Save on Pinterest 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 has become my go-to for holidays as it impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum visual appeal.
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 on Pinterest This platter has brought my family together around the table for many memorable celebrations.
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
Per serving approx Calories 430 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 15 g
Save on Pinterest Perfect for entertaining this cheese platter adds elegance and ease to your festive spread.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses are included in the Star of Bethlehem platter?
The platter uses aged Manchego, creamy Brie, blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort, goat cheese log, and smoked cheddar for a variety of textures and flavors.
- → How should the cheeses be arranged?
Arrange the cheeses in a star shape with goat cheese at the center and the other cheeses fanned out around it to mimic star rays.
- → Which fruits complement the cheese board?
Fresh red and green grapes, sliced pear and apple, pomegranate seeds, and dried figs provide natural sweetness and visual appeal.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments to add?
Honey-roasted almonds, marcona almonds, honey, fig jam, baguette slices, and assorted crackers add crunch and balance flavors.
- → How can this platter be customized for dietary needs?
For a vegan option, substitute plant-based cheeses and replace honey with agave syrup to keep flavors harmonious.
- → What serving tips improve the experience?
Serve the board at room temperature to enhance cheese flavors and textures. Garnishing with fresh rosemary and edible flowers adds aroma and elegance.