Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Print)

Bright red berries and fragrant herbs arranged on a festive platter with cheese and nuts for holiday gatherings.

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants (or substitute with pomegranate arils, cranberries, or red grapes)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, preferably small, round, and bright red
03 - 1 cup raspberries, firm and unblemished
04 - 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley (flat-leaf), washed and dried
05 - 1 bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
06 - 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
07 - 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs
08 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced seedless cucumber

→ Cheese & Accompaniments

09 - 5 oz soft goat cheese, shaped into small balls
10 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
11 - 1/2 cup Marcona almonds or toasted walnuts (optional)
12 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
13 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Wash all berries, tomatoes, herbs, and cucumber thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Discard any bruised or spoiled berries. Slice cucumber into ultra-thin rounds approximately 1/16 inch thick. Using a teaspoon, form the goat cheese into small, bite-sized balls to ensure freshness and optimal presentation.
02 - Choose a large, flat serving platter or rustic wooden board between 12 and 14 inches in diameter. Wipe clean and dry thoroughly. A neutral-colored base will highlight the vibrant red and green hues of the arrangement.
03 - Place sprigs of rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme in overlapping, organic clusters covering roughly half of the platter surface. Vary sprig lengths and allow some to extend beyond the platter edges to evoke natural holly foliage. This forms a lush green foundation framing the other elements.
04 - Nestle red currants, cherry tomatoes, and raspberries in tight, overlapping clusters atop the herb base, mimicking holly berry growth. Ensure clusters vary in size and density for a natural effect. Stabilize clusters by gently pressing berries into herbs or anchoring with sprigs to prevent rolling. Maintain clear herb borders around each cluster for contrast.
05 - Distribute mozzarella pearls and goat cheese balls near berry clusters, ensuring they remain visually secondary but accessible. Scatter nuts and cucumber slices organically, avoiding symmetry. Drizzle olive oil lightly over cheese, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Avoid contact between cheese and wet berries to retain texture.
06 - Inspect the arrangement for a lush, abundant, and organic appearance without stiffness. Adjust clusters and herbs to fill sparse areas and reinforce the holly motif. Remove any smudges or oil from the platter edges. Serve immediately to preserve freshness and texture.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes just 30 minutes from start to finish—the perfect secret weapon for entertaining.
  • Every element is fresh and alive; there's no cooking involved, so the natural flavors and textures shine without anything getting wilted or overdone.
  • It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for any dietary restriction, making it welcoming for all your guests.
02 -
  • Moisture is your enemy—berries and herbs must be completely dry before arranging, or they'll wilt and weep within hours. This is a lesson I learned the hard way when a platter looked sad within 30 minutes of assembly.
  • Never assemble more than 30–60 minutes ahead of serving. This platter is at its absolute best when components are fresh and textures are distinct. Prepare everything in advance, then assemble just before guests arrive.
  • The tight clustering of berries is essential to the visual magic—avoid the temptation to scatter them evenly. Nature doesn't arrange berries in patterns; they cluster, and that's what makes this platter feel authentic and alive.
03 -
  • Prepare all components up to 4 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This lets you work calmly and assemble fresh without stress, which always shows in the final presentation.
  • For larger gatherings, create multiple smaller platters instead of one massive one—they're easier to pass around, maintain visual impact at different angles, and guests feel less intimidated about diving in.
  • If you're hosting outdoors, remember that this platter has a 2-hour window in warm weather before herbs begin to wilt and berries start to weep. Keep it on ice or in a shaded spot, and bring it out just before serving begins.
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