Artistic Sundial Cheese Platter (Printable Version)

A visually stunning cheese centerpiece with aged cheese, nut clusters, and balsamic glaze for easy entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 hard cheese wedge upright in the center of a large round serving platter with the pointed end facing outward like a sundial gnomon.
02 - Using a spoon, 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 roasted nuts evenly in a circle around the cheese to represent the hours on a clock face. Optionally, tuck dried cranberries among some clusters for visual accent.
04 - Garnish the platter with fresh grapes, figs, or edible flowers for added color and elegance if desired.
05 - Provide cocktail picks or small forks alongside the platter to facilitate easy sharing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but your secret is safe with me.
  • Everyone gets to customize their bite with whatever nut-to-cheese ratio calls to them.
  • It disappears faster than any traditional platter you've ever made.
02 -
  • A wedge that's too thin will topple; go thick enough that it stands with confidence and actually looks like a gnomon casting shadow.
  • The balsamic needs to be glaze, not vinegar—if you only have vinegar, reduce it in a pan until it coats a spoon thickly and tastes almost sweet.
  • Let the glaze cool slightly before drizzling or it won't set into that satisfying, glossy line.
03 -
  • If your cheese wedge is wobbly, shave one flat edge on the bottom with a vegetable peeler—stability matters more than perfection.
  • Keep your platter in a cool spot until serving; warm cheese loses its shape and the visual impact softens.
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