Save Pin I stumbled onto this platter concept at a gallery opening where everything felt a bit too precious until someone unveiled a towering black wax cheddar surrounded by dark crackers and charcoal-dusted almonds. The whole room seemed to pause, then lean in. I went home that night convinced I could recreate that moment of drama on a much smaller scale, in my own kitchen, for people I actually wanted to impress.
My neighbor brought over wine one evening and I decided to assemble this on the spot. Watching her eyes widen when I positioned that wedge upright, then placed the almonds like she was looking at an actual mountain range, reminded me that food is as much about the theater as the taste. We ended up talking for hours, and she kept coming back to the almonds.
Ingredients
- Black wax-coated aged cheddar (400 g): The wax seals in the flavor and gives you that architectural quality you need. Find one that's aged at least a year for that sharp, crystalline bite that punches through everything else on the board.
- Dark rye crackers (150 g): Skip the mild stuff. You want something with real color and earthiness that doesn't compete with the cheese but frames it.
- Whole almonds (100 g): Keep them raw, since you're going to dust them yourself and control the final look.
- Food-grade activated charcoal powder (1 tbsp): Use sparingly and make sure it's actually food-grade. This is your visual anchor.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp, optional): A whisper of this on the almonds brings out their subtle bitterness and keeps them from tasting flat.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers: These are your finishing flourish, not necessary but they transform the whole thing from striking to unforgettable.
Instructions
- Let the cheese breathe:
- Pull that black wax cheddar out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before you build. Cold cheese is tight and one-note. At room temperature, the flavors open up and it slices without crumbling.
- Coat the almonds:
- Toss whole almonds in a small bowl with the charcoal powder until they're evenly dusted, then add a pinch of flaky sea salt. The coating will be dramatic but not overwhelming if you use a light hand.
- Position your peak:
- Set the whole cheddar block upright in the center of a large, flat platter. This is your focal point, so don't bury it.
- Build the base:
- Arrange dark rye crackers in a wide circle around the cheese, leaving enough space that guests can clearly see them without having to lean over the peak.
- Fill the gaps:
- Scatter charcoal almonds around the crackers, tucking them into spaces and creating visual depth. This is where the composition comes together.
- Add the final drama:
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the base and scatter edible black flowers if you're using them. These last touches make people stop and stare before they even reach for crackers.
- Serve immediately:
- Let guests slice cheese directly from the peak onto crackers with almonds on the side. The board should look untouched until the first person makes a move.
Save Pin There was a moment when a friend picked up an almond, bit into it, then immediately looked at the platter again as if seeing it for the first time. She realized the charcoal was just a flourish, that the almond's sweetness was still there underneath. That's when I understood this wasn't about being precious. It was about making something unmissable.
The Black Wax Story
Black wax cheddar isn't some newfangled thing. It's traditional aging technique used to protect cheese and develop deeper, more complex flavors. The darkness comes from the wax itself, not anything sinister. When you use it whole on a platter, you're doing something that looks modern but is actually rooted in how cheese has been preserved and presented for centuries. It feels like bringing history to the table.
Building Visual Contrast
The magic of this platter lives in what sits next to what. The deep rye against the black wax cheddar, the almonds' dusty finish against the creamy interior of the cheese when it's sliced, the tiny green of rosemary against all that darkness. If you swap in lighter crackers or pale almonds, you lose the drama. Think of it like getting dressed: the outfit works because of what's next to what, not because each piece is beautiful on its own.
Pairing and Presentation
This board genuinely sings with a bold red wine like Syrah or Malbec. The tannins and depth meet the sharp cheddar halfway. Serve it on a slate platter if you have one, or any dark, flat surface that lets the colors pop. Timing matters too: assemble it no more than 30 minutes before guests arrive so the cheese stays the right temperature and the almonds haven't started to absorb humidity from the air and lose their crunch.
- If you can't find black wax cheddar, any aged sharp cheddar with a dark coating will work, or even a dark-waxed gouda.
- Add dark grapes or dried cherries if you want to introduce something slightly sweet and juicy to the spread.
- Keep the platter away from direct sunlight or warm spots so the cheese stays firm enough to slice cleanly.
Save Pin This is the kind of platter that makes people feel like they walked into somewhere special, even if it's just your kitchen on a Wednesday. That feeling, that moment when someone pauses before reaching for food, is worth every bit of intentionality you put into it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the mountain peak effect?
Place the whole block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright in the center of a large platter to create a towering peak.
- → What is the purpose of the charcoal powder on almonds?
Activated charcoal powder coats the almonds to add smoky flavor and a dramatic black color contrast on the platter.
- → Can other cheeses replace black wax cheddar?
Yes, any sharp aged cheese with a black wax coating can be used to maintain the visual and flavor profile.
- → What accompaniments complement this plate?
Dark rye crackers provide crunch, while fresh rosemary and edible black flowers add aromatic and visual enhancements.
- → Is special equipment needed for assembly?
A large serving platter and small bowl for coating almonds are sufficient; tongs or a cheese knife help with serving.