Save I was arranging a cheese board for a dinner party when my daughter walked by and asked why my cheese slices all looked like sad rectangles. That question sent me down a rabbit hole—what if the cheese itself became the centerpiece, not just supporting actors? I started carving little towers and spires, and suddenly our city skyline emerged. Now when friends come over, they can't believe the skyline is entirely edible, and half the fun is watching them debate whether to admire it or devour it first.
The real magic happened at my sister's birthday party when someone's six-year-old nephew was so enchanted by the cheese buildings that he started naming them and creating little stories about which ones were homes, which were offices, and which were libraries. He ate two slices of Gruyère tower before anyone else touched a thing, and I realized this dish does something special—it makes people slow down and play before they eat.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar, block (120 g): This one brings attitude—a sharp, almost peppery edge that cuts through the richness of other cheeses and keeps your palate interested.
- Gruyère, block (120 g): Nutty and complex, it has this natural sweetness that gets even better when you chill it before slicing, making cuts cleaner.
- Emmental, block (120 g): The mild sweetheart of the group, with tiny holes that catch the light beautifully and make your buildings look architecturally detailed.
- Havarti, block (120 g): Creamy and buttery, it's the cheese that melts on your tongue and reminds you why texture matters as much as flavor.
- Gouda, block (120 g): Caramel undertones and a firm texture make it perfect for detailed carving—this one holds its shape like a dream.
- Seedless grapes, small bunch (washed): They become your parkland and soften the hard lines of the skyline with organic shapes and pops of color.
- Apple, small (sliced): A whisper of tartness and crunch that reminds everyone there's more to this board than just cheese.
- Pear, small (sliced): Delicate and sweet, pears add elegance and pair surprisingly well with aged cheeses in ways apples don't quite manage.
- Assorted crackers, gluten-free if desired (12–16): Your edible pedestals—choose ones with enough structure to hold the weight of your cheese buildings.
- Honey or fig jam (2 tbsp): A small ramekin of this transforms everything into something golden and luxurious the moment someone dips into it.
Instructions
- Chill your canvas:
- Pop your cheese blocks into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes—cold cheese is forgiving cheese, and your knife will glide through instead of dragging. You'll know they're ready when they feel firm but not frozen.
- Slice with intention:
- Using a sharp chef's knife, cut each block into vertical slices roughly 1 cm thick. Angle your cuts slightly if you want a leaning tower effect, or keep them perfectly vertical for orderly skyscrapers.
- Carve your skyline:
- This is where the dance begins—take a paring knife and trace building silhouettes into each slice. You can use paper templates, cookie cutters as guides, or just freehand your own interpretations. Big Ben's clock tower, the Eiffel Tower's tapered point, or the Empire State Building's stepped crown all work beautifully.
- Compose your cityscape:
- Arrange your carved cheese slices upright on a large platter like buildings on a horizon line. Vary their heights and spacing so it feels like a real skyline, not a straight ruler.
- Add the living elements:
- Tuck grapes, apple slices, and pear slices around the base of your buildings as if they're parks and gardens softening the urban landscape. This also gives your eyes a chance to rest from all the cheese.
- Finish with the golden touch:
- Place a small ramekin of honey or fig jam nearby, and scatter crackers around the platter like little sidewalks. Step back and admire before anyone else rushes in.
Save What I didn't expect was how this platter would become a vehicle for connection—not just feeding people, but inviting them to play with their food, to admire something before consuming it, to remember that meals can be both nourishing and joyful at the same time.
Choosing Your Cheeses Wisely
The five cheeses here represent a spectrum of flavor and texture, but they're all selected for their ability to hold shape and chill well. Sharp cheddar gives you boldness, Gruyère brings complexity, Emmental provides mild sweetness, Havarti offers creaminess, and Gouda contributes earthy depth. If you want to swap any of them, think about whether your replacement will slice cleanly and whether it'll visually contrast with its neighbors on the board. A young Gouda versus an aged one will carve differently, taste differently, and look different too.
Making It Themed and Personal
Once you understand the basic technique, you can make this entirely your own by choosing buildings that matter to you. Carve the Taj Mahal for someone who dreams of India, or the Statue of Liberty for a celebration of American pride. You can also match your fruit choices to the theme—think pomegranate seeds for warmth, or berries for a more elegant look. The building shapes are just starting points; what makes this special is the thought you put into making it personal.
Pairing and Presentation
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc becomes almost effervescent next to the richness of these cheeses, cutting through and cleansing your palate between bites. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a crisp apple cider works beautifully. As for presentation, build your skyline on a platter large enough that the buildings don't touch—give each one room to breathe and be admired individually before they become part of the collective landscape.
- Assemble the board no more than an hour before guests arrive so the cheese stays cool and the fruit doesn't oxidize.
- Use a long, narrow platter to really emphasize the skyline effect and make the visual impact even stronger.
- If you're serving this at a casual gathering, leave small knives nearby so people can carefully detach their chosen buildings.
Save This platter reminds me that the best dishes aren't always about following rules perfectly—they're about inviting people into a moment of creativity and surprise. Make it, enjoy it, and let your skyline be uniquely yours.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Emmental, Havarti, and Gouda provides a mix of textures and flavors ideal for shaping and tasting.
- → How can I make clean silhouette cuts?
Chill the cheese blocks before slicing to firm them up, and use a sharp paring knife or small cookie cutters for accurate shapes.
- → What accompaniments complement the cheese display?
Fresh seedless grapes, apple and pear slices, assorted crackers, and a small serving of honey or fig jam create a balanced and colorful presentation.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, by selecting gluten-free crackers and ensuring fruit and cheese choices fit dietary needs, this platter suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
- → How long does preparation take?
Approximately 30 minutes is needed to chill, slice, shape, and arrange the platter for serving.