Artistic Sundial Cheese Platter (Printable)

Elegant cheese display with balsamic glaze and mixed nut clusters, perfect for sharing and entertaining guests.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 1 thick wedge (5.3 oz) aged hard cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Gouda, or Manchego)

→ Balsamic Glaze

02 - 3 tablespoons high-quality balsamic glaze

→ Nut Clusters

03 - 1/3 cup roasted almonds
04 - 1/3 cup roasted walnuts
05 - 1/3 cup roasted pecans
06 - 1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts
07 - 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)

→ Garnishes (optional)

08 - Fresh grapes or figs
09 - Edible flowers or microgreens

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the wedge of hard cheese upright in the center of a large round serving platter, with the pointed end facing outward to resemble a sundial gnomon.
02 - Using a spoon, drizzle a thick line of balsamic glaze extending outward from the cheese wedge to mimic the shadow of a sundial.
03 - Distribute 12 small clusters of mixed nuts evenly around the cheese, forming a circle to represent the hours on a clock face; tuck dried cranberries into some clusters for added color if desired.
04 - Optionally, adorn the platter with fresh grapes, figs, or edible flowers to enhance visual appeal.
05 - Provide cocktail picks or small forks alongside for convenient sharing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours creating something precious, but it takes just fifteen minutes.
  • Guests remember it—the presentation becomes part of the story they tell about your gathering.
02 -
  • The cheese wedge needs to be sturdy and angled just right—if it tips, place it on a small wooden board beneath to keep it upright and prevent the presentation from collapsing.
  • Balsamic glaze is thicker and more forgiving than regular vinegar; if you're reducing your own, let it cool slightly so it doesn't spread like water and lose definition.
03 -
  • Buy cheese from a good source where you can ask for a thick wedge—it's easier to position and looks more intentional than thin slices.
  • Room-temperature nuts taste better than cold ones; let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving so their flavor deepens.
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