Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Printable version)

Vibrant clusters of red berries and herbs paired with assorted cheeses and crackers on a festive platter.

# Ingredient List:

→ Berries

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants or cranberries
02 - 1 cup pomegranate arils
03 - ½ cup red grapes, halved

→ Cheese & Accompaniments

04 - 7 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
05 - 3.5 oz brie, cubed
06 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed

→ Crackers & Bread

07 - 1 cup assorted crackers
08 - ½ baguette, sliced into rounds (optional)

→ Fresh Herbs

09 - 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
10 - 1 small bunch fresh mint
11 - 1 small bunch fresh rosemary

→ Garnishes

12 - ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
13 - 2 tbsp honey for drizzling

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry all berries and fresh herbs.
02 - On a large serving platter, cluster red berries tightly in organic groupings to resemble holly berries.
03 - Nestle small goat cheese rounds and cubes of brie and cheddar among berry clusters.
04 - Distribute sprigs of parsley, mint, and rosemary around berries and cheese to mimic holly leaves and greenery.
05 - Place assorted crackers and optional baguette rounds in the open spaces of the platter.
06 - Sprinkle toasted nuts over the arrangement and drizzle honey lightly over the cheeses as desired.
07 - Present immediately for guests to select from the festive assortment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely breathtaking without requiring any cooking skills or fancy techniques
  • You can prepare it entirely in 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want to spend more time with guests
  • Everyone finds something they love on this platter—whether they're drawn to cheese, berries, fresh herbs, or the satisfying crunch of nuts
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free friendly (with simple swaps), so you're not worrying about dietary restrictions
02 -
  • Dry your berries and herbs thoroughly before assembly—moisture is the enemy of presentation and will make everything look tired within the first hour
  • Arrange everything as close to serving time as possible. Unlike dishes that improve sitting, this one is at its absolute best in the first 30 minutes
  • The white or neutral platter is crucial. Colorful platters will compete with your berries instead of showcasing them
  • Don't cut your cheese too far in advance. It will dry out and lose that beautiful, fresh appearance
03 -
  • Arrange your clusters the night before but leave the herbs and final touches for just before serving—berries and cheese stay fresh in the fridge, but herbs wilt surprisingly fast
  • If you find your presentation is looking sparse, add more greenery. It's nearly impossible to use too much herb sprigs, and they cost very little
  • Offer small plates and napkins nearby rather than expecting people to eat directly from the platter—it keeps things elegant and less chaotic
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