Frosted Pine Cheese Platter (Printable Version)

Winter cheese platter featuring sugared rosemary, white cheddar, and crunchy almonds for festive occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz 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 whole almonds, raw or lightly toasted

→ Crackers & Extras

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lightly dampen rosemary sprigs with water, then roll them in granulated sugar until coated. Place on parchment-lined tray and let dry for 10 minutes.
02 - Form gentle mounds of cubed or shredded white cheddar on a serving platter to resemble snowdrifts.
03 - Place the sugared rosemary sprigs upright among the cheese mounds to mimic frosted pine trees.
04 - Nestle whole almonds in small clusters near the cheese to represent pinecones.
05 - Arrange gluten-free crackers around the platter or drizzle honey as desired.
06 - Present immediately and enjoy the festive display.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It looks like winter dessert but tastes savory—the shock of sugared rosemary against creamy cheese is addictive.
  • Zero cooking means you can focus entirely on making it beautiful, which honestly feels like cheating at entertaining.
  • It works for casual family dinners or fancy gatherings without any apologies.
02 -
  • Dampen the rosemary too much and the sugar turns into a sticky mess; too little and it won't stick at all—just a light mist is the sweet spot.
  • Room temperature cheese spreads beautifully and makes the board more inviting than cold cheese straight from the fridge.
  • Prep the sugared rosemary first and let it dry while you arrange everything else, so it's crisp and sparkly when guests see it.
03 -
  • Lightly toast your almonds for five minutes before serving if you want them to taste richer and look more golden—it transforms them from ingredient to statement.
  • Keep a small bowl of extra sugared rosemary in the kitchen to replace pieces as guests snack, so the board stays fresh and full-looking all evening.
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