Gilded Lily Cheese Platter (Printable version)

An elegant cheese arrangement adorned with edible gold leaf and vibrant yellow flower petals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz goat cheese log (chèvre)
02 - 5.3 oz triple-cream brie
03 - 5.3 oz fresh ricotta
04 - 5.3 oz feta cheese (block-style, drained)

→ Garnishes

05 - 1–2 sheets edible gold leaf
06 - 2 tablespoons yellow edible flower petals (e.g., marigold, calendula, chrysanthemum)
07 - 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
08 - Fresh microgreens or herbs (optional, for garnish)

→ Accompaniments

09 - 1 baguette, thinly sliced (gluten-free option available)
10 - Assorted crackers

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place the white cheeses evenly spaced on a large serving platter.
02 - Using clean tweezers or a fine brush, gently apply small pieces of edible gold leaf onto each cheese surface.
03 - Scatter yellow edible flower petals delicately over and around the cheeses.
04 - Drizzle honey over the cheeses if desired, then garnish with fresh microgreens or herbs.
05 - Present alongside thinly sliced baguette and assorted crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like it took hours but comes together in fifteen minutes, giving you the confidence of a seasoned entertainer.
  • Every cheese brings something different—the tang, the richness, the creaminess—so there's always something new on your palate.
  • It's one of those dishes where imperfection actually adds charm, because edible flowers and gold leaf are inherently irregular and forgiving.
02 -
  • Edible gold leaf is flavorless and has zero nutritional value, so it's purely about beauty—don't feel guilty for using it, and don't pretend it's doing anything other than making you smile.
  • Your cheeses need to be at room temperature when the petals and gold touch them, or everything slides off like it's being rejected. Pull them from the fridge at least thirty minutes before serving.
  • Yellow flowers fade if they're exposed to humidity or air for too long, so apply them no more than two hours before guests arrive, or add them right as people walk through the door.
03 -
  • If edible gold leaf intimidates you, start with just one cheese and build confidence. Your second and third attempts will feel effortless.
  • Keep your tweezers or brush in cold water before applying gold—the moisture helps it adhere and makes the process feel less fragile.
  • Pears, grapes, or candied nuts add textural contrast and give people without gluten-free needs something to pair with the cheeses beyond bread alone.
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