Skyline Silhouette Cheese Platter (Print Version)

A striking cheese platter shaped as city silhouettes with fruits and crackers, ideal for stylish entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 4.2 oz sharp cheddar, block
02 - 4.2 oz Gruyère, block
03 - 4.2 oz Emmental, block
04 - 4.2 oz Havarti, block
05 - 4.2 oz Gouda, block

→ Accompaniments

06 - 1 small bunch seedless grapes, washed
07 - 1 small apple, sliced
08 - 1 small pear, sliced
09 - 12 to 16 assorted crackers (gluten-free optional)
10 - 2 tbsp honey or fig jam

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Chill cheese blocks for 15–20 minutes to firm. Using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters, cut each block into vertical slices approximately 0.4 inches thick.
02 - Carve each cheese slice into iconic building silhouettes such as the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building using a paring knife or paper template for guidance.
03 - Arrange the cheese silhouettes upright on a large platter, creating a city skyline effect.
04 - Distribute grape clusters and slices of apple and pear around the base to simulate greenery and enhance visual interest.
05 - Present alongside assorted crackers and a ramekin of honey or fig jam for dipping.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms a simple cheese board into conversation-starting theater that tastes as good as it looks.
  • Everything is prepared in under 30 minutes, leaving you time to shower and change before guests arrive.
  • You can make it entirely ahead and refrigerate, pulling it out just as people walk through the door.
02 -
  • Room-temperature cheese crumbles and tears; if your kitchen is warm, keep cheese in the fridge until the absolute last moment and even then work quickly.
  • A wet knife is your enemy when carving details—wipe your blade clean between cuts so you can see where you're going.
  • Building a template from paper or cardboard takes 10 minutes but guarantees your first attempts actually look like something recognizable instead of abstract art.
03 -
  • Freeze your knife in the freezer for 5 minutes before carving to get the cleanest cuts—the cold metal prevents the cheese from sticking and tearing.
  • If you're nervous about freehand carving, sketch your building outline with toothpicks first, using them as a guide that won't leave permanent marks.
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