Celtic Cross Cheese Platter (Print Version)

A visually striking cheese board arranged around a central dip, offering a variety of flavors and textures.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz Irish cheddar, cubed
02 - 3.5 oz Brie, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz Blue cheese, crumbled
04 - 3.5 oz Manchego, sliced

→ Central Dip

05 - 5.3 oz sour cream or Greek yogurt
06 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tsp lemon juice
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Accompaniments

09 - 2.8 oz seedless red grapes
10 - 2.8 oz dried apricots
11 - 1.8 oz walnuts
12 - 1.8 oz honey

→ Crackers & Bread

13 - 3.5 oz rustic crackers
14 - 1 small baguette, sliced

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with chopped chives, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper; transfer to a small round bowl.
02 - Place the dip bowl at the center of a large, round serving platter.
03 - Visually divide the platter into four quadrants and arrange each cheese variety attractively in its own section surrounding the dip.
04 - Fill the spaces between cheese quadrants with grapes, dried apricots, and walnuts to provide color and texture contrast.
05 - Lightly drizzle honey over the blue cheese quadrant to enhance flavor.
06 - Place rustic crackers and baguette slices around the platter’s outer edge.
07 - Serve immediately, allowing all cheeses to be at room temperature to maximize flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-quality but takes barely twenty minutes to assemble, leaving you relaxed when guests arrive.
  • Four different cheeses mean everyone finds their favorite, and the cross pattern makes people stop and actually look at what you've made.
02 -
  • Cold cheese tastes muted and rubbery—bring everything to room temperature for at least thirty minutes before serving, even if it feels slow.
  • The cross pattern works because it gives the eye places to rest; without that structure, even a beautiful platter feels chaotic.
03 -
  • Arrange everything the night before if you're hosting stressed; cover loosely and let it sit in a cool place, then bring to room temperature an hour before guests arrive.
  • If any cheese feels dry after sitting, a light brush of olive oil brings it back to life—this is especially true for aged cheddars.
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