Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Print View)

Bright clusters of red berries with cheeses, herbs, and nuts for a festive and elegant appetizer spread.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Berries

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

→ Cheese and Accompaniments

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

→ Crackers and 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 tbsp honey for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry all berries and herbs to ensure freshness and remove excess moisture.
02 - Place clusters of red berries tightly on a large serving platter, arranging them organically to resemble holly berries.
03 - Nestle small rounds of goat cheese alongside cubes of brie and cheddar among the berry clusters for balanced texture and flavor.
04 - Tuck sprigs of parsley, mint, and rosemary around the berries and cheeses to simulate holly leaves and greenery.
05 - Fill any open spaces on the platter with assorted crackers and optional sliced baguette rounds for variety.
06 - Sprinkle toasted nuts over the platter and lightly drizzle honey over the cheeses, if desired.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to select from the vibrant assortment of berries, cheeses, herbs, and accompaniments.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it really takes just 20 minutes—your secret is safe with me
  • Everyone gets to play with their food, picking and choosing flavors they love, making it feel interactive and personal
  • The combination of tart berries, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs creates these unexpected flavor moments that linger on your palate
02 -
  • Assemble this no more than 2 hours before serving. The longer it sits, the berries start to weep and the herbs begin to wilt. Fresh is everything here
  • If you're transporting it, keep it on the platter but cover loosely with plastic wrap. The second you arrive, remove the wrap and let everything breathe again—that's when it comes alive
03 -
  • Use a large platter with some depth rather than a flat one—it gives you room to create height and dimension, which makes the whole thing more interesting to look at and reach into
  • If you're worried about the platter feeling empty, remember that white space is your friend. A beautifully arranged platter with breathing room is more elegant than one that's packed tight
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