Crescent Moon Stars Cheese Board (Printer View)

Visually stunning board with dark crackers, assorted cheeses, and cheese stars accented by fruit and nuts.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar
02 - 3.5 oz creamy blue cheese
03 - 4.2 oz brie or camembert
04 - 2.8 oz gouda (for cutting stars)

→ Crackers & Bread

05 - 3.5 oz charcoal or black sesame crackers
06 - 3.5 oz pumpernickel bread, sliced
07 - 1.8 oz seeded flatbread

→ Fruit & Nuts

08 - 1 bunch black grapes
09 - Small handful dried figs, halved
10 - Small handful Marcona almonds

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
12 - Honey or fig preserves (optional)

# Method Steps:

01 - Using a small star-shaped cutter, cut 8 to 12 stars from the gouda cheese and set them aside.
02 - Form a crescent shape with the black crackers and pumpernickel slices along one side of a large serving board or platter.
03 - Position chunks or slices of aged cheddar, blue cheese, and brie inside the crescent, alternating colors and textures for visual interest.
04 - Scatter the gouda stars on the opposite side of the board, creating the effect of floating away from the crescent.
05 - Fill remaining spaces with black grapes, dried figs, and Marcona almonds to add color and accentuate flavor.
06 - Garnish the board with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with honey or fig preserves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes only 20 minutes to assemble—perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The dramatic black and gold color palette photographs beautifully, making your table feel intentional and thoughtfully designed.
  • Every element serves both visual and flavor purposes, so you're not just creating pretty; you're creating delicious.
02 -
  • Cheese temperature matters more than people think—remove cheeses from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving so they can soften and release their full flavor. Cold cheese is muted cheese.
  • Don't arrange too early; humidity and time can make crackers soften and cheese weep. Assemble no more than an hour before guests arrive, or your beautiful board will lose its crispness.
  • A star-shaped cutter works best if you dip it in warm water between cuts and wipe it dry—gouda is soft enough that the cutter sticks otherwise.
03 -
  • Invest in a high-quality star-shaped cutter from a cooking store—the cheap ones don't cut cleanly through gouda, and clean edges are what make the stars feel intentional rather than accidental.
  • Buy your cheeses the day before and keep them in their packaging until 30 minutes before assembly—this ensures peak freshness and flavor without oxidation.
  • Take a photo before anyone touches the board; these are the images worth keeping and sharing with friends who couldn't be there.
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