Frosted Pine Cheese Board (Printable Version)

Festive cheese board with sugared rosemary, creamy cheddar, and crunchy almonds for a winter-themed bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

→ Garnishes

02 - 12 fresh rosemary sprigs
03 - 2 tbsp water
04 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting

→ Nuts

05 - 2 oz whole almonds, raw or lightly toasted

→ Crackers & Extras

06 - 12–16 assorted gluten-free crackers (optional)
07 - 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)

# Directions:

01 - Lightly dampen rosemary sprigs with water, then roll them in granulated sugar until frosted. Let dry on a parchment-lined tray for 10 minutes.
02 - Place white cheddar cheese in gentle mounds on a serving platter to create snowdrift-like formations.
03 - Position the sugared rosemary sprigs upright among the cheese mounds to simulate frosted pine trees.
04 - Cluster whole almonds near the cheese to resemble pinecones.
05 - Optionally, place gluten-free crackers around the platter and drizzle honey as desired.
06 - Serve immediately to showcase the whimsical winter arrangement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours planning.
  • Everyone becomes a kid again when they see the frosted pine trees rising from snowy cheese.
  • It requires zero cooking skills, just an eye for beauty and a willingness to play with your food.
02 -
  • Water is your secret weapon with the rosemary—too much makes the sugar slide right off, too little and it won't stick at all, so practice restraint with a light mist.
  • Don't assemble this more than an hour ahead or the sugar will start to dissolve into the cheese moisture and lose its frosted shimmer.
03 -
  • Chill your cheese cubes for 15 minutes before arranging if your kitchen is warm—they'll hold their shape better and feel fresher on the tongue.
  • The sugar crystals catch light beautifully, so if you're serving this at a gathering, position it near a window or under good lighting to make the frosted effect absolutely shine.
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