Artistic sundial cheese platter (Print view)

An artistic hard cheese sundial with balsamic glaze and assorted nuts for a striking appetizer display.

# List of Ingredients:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Directions:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like it belongs in a gallery, but tastes even better than it looks.
  • Everyone gets to nibble exactly what they want—the cheese, the nuts, the whole theatrical moment.
  • You can make it an hour ahead and it actually gets better as flavors mingle.
02 -
  • Balsamic glaze will actually drip and move slightly on a smooth platter, so use one with a slight texture or set your platter at a very slight angle.
  • Make your nut clusters no more than 15 minutes before serving—once they've been out, they can start to taste stale, and you want them tasting as fresh as possible.
03 -
  • A warm cheese is a happy cheese—if your kitchen is cold, let the platter sit out for ten minutes before serving so the cheese reaches its best flavor.
  • Use a round platter and make your balsamic line as bold as you're willing to be. Timidity ruins the visual impact; confidence sells the entire concept.
Go Back