Obsidian Peak cheese platter (Printable)

Black wax cheddar tower paired with dark rye crackers and charcoal-coated almonds for a bold, elegant appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz black wax-coated aged cheddar (block or wedge, whole and uncut)

→ Accompaniments

02 - 5.3 oz dark rye crackers
03 - 3.5 oz whole almonds
04 - 1 tbsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
05 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt (optional, for almonds)

→ Garnish (optional)

06 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
07 - Edible black flowers (such as viola or pansy, optional)

# Directions:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated cheddar from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and aroma.
02 - Place almonds in a small bowl, sprinkle with activated charcoal powder, and toss thoroughly to coat. Add flaky sea salt if preferred.
03 - Center the whole block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright on a large flat serving platter to create a mountain peak visual.
04 - Circle the dark rye crackers evenly around the cheese, establishing the base of the peak.
05 - Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds in the spaces between and around the crackers to provide texture and contrast.
06 - Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible black flowers to elevate presentation.
07 - Present immediately, enabling guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy alongside crackers and almonds.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Looks restaurant-worthy but takes barely 15 minutes to assemble—no cooking required.
  • The contrast between sharp aged cheddar, earthy charcoal almonds, and hearty rye creates layers of flavor that feel intentional and sophisticated.
  • Works as an instant centerpiece that guests actually want to eat, not just admire.
02 -
  • Room temperature cheddar tastes dramatically better—cold aged cheese tastes bitter and flat, which defeats the whole point.
  • Food-grade charcoal can taste metallic if overused; less is genuinely more here, and you can always add more but never take it back.
03 -
  • Build this platter no more than 1–2 hours before serving; charcoal almonds can absorb moisture from the air and lose their visual impact if left too long.
  • Use a large, matte-colored platter—dark slate or a deep ceramic plate makes the black wax and charcoal elements pop visually.
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