Woodland Creature Cheese Platter

Featured in: Earthy Weekend Recipes

This woodland-inspired cheese platter blends a selection of brie, aged cheddar, gouda, blue, and goat cheeses with seasonal fruits like grapes, apple, pear, and blueberries. Complemented by walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, honey, and fig jam, the board is adorned with fresh rosemary, edible flowers, mushrooms, and baby carrots for a magical forest feel. Ideal for gatherings, it requires minimal prep and presents beautifully on a wooden board.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:28:00 GMT
A rustic Woodland Creature Cheese Platter with brie, berries, nuts, and rosemary sprigs for a festive snack. Save
A rustic Woodland Creature Cheese Platter with brie, berries, nuts, and rosemary sprigs for a festive snack. | hazelfork.com

An enchanting cheese platter inspired by the forest, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses, seasonal fruits, nuts, and whimsical garnishes to evoke the charm of woodland creatures. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a magical centerpiece.

This platter brings the magic of the forest to your table creating a memorable and delightful experience.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g brie whole wheel 100 g aged cheddar sliced 100 g gouda cubed 100 g blue cheese crumbled 80 g goat cheese log
  • Fruits: 1 small bunch of red grapes 1 small apple sliced 1 small pear sliced 1 handful fresh blueberries 1 handful dried cranberries
  • Nuts & Seeds: 50 g whole walnuts 50 g roasted almonds 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • Accompaniments: 6 8 whole grain crackers 6 8 mini breadsticks 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp fig jam
  • Decorative Garnishes (for woodland effect): Fresh rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine needles) Edible flowers (such as violets or pansies) Small mushrooms (e.g. button or enoki) cleaned Baby carrots trimmed

Instructions

Step 1:
Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden board spacing them apart to allow room for other items.
Step 2:
Fan out the apple and pear slices near the cheeses Scatter grapes and blueberries around the board.
Step 3:
Add the nuts seeds and dried cranberries in small clusters for visual interest.
Step 4:
Place crackers and breadsticks in groups leaning them against cheeses or in small bundles.
Step 5:
Spoon the honey and fig jam into small ramekins or directly onto the board.
Step 6:
Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs edible flowers and cleaned mushrooms for a woodland effect.
Step 7:
Add baby carrots for pops of color and a playful nod to forest creatures.
Step 8:
Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to serve.
This Woodland Creature Cheese Platter features an inviting array of cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for sharing. Save
This Woodland Creature Cheese Platter features an inviting array of cheeses, fruits, and crackers perfect for sharing. | hazelfork.com

Serving this platter always brings smiles and lively conversation among my family and friends.

Notes

For added whimsy use small cookie cutters to shape cheese slices or arrange nuts and fruits to resemble animal faces Swap in other cheeses fruits or nuts based on preference or season Pair with a crisp white wine or light red for best results.

Required Tools

Large wooden serving board Cheese knives Small bowls or ramekins Paring knife

Nutritional Information

Calories 320 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 12 g per serving

Imagine a vibrant Woodland Creature Cheese Platter: colorful fruits, gourmet cheeses, and honey drizzled over crackers. Save
Imagine a vibrant Woodland Creature Cheese Platter: colorful fruits, gourmet cheeses, and honey drizzled over crackers. | hazelfork.com

This cheese platter is a simple yet enchanting addition to any event ensuring a memorable experience.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Which cheeses work best on this platter?

A mix of soft, aged, and crumbly cheeses like brie, aged cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and goat cheese offers balanced flavors and textures.

How should the fruits be prepared?

Fruits such as apple and pear should be sliced, while grapes and blueberries can be left whole to provide color and freshness.

What nuts pair well with the cheese and fruits?

Walnuts, roasted almonds, and pumpkin seeds add crunch and earthy notes that complement the creamy and fruity elements.

How can I create the woodland effect on the platter?

Use fresh rosemary to mimic pine needles, edible flowers for color, cleaned small mushrooms, and baby carrots to evoke woodland charm.

Can I make variations to suit dietary preferences?

Yes, swap out cheeses, fruits, or nuts to accommodate tastes and seasons while maintaining the platter's visual appeal.

What beverages accompany this platter well?

Light wines such as crisp white or light red pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the delicate components.

Woodland Creature Cheese Platter

Artisanal cheeses paired with seasonal fruits, nuts, and whimsical garnishes evoke a woodland charm perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
25 minutes
0
Time Required
25 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Earthy Weekend Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type European-inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz whole wheel brie
02 3.5 oz sliced aged cheddar
03 3.5 oz cubed gouda
04 3.5 oz crumbled blue cheese
05 2.8 oz goat cheese log

Fruits

01 1 small bunch red grapes
02 1 small apple, sliced
03 1 small pear, sliced
04 1 handful fresh blueberries
05 1 handful dried cranberries

Nuts & Seeds

01 1.8 oz whole walnuts
02 1.8 oz roasted almonds
03 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Accompaniments

01 6 to 8 whole grain crackers
02 6 to 8 mini breadsticks
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 2 tablespoons fig jam

Decorative Garnishes

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 Edible flowers such as violets or pansies
03 Cleaned small mushrooms, like button or enoki
04 Trimmed baby carrots

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Arrange Cheeses: Place all cheeses spaced evenly on a large wooden serving board to allow room for other items.

Step 02

Add Fruits: Fan out sliced apple and pear near the cheeses, then scatter grapes and blueberries around the board.

Step 03

Incorporate Nuts and Seeds: Distribute walnuts, roasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries in small clusters for visual appeal.

Step 04

Arrange Accompaniments: Group crackers and breadsticks near cheeses or lean them in small bundles for easy access.

Step 05

Add Sweet Condiments: Spoon honey and fig jam into small ramekins or place directly on the board for dipping.

Step 06

Apply Decorative Garnishes: Enhance the display with fresh rosemary sprigs, edible flowers, and cleaned mushrooms to evoke woodland charm.

Step 07

Finish with Baby Carrots: Add trimmed baby carrots for pops of color and a playful touch.

Step 08

Serve or Store: Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Essential Tools

  • Large wooden serving board
  • Cheese knives
  • Small bowls or ramekins
  • Paring knife

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheese)
  • Contains nuts (walnuts, almonds)
  • Contains gluten (crackers, breadsticks)

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 320
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 12 g