Blue Ridge Mountains Cheese Platter (Printable)

Artfully arranged blue-veined cheeses with crackers, garnished with honey, nuts, and fresh fruit for a sophisticated appetizer.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 2.8 oz Roquefort cheese
02 - 2.8 oz Gorgonzola cheese
03 - 2.8 oz Stilton cheese
04 - 2.8 oz Bleu d'Auvergne cheese

→ Crackers

05 - 16 artisanal whole-grain crackers

→ Garnishes

06 - 1 tablespoon honey
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts, chopped
08 - 1 small bunch fresh grapes or sliced figs
09 - Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary sprigs), optional

# Method:

01 - Slice each blue cheese into rough, irregular wedges or blocks to mimic jagged mountain peaks.
02 - Spread the crackers in a single layer on a large serving platter or wooden board to form a base.
03 - Place the blue cheese wedges in a row along the edge of the crackers, staggering heights and angles to emulate a natural horizon.
04 - Drizzle honey lightly over the cheeses, then sprinkle with toasted, chopped walnuts.
05 - Scatter fresh grapes or fig slices around the platter for color and freshness.
06 - Optional: Add fresh herb sprigs for garnish and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive without requiring any actual cooking skill—just thoughtful arrangement and confidence.
  • Blue cheeses get to shine without competing flavors, and their complex earthiness pairs perfectly with simple crackers and honey.
  • People always comment on how creative it is, but you'll know it took barely fifteen minutes to assemble.
02 -
  • Let your cheeses come to room temperature for about twenty minutes before serving—cold blues taste muted and distant, but warm blues sing.
  • Don't slice your cheeses too far ahead; the cut surfaces oxidize and turn grayish, which dulls both the look and the flavor.
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses from a proper cheese counter where they're stored correctly and the staff can tell you which ones are at their peak.
  • The arrangement matters more than perfection—a slightly messy mountain that looks lived-in feels more inviting than something too polished.
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