Shooting Star Cheese Board (Print View)

Create a festive star-shaped cheese centerpiece with nuts and berries, ideal for celebrations and gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz firm cheese (such as cheddar, gouda, or manchego), cut into a star shape

→ Nuts

02 - 1.8 oz almonds
03 - 1.8 oz pecan halves
04 - 1.8 oz walnuts

→ Berries

05 - 3.5 oz fresh blueberries
06 - 3.5 oz fresh raspberries
07 - 3.5 oz fresh blackberries
08 - 1.8 oz dried cranberries

→ Accompaniments (optional)

09 - Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices
10 - Fresh mint leaves for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Using a star-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut the block of cheese into a star shape and place it near the top of a large serving board or platter.
02 - Form a flowing, diagonal line with the mixed nuts extending from the cheese star, mimicking the tail of a shooting star.
03 - Intermingle fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dried cranberries among the nuts for a vibrant cascading effect.
04 - Fill any remaining gaps with extra nuts or berries to create a full and abundant appearance.
05 - Add gluten-free crackers or sliced baguette to the side if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
06 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did, which is the best kind of kitchen magic.
  • There's no cooking involved, so you can assemble it while wearing whatever you want and still feel accomplished.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and can be easily made gluten-free, so it works for almost any group of people.
02 -
  • Soft or crumbly cheeses will not cut cleanly into a star—test your cheese with a knife before committing to the shape, or it'll fall apart and ruin the whole visual effect.
  • Arrange the board just before serving if you can, because berries will weep slightly over time, and the nuts can absorb moisture and become less crispy if they sit too long.
03 -
  • A very sharp knife or a warm knife (dipped in hot water and dried) will cut through hard cheeses much more cleanly than a dull one, making your star edges look purposeful rather than jagged.
  • Arrange everything on the board at room temperature so the cheese tastes better, then pop the whole board in the fridge if you need to assemble it ahead of time—just take it out 15 minutes before serving to let the cheese soften back up.
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