Save 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 cheese platter has always been a hit at our holiday gatherings, impressing guests with its beautiful star-shaped arrangement and delicious 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.
Save Sharing this platter with family always creates a warm, festive atmosphere that brings everyone together around good food and conversation.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling rosé for an elevated tasting experience. Use a large wooden board or platter for best presentation.
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.
Save This cheese platter is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum style.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Which cheeses are ideal for this platter?
A combination of aged Manchego, creamy Brie, blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort, goat cheese log, and smoked cheddar creates a balanced flavor and texture profile.
- → What fresh fruits complement the cheese selection?
Red and green grapes, sliced pear and apple, pomegranate seeds, and dried figs add sweetness and freshness to balance the rich cheeses.
- → How is the platter arranged for the best visual appeal?
Cheeses are placed in a star-shaped pattern with the goat cheese in the center and other cheeses fanned out as rays, filling gaps with fruit clusters and garnishes.
- → Are there suitable accompaniments to enhance the flavors?
Honey, fig jam, honey-roasted and marcona almonds, along with baguette slices and assorted crackers, provide contrasting textures and sweetness.
- → Can this platter be adapted for different diets?
For a vegan variation, substitute plant-based cheeses and replace honey with agave syrup while keeping the fresh fruits and nuts.
- → What tools help with assembly and serving?
A large wooden board or platter, small serving bowls, cheese knives, and a paring knife aid in arranging and serving the platter neatly.