I love a good seasonal cheese board, and I couldn’t celebrate the holiday season this year without one. I typically attempt to bypass the basic red and green color palate when decorating, which isn’t the case with my holiday food because it’s so easy to find red and green ingredients. I thought I’d challenge myself for this board and do something a little different. Snowflakes have always been one of my favorite holiday decor themes for a few reasons: 1) they’re neutral and can be decorated around simply and aesthetically, 2) they’re not just “holiday-ish” but also “winter-ish” so they can stay up past the new year without being tacky, and 3) they’re simply pretty. I’ve most recently discovered they rock on a food board too! This cheese and sweet snack focused board is simple, quick to put together, and will make a big impression on guests. Tres’ reaction when he walked in and saw it: “Wow, that’s really pretty!”
1 sheet snowflake craft paper (optional)
1 small Brie wheel
White or silver decorating gel or frosting
1 small log goat cheese
Holiday snowflake or silver/white sprinkles
4 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup coconut flakes
8 ounce ball fresh mozzarella
Snowflake cookie cutter (size that fits a circle of sliced mozzarella)
Mini cheese curds or mozzarella balls (or both)
1 1/2 cups white yogurt pretzels
1/2 cups white yogurt almonds
1/2 cup white yogurt raisins
1 package thin white crackers
*Tip: Anything white coated, snowflake, or festive you can find, feel free to add it to the board! I found all the white yogurt coated snacks in the nut/dried fruit aisle of the grocery store.
If using, place the sheet of craft paper over the board you’re using. This is not a must, but adds a festive touch!
Make the cheeses. Take the Brie out of the package, and using a photo online, paint a large snowflake on top with the decorating gel or frosting. Place on the board.
Take the goat cheese out of the package and pour about 2 tablespoons of the sprinkles on a plate. Roll the goat cheese around, coating with the sprinkles on all sides then place on the board.
Roll the cream cheese into a smooth ball using your hands. Pour the coconut flakes and about 1 tablespoon of sprinkles on a plate. Roll the cream cheese around on the plate, coating on all sides then place on the board.
Slice the mozzarella about 1/4 inch thick (you should get 6 to 7 slices). Using the cookie cutters, cut the slices into snowflakes. (Use the extra scraps for a baked pasta or snack on it later). Layer the mozzarella snowflakes on the board.
Full in the gaps on the board with the cheese curds, small mozzarella balls, yogurt pretzels, yogurt almonds, yogurt raisins, crackers, and any other items you’re using on the board. Serve to guests and enjoy!