Frosted Pine Cheese Platter (Printable)

Winter-inspired cheese display featuring sugared rosemary, white cheddar snowdrifts, and almond pinecones.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

→ Garnishes

02 - 12 fresh rosemary sprigs
03 - 2 tbsp water
04 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for dusting)

→ Nuts

05 - 2 oz whole almonds, raw or lightly toasted

→ Crackers & Extras

06 - 12–16 assorted gluten-free crackers (optional)
07 - 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lightly dampen rosemary sprigs with water, then roll them in granulated sugar until frosted. Allow to dry on parchment paper for 10 minutes.
02 - Arrange white cheddar cheese in gentle mounds on a serving platter to mimic snowdrifts.
03 - Place sugared rosemary sprigs upright among the cheese mounds to resemble frosted pine trees.
04 - Nestle whole almonds in small clusters near the cheese to imitate pinecones.
05 - Add gluten-free crackers or drizzle honey around the arrangement as desired.
06 - Present immediately and enjoy the festive display.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's impressive enough to make guests pause mid-conversation, yet takes barely 20 minutes to assemble.
  • The sugared rosemary adds a subtle botanical crunch and sweetness that elevates simple cheese from ordinary to unforgettable.
  • Everyone eats with their eyes first, and this board delivers pure visual joy before the first bite.
02 -
  • Don't let those sugared rosemary sprigs sit too long before serving—after about an hour, they begin to lose their crystalline texture as moisture creeps back in.
  • The rosemary is both decorative and edible; guests will nibble on them, so make sure your rosemary is pesticide-free and fresh from a culinary source, not a craft store.
03 -
  • Use a light hand with the water mist—a spray bottle is better than dunking, and let gravity and air dry the sugar naturally rather than toweling it off, which can damage the coating.
  • Toast your almonds for five minutes at 350°F if they're raw; it wakes up their flavor and makes them taste more winter-warming and substantial.
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