The Retro Rocket Platter (Printable version)

A playful snack featuring cheese wedges and strawberry slices shaped like a rocket, ideal for entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into pointed wedges
02 - 3.5 oz cream cheese (optional, for assembling)

→ Fruit

03 - 7 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise

→ Garnish & Extras

04 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (optional, for decoration)
05 - 1 tablespoon black olives, sliced (optional, for windows or details)
06 - 2-3 thin carrot sticks (optional, for rocket fins)

# Directions:

01 - Arrange the sharp cheddar cheese wedges in a sleek, pointed formation on a large serving platter, overlapping slightly for stability.
02 - Apply small dabs of cream cheese between the wedges as needed to hold the shape.
03 - Fan sliced strawberries at the base of the rocket to simulate fiery flames with a dynamic appearance.
04 - Place black olive slices to represent windows or other rocket features.
05 - Position carrot sticks and fresh mint leaves for additional fins or colorful accents as desired.
06 - Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to present.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes 15 minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something magical.
  • Kids will actually eat their vegetables and cheese without negotiating, because it's shaped like a rocket.
  • No cooking required means you can make this while answering emails or keeping one eye on whatever else is happening.
02 -
  • Cheese wedges need to be pointed, not squared-off, or you lose the rocket silhouette entirely and it just looks like you arranged cheese randomly.
  • Buy strawberries a day ahead if you can—they're firmer and slice better than berries that are already soft and weeping juice everywhere.
03 -
  • Chill your serving platter for 10 minutes before building so the cheese stays firm longer and your rocket doesn't slouch by the time guests arrive.
  • If cream cheese isn't holding your wedges, try using tiny toothpicks inserted horizontally between wedges where nobody will see them—structural engineering that stays invisible.
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