Whimsical nuts seeds cheese (Print Version)

An eye-catching platter with nuts and seeds arranged around a cheese centerpiece for elegant entertaining.

# Components:

→ Nuts

01 - 1.4 oz raw almonds
02 - 1.4 oz roasted cashews
03 - 1.4 oz shelled pistachios
04 - 1.4 oz pecan halves
05 - 1.4 oz hazelnuts

→ Seeds

06 - 1 oz pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
07 - 1 oz sunflower seeds
08 - 0.7 oz black sesame seeds
09 - 0.7 oz white sesame seeds
10 - 0.7 oz flaxseeds

→ The Prize Cheese

11 - 6.3 oz wheel of soft-ripened cheese (Brie, Camembert, or vegan alternative)

→ Optional Accents

12 - 2 tbsp dried cranberries or cherries
13 - 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
14 - 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup

# Directions:

01 - Lightly draw a winding labyrinth path on a large serving platter or board using a pencil for guidance if preferred.
02 - Place single-file lines of assorted nuts and seeds along the labyrinth lines, alternating types to create visual and textural contrast.
03 - Extend the path by spiraling or winding it toward the center of the board, maintaining the alternating pattern.
04 - Set the wheel of soft-ripened cheese at the center of the labyrinth as the focal point.
05 - Decorate the cheese with fresh herbs and drizzle honey or agave syrup over it, if desired.
06 - Scatter dried cranberries or cherries within any gaps to add color and flavor.
07 - Provide small forks or cocktail picks and invite guests to navigate the labyrinth to reach the cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the conversation starter every grazing table needs, and guests actually enjoy the tactile experience of following the path.
  • Prep is straightforward enough for a weeknight, but the visual impact makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • You can swap nuts and seeds endlessly based on what you have, so it never feels like the same appetizer twice.
02 -
  • Buy whole seeds and nuts when possible—pre-chopped pieces are harder to arrange and won't hold a clear line as well.
  • Temperature matters: if your cheese is cold from the fridge, it stays firmer and looks more pristine, but if you want it creamier, let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving.
  • The path doesn't have to be mathematically perfect—your guests are following the general direction, and slight irregularities actually make it look more handmade and charming.
03 -
  • Toast any raw nuts lightly in a dry skillet for 3 minutes before assembling if you want more depth of flavor and a nuttier appearance.
  • Keep your nuts and seeds in separate small bowls until you're ready to assemble so you don't accidentally mix them, and work directly from the bowl to the board to keep everything organized.
Return