Pin this I discovered this dish at a winter gathering where the host had arranged white cheese peaks on a dark slate board, and something about the playful presentation made everyone smile before anyone even tasted it. There's something magical about food that looks like an edible landscape, and that night I realized the best appetizers are the ones that make people pause and admire them first. I went home determined to recreate that moment of quiet wonder in my own kitchen.
The first time I made this for a dinner party, I was nervous about the simplicity of it—could something this easy really impress people? But watching my friend bite into a wedge and close her eyes as the warm Brie melted in her mouth told me everything. She asked for the recipe right there at the table, and I realized that sometimes elegance isn't about complexity, it's about understanding how a few perfect ingredients can speak for themselves.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese, well chilled (400 g): The foundation of this dish—cold Brie cuts clean and sharp, which is essential for those distinct wedges. I learned the hard way that room-temperature Brie turns into a slippery mess, so pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated (40 g): This creates the snowy peak effect and adds a sharp, umami punch that balances the Brie's creaminess. Grating it fresh makes all the difference; pre-grated Parmesan can look dusty.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): These tiny green needles remind guests that this is intentional artistry, not just cheese on a plate. They add a whisper of herbal flavor and break up the monochromatic beauty.
Instructions
- Chill your workspace:
- Pop your Brie in the freezer for 30 minutes while you gather your knife and platter. A cold cheese is a cooperative cheese.
- Cut with confidence:
- Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry, slice the Brie into 16 triangular wedges, each about the size of a large postage stamp. The heat helps the blade glide through without dragging; cold Brie should practically sing as you cut it.
- Arrange your peaks:
- Stand each wedge upright on the platter with the pointed end reaching toward the sky, leaving just enough space between them so they don't topple. This is where the magic happens—suddenly you're not arranging cheese, you're creating a landscape.
- Dust with snow:
- Hold the Parmesan over the peaks and dust generously so the tops are covered in a fine white layer. Imagine you're the snow itself, settling gently over a mountain range.
- Add green flourishes:
- Tuck fresh thyme sprigs around the base and between the peaks if you're using them. Serve immediately with crackers so the cheese stays cool and composed.
Pin this What I love most about this dish is how it transforms a simple cheese board into theater, and I've watched people light up at the sight of it more times than I can count. It taught me that the most memorable meals aren't always the most complicated—sometimes they're the ones that make you feel like the cook understands beauty as much as flavor.
A Moment of Whimsy
I was setting up for a dinner party when my young nephew wandered into the kitchen and saw the Brie peaks arranged on the platter. He asked if we were eating a mountain range, and I realized that good food should spark imagination, not just satisfaction. That's when I knew this dish was special—it speaks to something playful in all of us, regardless of age.
Elevating with Temperature Play
One evening I experimented with gently toasting the Parmesan in a dry pan before dusting, and the subtle nutty warmth it added was a revelation. The contrast between the cool Brie and the barely warm Parmesan created this wonderful temperature surprise that made each bite more interesting. It's a small thing, but small things are often what people remember about a dish.
Building Your Own Mountain Range
The beauty of this recipe is that it invites you to play with substitutions and personal touches, and I encourage you to do exactly that. Camembert will give you a sharper peak, while a triple-cream cheese will be almost impossibly luxurious. Consider what mood you want to set with your mountain range, and let that guide your choices.
- Try toasting the Parmesan lightly for a deeper, nuttier flavor that catches people by surprise.
- Pair this with a crisp, chilled Chardonnay or champagne for an evening that feels just a little bit special.
- Arrange the platter on a dark serving board or slate to make your snowy peaks even more striking.
Pin this This dish reminds me that hospitality is often about creating moments, not just feeding people. Every time someone admires the platter before tasting it, you've already succeeded.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve clean cuts on Brie cheese?
Ensure the Brie is well chilled before slicing to get clean, precise triangular wedges without crumbling.
- → Can I use another cheese instead of Brie?
Yes, Camembert or triple-cream varieties work well for a similar creamy texture and appearance.
- → What is the purpose of dusting Parmesan over Brie?
Grated Parmesan adds a salty contrast and visual effect, resembling fresh snow over the Brie peaks.
- → Is toasting the Parmesan necessary?
Toasting Parmesan gently in a dry pan enhances its nutty flavors but is optional based on preference.
- → What garnishes complement this cheese arrangement?
Fresh thyme sprigs introduce a subtle herbal note and fresh color to the presentation.
- → What drinks pair well with this dish?
Chilled Chardonnay or sparkling wine balance the creamy richness with crisp acidity.