Fruit & Cheese Recipe
Make Fruit & Cheese Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Fruit Platter Base
Cheeses
Accompaniments & Garnish
Finishing & Care
Method
Fruit Platter Base
- 1
Prepare grapes
Rinse the red and green seedless grapes under cold water and drain in a colander. Remove any stems or damaged berries. Pat dry with paper towels and arrange small clusters or loose piles on the platter to create color contrast.
- 2
Prepare strawberries
Hull strawberries, then halve or quarter them depending on size. Gently pat dry. Place them in a small bowl and, if desired, squeeze one lemon wedge lightly over them to preserve color and add brightness. Arrange a cluster of strawberries on the platter near contrasting colored fruit.
- 3
Prepare berries
Rinse blackberries or blueberries, drain well and gently pat dry. Add them to small bowls or scatter them in nooks between larger fruit groupings to fill space and add visual texture.
- 4
Prepare melon
Peel and seed the cantaloupe or honeydew. Use a melon baller for uniform balls or slice into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the melon pieces in a fan or circular pile opposite the pineapple for balance.
- 5
Prepare pineapple
If using fresh pineapple, remove skin and core, then slice or cut into bite-size wedges. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil (optional) to bring out sweetness. Arrange pineapple near melon and grapes so fruits with similar textures sit near each other.
Cheeses
- 6
Bring cheeses to temperature
Remove brie, cheddar and chèvre from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before serving so they come to near room temperature — this improves flavor and texture.
- 7
Cut and arrange cheeses
Slice the cheddar into 1/2-inch cubes or slices. Cut the brie wheel into 6–8 wedges or leave whole with a small cheese knife beside it. Slice the goat cheese log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch medallions. Arrange cheeses in separate groupings across the platter, leaving space between each cheese for accompaniments.
- 8
Finish brie (optional)
If desired, lightly drizzle 1 tsp honey and sprinkle a pinch (about 1/4 tsp) freshly ground black pepper over the brie just before serving.
Accompaniments & Garnish
- 9
Arrange crackers and nuts
Place crackers in small stacks or fan them out near the cheeses. Spoon almonds into a small bowl or scatter a handful in a corner of the platter to add crunch.
- 10
- 11
Garnish and serve utensils
Tuck fresh mint leaves among fruit clusters for color, add lemon wedges on the side, and insert toothpicks or small skewers in a convenient spot for guests to pick individual fruit. Place a small honey dipper or spoon near the honey for drizzling.
Finishing & Care
- 12
Final assembly
Step back and assess balance and color. Fill any large gaps with extra berries, nuts, or mint sprigs. Make sure cheeses are reachable from different sides if serving at a party.
- 13
Serving notes
Serve within 1–2 hours of assembly for best texture. Keep the platter chilled if holding longer by placing it on a tray of ice or in a cool room. Replenish fruit or crackers as needed.
