Elegant Yin-Yang Cheese Board (Print View)

An elegant cheese and fruit board balanced with blackberries, nuts, and fresh garnishes.

# Components:

→ Dividing Line

01 - 5.3 oz fresh blackberries

→ Light Side

02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese (chèvre), sliced
03 - 3.5 oz young Manchego or white cheddar, cubed
04 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
05 - 1.8 oz white grapes
06 - 1.1 oz raw almonds
07 - 1.1 oz rice crackers or light-colored crackers

→ Dark Side

08 - 3.5 oz aged blue cheese, sliced
09 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, cubed
10 - 1 small black plum, thinly sliced
11 - 1.8 oz red or black grapes
12 - 1.1 oz roasted hazelnuts
13 - 1.1 oz dark rye crisps or seeded crackers

→ Garnishes

14 - Fresh mint leaves
15 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place a large, round serving board on the work surface.
02 - Create a curved line of blackberries across the center of the board, representing the yin-yang divide.
03 - Neatly arrange the goat cheese, Manchego or white cheddar, pear slices, white grapes, almonds, and light crackers on one side of the blackberry curve.
04 - Arrange aged blue cheese, aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, plum slices, red or black grapes, roasted hazelnuts, and dark crackers opposite the light side.
05 - Enhance the presentation by adding fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for contrast and freshness.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve freshness and allow guests to enjoy the balance of flavors and colors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like art but requires zero cooking skill, just a good eye and a steady hand.
  • Every bite offers contrast, from creamy goat cheese to sharp blue, sweet pear to tart plum.
  • You can prep it in under twenty minutes and let it sit while you finish everything else.
02 -
  • Use a board with a rim or edges, or your blackberries will roll off the counter and under the fridge (trust me).
  • Slice the pear and plum at the last minute or brush them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Let cheeses sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before serving so their flavors open up and textures soften.
03 -
  • Assemble the board on the surface where you will serve it, moving a loaded board is an invitation for disaster.
  • Use odd numbers when arranging items (three slices of cheese, five crackers) because symmetry looks stiff and odd numbers feel natural.
  • If blackberries are out of season, a line of dark grapes or even black olives can create the same visual divide.
Return