Tannenbaum Cheese Grapes Border (Printable Version)

Elegant cheese and grape border featuring stylized pine shapes for festive holiday platters.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Cheese

01 - 8.8 oz semi-firm cheese (such as Gouda, Edam, or Emmental), well chilled

→ Fruit

02 - 5.3 oz small green seedless grapes, washed and thoroughly dried

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Cut the cheese into thin, triangular slices approximately 2–2.4 inches long and 0.4 inches wide at the base, mimicking stylized pine trees.
02 - Place the cheese triangles along all four edges of the serving platter with points facing outward to replicate pine tree shapes.
03 - Nestle green grapes between and around the cheese triangles to fill gaps and enhance the tree-like border effect.
04 - Continue arranging until the entire platter border is festively adorned with cheese triangles and grapes.
05 - Fill the central area with additional cheeses, cured meats, crackers, or other desired accompaniments.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms an ordinary cheese board into a showstopper that feels fancy but takes just 15 minutes to create
  • The combination of crisp cheese triangles and plump grapes creates a delightful contrast of textures that guests absolutely crave
  • It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and impresses everyone without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen
02 -
  • Your cheese absolutely must be well chilled or the slices will tear and crumble instead of cutting cleanly—this lesson cost me a beautiful piece of Gouda before I got it right
  • Drying your grapes thoroughly prevents moisture from pooling on your board and making it look wet or careless, which completely changes the impression
03 -
  • A sharp knife is non-negotiable—dull knives tear cheese and make clean triangles impossible; take the time to properly sharpen before you start
  • If you're making this for a party, assemble it on your final serving platter rather than transferring it later, which prevents breakage and stress
Go Back