Labyrinth of Nuts and Cheese (Print View)

An elegant platter guiding nuts and seeds toward a rich cheese centerpiece for gatherings.

# Components:

→ Nuts

01 - 1.4 oz raw almonds
02 - 1.4 oz roasted cashews
03 - 1.4 oz shelled pistachios
04 - 1.4 oz pecan halves
05 - 1.4 oz hazelnuts

→ Seeds

06 - 1 oz pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
07 - 1 oz sunflower seeds
08 - 0.7 oz black sesame seeds
09 - 0.7 oz white sesame seeds
10 - 0.7 oz flaxseeds

→ The Prize Cheese

11 - 6.3 oz wheel soft-ripened cheese (Brie, Camembert, or vegan alternative)

→ Optional Accents

12 - 2 tbsp dried cranberries or cherries
13 - 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
14 - 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Lightly sketch a winding labyrinth pattern on a large serving platter or board using a pencil for guidance, if desired.
02 - Place single-file lines of assorted nuts and seeds along the sketched path, alternating varieties to create visual and textural contrast.
03 - Continue arranging the lines of nuts and seeds so the labyrinth winds or spirals toward the center of the board.
04 - Place the soft-ripened cheese wheel in the center as the focal point.
05 - Adorn the cheese with fresh herbs and drizzle with honey or agave syrup if desired.
06 - Scatter dried cranberries or cherries in any vacant areas for added color and flavor.
07 - Provide small forks or cocktail picks, inviting guests to navigate the labyrinth to reach the cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking, meaning you can assemble it minutes before guests arrive without breaking a sweat.
  • The interactive nature of it turns snacking into an adventure, and guests genuinely seem delighted by the whimsy.
  • You get to play with colors, textures, and flavors in a way that feels creative rather than complicated.
02 -
  • Toast your nuts and seeds lightly beforehand if you want them to feel fresher and more flavorful—a quick 5 minutes in a dry skillet wakes them up considerably.
  • Arrange everything as close to serving time as possible because seeds, especially, can absorb moisture and lose their crunch if they sit too long next to the cheese.
  • If your cheese comes out of the fridge cold and firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it on the board—it spreads infinitely better and tastes richer when it's not icy.
03 -
  • Use a round platter or board if you want to create a perfect spiral, or a rectangular one if you prefer a more linear, serpentine path—the shape of your board naturally guides your design.
  • Keep your nuts and seeds in small bowls nearby as you work so you can grab handfuls without fumbling, and use tweezers or your fingers (clean hands are fine) for precise placement when you need it.
Return