Save I stumbled onto this platter idea during a particularly gray December afternoon, scrolling through old photos and remembering how my kids pressed their noses against the window, waiting for the first snow. That night, I raided the pantry and arranged cheese, almonds, and sugared rosemary sprigs on a board—and suddenly our kitchen smelled like a winter forest. The whole thing came together in twenty minutes, but it felt like magic. My partner laughed when I called it "The Frosted Pine," but the name stuck, and now it's our signature festive moment every year.
A friend brought a bottle of Prosecco to our holiday dinner last year and immediately asked what we were celebrating—and I pointed to this board. She grabbed a piece of white cheddar, snapped off a sugared rosemary sprig like it was a tiny tree, and said it was the most beautiful thing she'd eaten in months. That's when I realized this wasn't just a platter; it was a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- White cheddar cheese (200 g): Cubed or shredded, it's your snowdrift base—mild enough to let the rosemary shine but rich enough to feel indulgent.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (12): These become the frosted pines when dusted with sugar; choose sprigs with good height and firm needles.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp plus extra): The sugar crystallizes on the rosemary and adds a delicate crunch that feels intentional, like nature's own decoration.
- Whole almonds (60 g): Raw or lightly toasted, they nestle into clusters to mimic pinecones and add a buttery anchor to the arrangement.
- Gluten-free crackers (12–16, optional): If you're serving as part of a larger spread, these give guests something to build on.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional): A drizzle creates little golden accents that catch the light and suggest a cozy, finished presentation.
Instructions
- Frost the rosemary:
- Dip each sprig lightly into water—think of it like the dew on a frosty morning—then roll it in granulated sugar until every needle sparkles. Let them dry on parchment for about 10 minutes so the sugar sets and hardens slightly.
- Build your snowdrifts:
- Pile the white cheddar into gentle mounds across your serving platter, leaving space between them. This is where the story starts to come alive.
- Plant the frosted pines:
- Stand each sugared rosemary sprig upright in or beside the cheese mounds—they should look like little trees emerging from snow. This is the moment everything clicks into place visually.
- Scatter the pinecones:
- Cluster whole almonds around the cheese and rosemary in small groups, as if they've fallen naturally. This grounds the whimsical scene and adds texture.
- Optional polish:
- Arrange crackers around the edges or drizzle honey in thin strands for extra warmth and depth. Serve right away while the sugar is still crisp.
Save My grandmother used to say that food tastes better when it tells a story, and I think she was right. This platter isn't just cheese and nuts; it's a tiny edible landscape that makes people pause and smile before they eat.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this arrangement is that it invites play. Swap the white cheddar for creamy goat cheese if you want something tangier, or try a pale brie for luxury. You can use smoked almonds for deeper pinecone color, or mix in candied pecans if you want sweetness layered throughout. The core idea—sugared herbs, piled cheese, and scattered nuts—is forgiving enough to handle your own interpretation.
Timing and Preparation
Because there's no cooking involved, this is a last-minute miracle worker for unexpected gatherings. You can prep the cheese and almonds hours ahead and store them separately, then assemble everything five minutes before guests arrive. The only time-sensitive part is the sugared rosemary, which stays crispest when prepared right before serving. If you're worried about timing, sugar the rosemary first while everything else sits ready, then build the platter in one smooth motion.
Wine and Serving Suggestions
Pair this with something crisp and cool—a Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the herbal rosemary perfectly. The sweetness of the sugared sprigs also plays beautifully against sparkling wine's acidity. Serve on a white or cream-colored platter if you have one; the contrast makes the whole thing feel even more like a winter scene.
- A light rosé works wonderfully if you want something slightly sweeter.
- Non-alcoholic options: sparkling water with fresh lemon, or hot herbal tea alongside.
- Group this with other small bites so guests can graze throughout the evening.
Save This platter has become my quiet way of saying the holidays are here, and I'm glad you're here too. It's simple, it's beautiful, and somehow it always feels a little bit magical.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the rosemary sprigs look frosted?
Lightly dampen the rosemary with water, then roll them in granulated sugar until coated. Let them dry on parchment for about 10 minutes to achieve a frosted appearance.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
White cheddar is ideal for the snowdrift effect, but you can also use goat cheese or brie for varied textures and flavors.
- → Can the almonds be prepared differently?
Yes, using a mix of smoked and regular almonds adds dramatic flavor and enhances the pinecone look on the board.
- → Are gluten-free crackers necessary?
Crackers are optional and gluten-free varieties complement the cheese and garnishes for those with sensitivities or preferences.
- → What drinks pair well with this cheese board?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Prosecco pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy cheddar and sweet rosemary notes.