Save I stumbled upon this idea while rearranging my cheese board at the last minute before guests arrived, suddenly realizing that the black-waxed cheddar I'd pulled from the cheese shop actually looked dramatic enough to stand alone. Rather than scatter it like I normally would, I stood it upright on the platter, and something clicked—it looked like a volcanic peak rising from the plate. The charcoal-dusted almonds I'd been thinking about for an entirely different dish suddenly made perfect sense as dark, moody garnish. What started as an accidental arrangement became the centerpiece everyone talked about.
The first time I served this was to a friend who always arrives unannounced with wine in hand, and I was caught completely unprepared. Instead of panicking, I grabbed what was in my cheese drawer and made this happen—and she actually photographed it before eating anything, which never happens. That moment taught me that sometimes the most memorable entertaining comes from working with what you have rather than overthinking the plan.
Ingredients
- Black wax-coated aged cheddar (400g): The whole block or wedge stays intact to create that dramatic peak effect—this is non-negotiable for the visual impact, and the aging brings a sharpness that grounds the platter.
- Dark rye crackers (150g): Their earthy grain flavor and darker color anchor the composition, creating a natural base that makes the cheese tower feel intentional rather than accidental.
- Whole almonds (100g): Raw, untoasted almonds have a subtle bitterness that plays beautifully against the rich cheese and adds textural interest without stealing the show.
- Food-grade activated charcoal powder (1 tbsp): This transforms the almonds into something visually striking while adding a whisper of earthiness—use it sparingly because a little goes a long way and you want depth, not an ashy taste.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp, optional): If you use it on the almonds, it brings out their subtle nuttiness and gives the charcoal-dusted ones a finishing touch.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers (optional): These aren't decoration in the traditional sense—they're actually edible accents that tie the visual drama to something you can taste.
Instructions
- Let the cheese wake up:
- Pull the black-waxed cheddar from the cold about 20 to 30 minutes before serving so its flavor blooms and the texture becomes creamy at the edges. You'll notice the difference the moment you slice into it.
- Make the almonds smoky:
- Toss your almonds in a bowl with the charcoal powder, making sure each one gets a light, even coating—don't go heavy-handed here. A sprinkle of flaky salt right before serving keeps them tasting fresh rather than dusty.
- Build your peak:
- On your largest, flattest platter, position that whole wedge of cheese upright in the center like you're sculpting a mountain. Step back and look at it from your guests' perspective to make sure the angle feels intentional.
- Create the base:
- Arrange the dark rye crackers in a circular pattern around the cheese, leaving enough space that guests can actually grab them without toppling your centerpiece. Think of it as building outward from a strong center.
- Fill the landscape:
- Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds in the remaining gaps, letting some cluster and some stand alone—this is where the composition becomes interesting to look at. The visual contrast between the dark elements and the platter surface matters more than perfect symmetry.
- Add the finishing drama:
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the peak and scatter edible flowers if you're using them, positioning them where they actually frame the cheese rather than just decorating around it. This is your moment to make it feel intentional and a little theatrical.
- Serve and let guests explore:
- Bring it to the table whole, let people admire it for a moment, then hand someone a cheese knife and let them start slicing from that dramatic peak. There's something satisfying about everyone watching that first cut reveal the sharp, aged interior beneath the black wax.
Save I realized this dish isn't really about the individual ingredients—it's about creating a moment where everyone pauses before eating, where the platter itself becomes part of the experience. That pause, that moment of admiring something beautiful before tasting it, changes how everything tastes.
Why the Black Wax Matters
The black wax isn't just packaging—it's actually a flavor element in this composition. It creates a visual anchor that makes everything around it feel darker, earthier, more intentional. When you remove that wax before serving and reveal the golden interior, it's a small reveal that feels rewarding. I've tried this with other dark cheeses and it never quite lands the same way because the wax gives you that dramatic contrast, that sense of opening something precious.
Building Flavor Layers
Each element on this platter serves a purpose beyond looks: the sharpness of aged cheddar, the gentle grain of rye, the subtle bitterness of almonds, the earthiness of charcoal. They don't compete—they create a journey. Start with the cheese and crackers, then grab an almond to experience how it shifts the whole flavor profile. The rosemary and flowers, if you use them, are actual flavor accents that guests can chew and taste, not just visual garnish sitting on the edge.
Plating and Presentation Secrets
The drama of this platter depends on how confidently you position that cheese block—it has to feel deliberate, like you planned a mountain and built everything around it. The platter itself matters too; I use a neutral slate or pale ceramic background to make the black elements pop without competing for attention. Lighting makes a huge difference; this platter actually looks better in softer, ambient light than in harsh overhead brightness because the charcoal and wax create subtle shadows.
- Position the cheese wedge so it's easy for guests to slice without it rolling or feeling unstable.
- Arrange crackers and almonds generously enough that people don't feel like they're carefully deconstructing art to eat it.
- If using edible flowers, place them where they frame the cheese rather than obscure it, turning them into intentional accents instead of clutter.
Save This platter works because it's honest—it doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and it invites people to enjoy good cheese, good flavors, and the small pleasure of eating something that was worth admiring first. That's the magic of it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the 'peak' effect with the cheese?
Position the whole block or wedge of black wax-coated cheddar upright in the center of your platter. This creates a mountain-like centerpiece that draws visual focus.
- → What is the purpose of dusting almonds with activated charcoal?
Dusting almonds with food-grade activated charcoal adds a deep color contrast and subtle smoky notes, enhancing both visual and flavor complexity.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides black wax cheddar?
Yes, any sharp aged cheese coated in black wax can be substituted to maintain the bold color and firm shape needed for the centerpiece.
- → How should crackers be arranged for the best presentation?
Arrange the dark rye crackers in a circular pattern around the cheese block to form a stable base and create the visual impression of a mountain base.
- → What optional garnishes complement this platter well?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers like viola or pansy add elegance and a fresh herbal aroma to enhance the overall display.
- → What beverages pair well with this platter?
Robust red wines such as Syrah or Malbec complement the bold flavors and creamy texture of the aged cheddar and accompany the earthy notes of the almonds and charcoal.