Frosted Pine Cheese Board (Print)

A whimsical winter cheese board with sugared rosemary, white cheddar mounds, and almond clusters for festive gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz (200 g) white cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

→ Garnishes

02 - 12 fresh rosemary sprigs
03 - 2 tbsp water
04 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting

→ Nuts

05 - 2 oz (60 g) whole raw or lightly toasted almonds

→ Crackers & Extras

06 - 12–16 assorted gluten-free crackers (optional)
07 - 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)

# Directions:

01 - Lightly dampen rosemary sprigs with water, then roll them in granulated sugar until evenly frosted. Let dry on a parchment-lined tray for 10 minutes.
02 - Place white cheddar cheese in gentle mounds on a serving platter to resemble snowdrifts.
03 - Position sugared rosemary sprigs upright among the cheese mounds to mimic frosted pine trees.
04 - Cluster whole almonds near the cheese to imitate pinecones.
05 - Add gluten-free crackers around the arrangement and drizzle honey if desired.
06 - Serve immediately to maintain freshness and presentation.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • It looks showstopping and takes barely twenty minutes, so you get all the credit with almost none of the stress.
  • Every element is a textural surprise—the crunch of almonds, the creamy cheese, the slightly brittle sugar-crusted rosemary keeps your mouth happy.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so you're not scrambling to accommodate dietary needs at the last minute.
02 -
  • Don't oversaturate the rosemary with water or the sugar will dissolve into a sad glaze instead of frosting; dampness should be subtle, almost imperceptible.
  • Make your cheese mounds thirty minutes before serving if possible so they firm up slightly and hold the rosemary sprigs more securely without toppling over.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cheese is easier to mound and holds the rosemary sprigs better than cold cheese straight from the fridge.
  • Serve this on a dark slate or wooden platter for maximum visual contrast—the white cheese and frosted herbs practically glow against a deeper background.
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