Crescent Moon Stars Cheese Board (Printable Version)

Elegant board with crescent crackers, assorted cheeses, star-cut gouda, grapes, figs, and almonds.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz aged cheddar
02 - 3.5 oz creamy blue cheese
03 - 4.2 oz brie or camembert
04 - 2.8 oz gouda (for cutting stars)

→ Crackers & Bread

05 - 3.5 oz charcoal or black sesame crackers
06 - 3.5 oz pumpernickel bread, sliced
07 - 1.8 oz seeded flatbread

→ Fruit & Nuts

08 - 1 bunch black grapes
09 - Small handful dried figs, halved
10 - Small handful Marcona almonds

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
12 - Honey or fig preserves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Use a small star-shaped cutter to cut 8 to 12 stars from the gouda cheese and set aside.
02 - Form a crescent shape along one side of a large serving board or platter using black crackers and pumpernickel slices.
03 - Place chunks or slices of aged cheddar, blue cheese, and brie positioned alternately along the inside edge of the crescent.
04 - Scatter the gouda stars on the opposite side of the board, giving the appearance of floating away from the crescent.
05 - Fill the remaining spaces with black grapes, dried figs, and Marcona almonds to enhance color and flavor.
06 - Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and offer honey or fig preserves as optional accompaniments.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours planning when it actually takes just twenty minutes—instant dinner party credibility without the stress.
  • The celestial theme gives you permission to be creative and playful, making entertaining feel less formal and more fun.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about cutting cheese stars and arranging them like a sky map; it turns preparation into a meditative moment.
02 -
  • Cold cheese is your friend—remove your cheeses from the refrigerator just ten minutes before serving. They'll be firm enough to cut stars perfectly but still flavorful enough to shine.
  • The star-shaped cutter is non-negotiable for the magic. Don't try to knife-cut free-form stars; they won't have the same impact or clean edges.
  • Black crackers can be overpowering in flavor; taste one before committing. If they're too assertive, balance with more seeded flatbread and let the cheeses take the spotlight.
03 -
  • Activated charcoal crackers give the most dramatic visual effect, but if you can't find them, black sesame crackers work beautifully and add a subtle nuttiness that pairs well with the cheeses.
  • Cut your stars ahead of time and chill them; they'll hold their shape better and look crisp and defined. Just lay them on a parchment-lined plate and pop them in the fridge until serving.
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