Blue Ridge Mountains Cheese Platter (Printable version)

Artfully arranged blue cheeses atop crackers with honey, nuts, and fruit for a fresh start.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 2.8 oz Roquefort cheese
02 - 2.8 oz Gorgonzola cheese
03 - 2.8 oz Stilton cheese
04 - 2.8 oz Bleu d'Auvergne cheese

→ Crackers

05 - 16 artisanal whole-grain crackers

→ Garnishes

06 - 1 tablespoon honey
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts, chopped
08 - 1 small bunch fresh grapes or sliced figs
09 - Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary sprigs), optional

# Directions:

01 - Slice each blue cheese into rough, irregular wedges to evoke jagged mountain peaks.
02 - Lay the crackers in a single layer on a large serving platter to create the sky backdrop.
03 - Position the cheeses in a row along one edge of the crackers, staggering sizes and angles to mimic a natural horizon.
04 - Drizzle honey over the cheeses and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
05 - Scatter fresh grapes or fig slices around the platter for color and freshness.
06 - Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs and serve promptly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's deceptively easy to pull together but looks like you spent hours planning it.
  • Everyone leans in closer to examine the arrangement, turning food into conversation.
  • The flavor combinations let each cheese shine while crackers and fruit balance the intensity.
02 -
  • Blue cheeses sweat and lose their texture if left at room temperature too long; assemble this within 30 minutes of serving.
  • The quality of your cheese matters more than the quantity; one exceptional Roquefort will outshine mediocre versions of all four.
  • Slice your cheeses just before arranging so the cut surfaces stay fresh and don't oxidize into a dull gray.
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses a day ahead and let them sit at room temperature for an hour before slicing so they cut cleanly without crumbling.
  • Chill your platter or board for 15 minutes before assembling; a cool surface keeps everything fresher longer and gives you more working time.
  • Serve this with a Sauternes if you want something sweet and luxurious, or a bold red wine if you want contrast; either way, the pairing transforms the whole experience.
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