Cheese, Nuts, and Olives Platter
A stunning, effortless platter that lets beautiful ingredients speak for themselves. Creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, and tangy blue cheese sit alongside briny mixed olives and crunchy toasted nuts. Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with fresh herbs, it's the perfect appetizer for any gathering—no cooking required.
For 4 servings
- prep
Bring cheeses to room temperature.
Remove brie, aged cheddar, and blue cheese from the fridge 30-45 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the textures to soften.
TIPCold cheese tastes muted and feels waxy—room temperature is non-negotiable for a great cheese board. - prep · ~4 min
Toast the mixed nuts.
Spread almonds, walnuts, and pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
TIPWatch closely—nuts go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. - assemble
Arrange the cheeses on the board.
1.Place the brie wedge at one end of the board.2.Fan out the cheddar slices adjacent to the brie.3.Place the crumbled or chunked blue cheese in the opposite corner. - assemble
Add the olives and nuts.
1.Spoon the mixed olives into one small bowl; place it on the board.2.Scatter the cooled toasted nuts in a cluster near the blue cheese. - assemble
Arrange crackers and add garnishes.
1.Pile the sourdough crackers in a fan shape along the remaining space.2.Drizzle the honey over the brie.3.Drizzle olive oil lightly over the cheddar and nuts.4.Scatter fresh rosemary and thyme across the platter. - garnish
Finish with black pepper and flaky salt.
Crack black pepper over the entire board and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cheese and nuts. Serve immediately.
TIPFlaky salt adds a final crunch and brings out the sweetness in the cheese and honey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Take cheeses out of the fridge 30–45 minutes ahead; cold cheese tastes dull and feels waxy.
- 2Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, then cool completely before adding to the board.
- 3Use a separate small bowl for the olives so their brine doesn't soak into the crackers or cheese.
- 4Drizzle honey directly over the brie to contrast its creamy richness with sweetness.
- 5Scatter fresh herbs at the last minute to keep them bright and aromatic, not wilted.
- 6Serve immediately after adding flaky salt and pepper; the salt crystals will dissolve if left too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip the olive oil drizzle and use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead for a lighter, tangier finish.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add slices of prosciutto or salami alongside the cheese for an extra protein boost that turns the platter into a heartier snack.
veganVegan
Replace the cheeses with plant-based alternatives (cashew brie, almond cheddar, and vegan blue), use agave instead of honey, and increase the nut and olive portions for a fully plant-based board.
gluten freeGluten-free
Swap sourdough crackers for gluten-free rice crackers or seeded flatbreads, and verify that the nuts were not processed in a facility with gluten.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Olive oil, nuts, and olives provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Good Source of Protein
The trio of cheeses delivers a satisfying protein hit, helping to keep you full and providing essential amino acids.
Contains Bone-Strengthening Minerals
Cheeses are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Antioxidants from Fresh Herbs
Rosemary and thyme are packed with antioxidant compounds like rosmarinic acid, which can help reduce oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can toast the nuts and arrange the cheeses and olives up to 2 hours before serving. Add the honey, oil, herbs, and salt just before guests arrive to keep everything fresh.
