Shooting Star Cheese Board (Printable Version)

Star-shaped cheese with a flowing tail of nuts and berries makes a stunning festive centerpiece.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz firm cheese (cheddar, gouda, or manchego), cut into a star shape

→ Nuts

02 - 1.75 oz almonds
03 - 1.75 oz pecan halves
04 - 1.75 oz walnuts

→ Berries

05 - 3.5 oz fresh blueberries
06 - 3.5 oz fresh raspberries
07 - 3.5 oz fresh blackberries
08 - 1.75 oz dried cranberries

→ Accompaniments (optional)

09 - Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices
10 - Fresh mint leaves for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Using a star-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut the firm cheese into a star shape and position it near the top of a large serving board or platter.
02 - Arrange the almonds, pecan halves, and walnuts in a flowing diagonal line extending from the cheese star, creating the tail of a shooting star.
03 - Intermix fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dried cranberries among the nuts to create a vibrant cascading effect.
04 - Fill any remaining gaps with additional nuts or berries to achieve a full and abundant appearance.
05 - Optionally, place gluten-free crackers or sliced baguette alongside the board and garnish with fresh mint leaves for color.
06 - Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes barely twenty minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something elaborate.
  • Everyone feels like they're part of something special when they see it, even if it's just an appetizer.
  • You can swap any cheese or nut combination you have on hand and it still works beautifully.
02 -
  • Cut your cheese star at least an hour before serving so it stays firm and doesn't look soft or melted on the board.
  • Raspberries bruise if you handle them too much, so add them last and place them gently rather than arranging and rearranging.
03 -
  • Use a slightly damp kitchen towel under your board to keep it from sliding around while you're arranging—it makes the whole process steadier and less stressful.
  • If your star cheese is looking rough after cutting, let it sit out for ten minutes and use a warm, clean knife to smooth the edges; the slight softness helps it reshape beautifully.
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