual plan by photographing a mock arrangement on your actual platter; it removes decision-making stress when you're actually assembling
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