Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Print Version)

Vibrant berry and cheese platter with fresh herbs, nuts, and crackers for festive gatherings.

# Components:

→ Berries

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants or cranberries
02 - 1 cup pomegranate arils
03 - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved

→ Cheese & Accompaniments

04 - 7 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
05 - 3.5 oz brie cheese, cubed
06 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed

→ Crackers & Bread

07 - 1 cup assorted crackers
08 - 1/2 baguette, sliced into rounds (optional)

→ Fresh Herbs

09 - 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
10 - 1 small bunch fresh mint
11 - 1 small bunch fresh rosemary

→ Garnishes

12 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
13 - 2 tablespoons honey for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry all berries and fresh herbs.
02 - On a large serving platter, arrange clusters of red berries in tight, organic groupings to emulate holly berries.
03 - Place small rounds of goat cheese, and cubes of brie and aged cheddar nestled among the berry clusters.
04 - Insert sprigs of parsley, mint, and rosemary around berries and cheeses to recreate holly leaves and greenery.
05 - Fill any remaining spaces with assorted crackers and baguette rounds if using.
06 - Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the platter and lightly drizzle honey over the cheeses as desired.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to select from the festive arrangement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly takes just 20 minutes—that's the magic of it.
  • Everyone gravitates toward it at parties because it's visually stunning and tastes even better than it looks.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, so it works for almost any gathering without compromise.
02 -
  • Dry your berries thoroughly—this is non-negotiable. Wet berries will roll away and ruin your carefully arranged clusters.
  • If you're making this more than an hour ahead, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cold actually helps everything stay firmer and fresher.
  • The cheese needs to be at room temperature when you serve, so take the platter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before guests arrive. Cold cheese tastes muted.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts instead of buying them pre-toasted. The moment they hit the pan and start releasing their aroma, you'll understand why this small step matters so much.
  • Use the best cheese you can afford—it's the star of the show alongside the berries. Splurge on good brie; the difference is profound.
  • If your berries seem a bit delicate, handle them with a small fork or toothpick rather than your fingers. It sounds fussy, but it keeps them looking pristine.
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