Pin it I discovered this platter concept on a lazy Sunday afternoon while photographing cheese for a friend's food magazine. We were arranging wedges of blue cheese on crackers, stacking them higher and higher, when someone laughed and said they looked like tiny mountains. That single observation transformed what could have been a forgettable cheese board into something playful and memorable, and I've been recreating that moment ever since.
My sister brought her new boyfriend over for a dinner party, and I set this out as the first course. He stared at it for a solid ten seconds before asking if it was edible art. When he took his first bite and realized the mountains were literally just delicious cheese, something clicked—he came back for thirds, and now he texts me photos of cheese platters he finds at restaurants.
Ingredients
- Roquefort cheese: This French legend has a peppery bite that anchors the whole arrangement; let it sit out for five minutes before serving so the flavor really speaks.
- Gorgonzola cheese: The Italian contender brings a creamier, slightly sweeter funk that balances the sharper cheeses beautifully.
- Stilton cheese: British pride right here—it's the most crumbly of the bunch, which actually helps it catch the light and look more like real stone peaks.
- Bleu d'Auvergne cheese: A softer, more approachable blue cheese that rounds out the flavor profile without overwhelming anyone new to blue cheese.
- Artisanal whole-grain crackers: Thick, substantial crackers hold the weight of the cheese and add a nutty backdrop that enhances the blues without competing.
- Honey: A thin drizzle creates pockets of sweetness that make each bite feel intentional rather than accidental.
- Toasted walnuts, chopped: The toasting brings out their natural oils and creates a textural contrast that keeps things interesting.
- Fresh grapes or sliced figs: These aren't just decoration—the bright, sweet fruit cuts through the richness and cleanses your palate between bites.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary sprigs add a whisper of evergreen aromatics that somehow make the whole thing taste like a mountain vista.
Instructions
- Slice your cheeses like you're breaking mountains:
- Cut each blue cheese into rough, irregular wedges and blocks rather than neat slices. The jaggedness is what sells the illusion, and honestly, the imperfection is the whole point here.
- Build your sky:
- Arrange crackers in a single layer across your platter or board, letting them overlap slightly. Think of this as your foundation—the colors and textures of the crackers become part of the visual story.
- Create your horizon:
- Stagger your blue cheese wedges in a row across the crackers, varying the heights and angles so some pieces stand tall while others lean. Step back and squint—if it looks vaguely like a landscape, you're there.
- Crown it with sweetness:
- Drizzle honey across the cheese in thin, deliberate lines rather than blobs. Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top so they nestle into the crevices of the blue cheese.
- Add life and color:
- Scatter grapes or fig slices around the platter in small clusters, creating visual pockets that break up the blues. These fruit moments are where people's eyes land when they're deciding what bite comes next.
- Finish and serve:
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the cheese peaks if you like, and get it on the table while the cheeses are still cool and the crackers are still crisp. This platter is best within the first twenty minutes of assembly.
Pin it There was a moment at a gallery opening where I watched strangers become friends over this platter. Two people reached for the same wedge of Stilton, laughed about it, and then spent twenty minutes talking about their favorite cheeses like they'd known each other for years. That's when I realized this wasn't just a cheese board—it was an invitation to slow down and notice things together.
Choosing Your Blue Cheeses
The magic of this platter lives in the variety. Each blue cheese brings its own personality: Roquefort is the bold one, Gorgonzola is the creative dreamer, Stilton is the dependable friend, and Bleu d'Auvergne is the approachable newcomer. You don't need all four, honestly—two or three work beautifully if that's what your cheese counter offers. The point is contrast in texture and intensity, so when someone takes a bite, there's a story unfolding on their tongue.
The Cracker Foundation
Good crackers aren't filler here; they're the stage your mountains stand on. Whole-grain varieties add visual richness and a subtle earthiness that makes the blue cheese taste even more complex by comparison. I've learned this the hard way—cheap, thin crackers disintegrate under the weight of cheese, and overly salty crackers make everything taste one-dimensional. Your crackers should be sturdy enough to support the cheese but humble enough to stay in the background.
Creating Visual Drama
The arrangement is where the playfulness happens, and there are no mistakes in that process. Let the cheeses lean naturally, stack them at different heights, and leave some gaps so light can filter through and make everything look more luminous. People eat with their eyes first, and this platter gives them something worth looking at.
- Honey drizzled in thin lines catches the light and adds a touch of luxury without overwhelming the delicate blue cheese flavors.
- The grapes or figs should be scattered intentionally but not perfectly—randomness feels more genuine and inviting.
- Fresh rosemary or other herbs are optional but worth it for the subtle aroma they release when guests lean in to admire the arrangement.
Pin it This platter has become my answer to the question of what to bring when I want to contribute something that feels thoughtful but doesn't require me to spend hours in the kitchen. It's reminded me that sometimes the most memorable moments come not from complexity, but from seeing everyday ingredients—cheese, crackers, honey—arranged in a way that makes people pause and smile.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Which cheeses create the mountain effect?
Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Bleu d'Auvergne are sliced into irregular wedges to resemble jagged mountain peaks.
- → How can I adjust the platter for nut allergies?
Omit walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative without losing the crunchy texture.
- → What crackers work best for this platter?
Artisanal whole-grain crackers provide a sturdy base and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cheeses well.
- → Can I substitute the fresh fruit garnish?
Yes, fresh grapes can be swapped with sliced figs or dried fruits like apricots or dates to enhance sweetness and visual appeal.
- → What beverages pair well with this cheese arrangement?
This platter pairs beautifully with chilled Sauternes or a robust red wine, enhancing the complex flavors of the blue cheeses.