For celebrations big or small a cheese platter is often the answer. Here is a simple and satisfying way to build a stunning cheese board using the rule of threes — for balance, variety and visual aesthetic.
Ingredients
3 types of cheese
- 150 g triple cream brie or d’affinois
- 150 g mild blue cheese such as gorgonzola dolce or Danish blue
- 150 g hard cheese such aged goat’s cheese or a sharp cheddar
3 types of fruit
- 3-4 fresh figs quartered
- 1 bunch grapes cut into smaller bunches
- 1 pear or apple core removed and thinly sliced
3 types of crackers
- We love, wafer crackers, dried fruit crisp bread crackers and rosemary lavosh but use your favourites
3 finishing touches
- ⅓ cup roasted macadamia nuts
- 1-2 tbsp Australian honey for drizzling
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Choosing a platter or serving plate that’s the right size is very important - too big and it will look scarce, too small and you won’t be able to fit everything or have the right ratio of ingredients. You want the platter to appear plentiful and abundant!
- Cheese first! Visually divide your preferred serving platter into thirds and arrange the cheese, evenly spaced apart and towards the outer edge of the platter. This creates three distinct zones and sets the foundation for the platter.
- Add the fruit. Alternate putting each variety of fruit around the platter in two positions each. Be generous and allow the fruit to move and fill the centre of the platter.
- Fill in the gaps with the crackers. Mix and layer the crackers together and tuck into gaps evenly across the platter between the cheese and fruit. Ensure the platter looks full now!
- You’re almost finished.
- Finishing touches. These are the ultimate complementary ingredients to the flavours on your platter! Add small handfuls of roasted macadamias into the remaining small gaps. Drizzle honey over the brie and figs.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves across the platter, especially around the goat’s cheese and blue cheese for fragrance and colour.
Notes
Ideal for 6 people as a generous appetiser. To serve more, simply multiply or divide the ratios.
Let the cheeses sit out for 30 minutes before serving for full flavour and the perfect texture.
Offer cheese knives or spreaders for each type of cheese.
Option to label cheeses for pairing with wine or other appetisers