Winter Wonderland Platter (Print)

Elegant winter-themed board with cheeses, nuts, crackers, fruits, and frosted accents for festive gatherings.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz fresh chilled goat cheese log
02 - 3.5 oz triple-cream brie or camembert, rind trimmed
03 - 3.5 oz white cheddar, cubed or sliced

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz blanched almonds
05 - 1.75 oz unsalted macadamia nuts (optional)

→ Crackers

06 - 5.3 oz white water crackers
07 - 3.5 oz plain rice crackers
08 - 3.5 oz mini breadsticks or pale grissini

→ Fruits

09 - 1 cup seedless white grapes, washed and dried
10 - 1 peeled, cored, thinly sliced Asian pear
11 - 0.5 cup dried white figs, halved

→ Accents and Garnishes

12 - 0.5 cup white chocolate shards or curls
13 - Edible silver leaf or edible silver glitter for garnish
14 - 0.25 cup silver dragées (edible metallic balls, optional)
15 - Small handful edible flowers in white or light blue
16 - 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary, dusted lightly with confectioners’ sugar
17 - Blueberries, fresh or sugared, for accent (optional)
18 - Small decorative bowls for nuts or spreads

# Directions:

01 - Select a large white, silver, or marble platter at least 16 inches in diameter for 8 servings. Clean all utensils, bowls, and knives thoroughly. Chill the platter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before assembly to keep ingredients cold.
02 - Slice the goat cheese log into ½-inch rounds and place in a crescent shape along one side of the platter. Fan out the trimmed brie or camembert and white cheddar slices next to the goat cheese, wiping any smudges for a clean appearance. Cheeses should be cold but slightly yielding.
03 - Arrange water crackers and rice crackers in neat overlapping arcs opposite the cheeses. Place breadsticks or grissini in a small diagonal bundle for height. Leave gaps for easy picking and maintain an airy presentation. Crackers should be crisp and dry.
04 - Fan pear slices in a shingled row near the center for a snowdrift effect. Cluster white grapes in a neat pile and scatter a few for a natural look. Place halved dried figs near the cheeses for pairing.
05 - Place blanched almonds and macadamia nuts in small white or silver bowls or scatter small handfuls in open spaces. Tuck white chocolate shards between cheeses and crackers. Sprinkle silver dragées sparingly to avoid confusion with inedible decor.
06 - Gently place edible flowers and a few blueberries for light blue accents. Dust rosemary sprigs with confectioners’ sugar to mimic frost and nestle them between cheeses and fruits. Apply tiny flecks of edible silver leaf on cheeses or chocolate shards using tweezers for shimmer.
07 - Review for balance, symmetry, and color distribution, adjusting spacing as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered loosely up to 30 minutes. Serving chilled preserves crisp freshness and prevents cheese softening.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's an appetizer that looks like it took hours but comes together in just 15 minutes—your secret weapon for stress-free entertaining
  • Every guest finds something they love, from creamy cheeses to crisp crackers to sweet white chocolate surprises
  • The visual impact is undeniable; this platter becomes the conversation starter before a single bite is taken
02 -
  • Pat your white grapes and pear slices completely dry before arranging them—any moisture will dull their appearance and cause berries to roll around on the platter
  • Chill your platter beforehand; this keeps cheeses from softening and maintains that pristine, frosty aesthetic throughout service
  • Only use edible silver and gold products from reputable sources—food safety is non-negotiable when it comes to decorative elements
03 -
  • Cut soft cheeses with a hot, dry knife for clean slices that look intentional—dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut with confidence
  • Arrange everything on the platter just before guests arrive; this prevents humidity from softening crackers and keeps cheeses at their creamiest
  • Create visual balance by distributing similar items around the platter—if you have cheese on the left, balance it with fruit or nuts on the right
Back