Artistic Sundial Cheese Platter (Print)

Hard cheese wedge with balsamic glaze and mixed nut clusters create a stunning savory centerpiece.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 1 thick wedge (about 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

# Directions:

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 - Arrange twelve small clusters of mixed roasted nuts evenly around the cheese in a circular pattern representing the hours on a clock face. Optionally, tuck dried cranberries into some clusters for color contrast.
04 - Garnish the platter with fresh grapes, figs, or edible flowers to enhance visual appeal and elegance.
05 - Offer cocktail picks or small forks alongside for convenient sharing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours styling it, but you can build the whole thing in 15 minutes flat.
  • Every guest gravitates toward different nuts and cheese combinations, so it starts conversations naturally.
  • The geometric arrangement makes it feel intentional and artistic rather than just throwing cheese on a board.
02 -
  • The balsamic glaze must be truly thick—if it's runny, let it reduce on the stovetop for a few minutes or it'll look like a spill instead of a shadow.
  • Arrange your nut clusters before guests arrive; once people start grazing, the geometry falls apart, but that's honestly part of the charm.
03 -
  • A perfectly sharp knife makes creating or cutting your cheese wedge so much easier—dull blades crush the crystal structure and steal the elegance.
  • Serve this with dry white wine, a crisp Italian red like Chianti, or even light sparkling wine, and suddenly it feels like a dinner party instead of just snacking.
Back