Save to Pinterest I stumbled onto this idea during a chaotic holiday party when I realized I'd forgotten to prep anything impressive. The Brie sat in the fridge, the Parmesan was already grated, and I had ten minutes before guests arrived. I sliced the wedges standing up on impulse, dusted them white, and someone gasped that it looked like the Alps. Since then, it's been my secret weapon for effortless elegance.
The first time I brought this to a dinner party, my friend's eight year old daughter stood in front of the platter and refused to let anyone touch it until she'd taken a photo. She called it the cheese mountains and made everyone guess which peak was tallest. That's when I knew this wasn't just food, it was a conversation starter that made people smile before they even tasted it.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: Well chilled Brie cuts cleanly into sharp wedges without smearing, and the cold firm texture holds its shape when standing upright on the platter.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated Parmesan clings to the Brie like powdered snow, and its sharp saltiness balances the buttery richness beautifully.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Optional but lovely, thyme adds a whisper of green that makes the white peaks pop and hints at alpine meadows.
Instructions
- Slice the Brie into peaks:
- Use a sharp knife and work quickly while the cheese is still cold from the fridge. Each triangular wedge should feel firm enough to stand on its base without toppling.
- Build your mountain range:
- Stand the wedges upright on the platter with pointed ends reaching skyward, clustering them together so they lean slightly and create natural height variation. Step back and adjust until it looks like a jagged ridge.
- Dust with Parmesan snow:
- Hold the grater high and let the Parmesan fall gently over the peaks, covering the tops generously. The fine snow effect happens when you don't press too hard.
- Add the greenery:
- Tuck small thyme sprigs around the base of the mountains if you have them, like little alpine trees dotting the foothills.
- Serve immediately:
- Set out crackers or sliced baguette alongside the platter and let guests break off their own peaks.
Save to Pinterest One winter evening, I served this at a small gathering and a guest who'd just returned from a ski trip in Switzerland laughed out loud. She said it reminded her of the view from her chalet window, and suddenly everyone was sharing mountain stories over cheese wedges. The platter became a backdrop for memories, and I realized food doesn't need to be complicated to bring people together in unexpected ways.
Choosing the Right Brie
I've learned that firmer, younger Brie works better for this than an ultra-ripe wheel that's nearly liquid inside. If you press the surface gently and it feels solid rather than squishy, it will hold its shape. Camembert is a lovely substitute if you prefer a slightly earthier flavor, and triple cream Brie makes the whole thing feel decadent.
Toasting the Parmesan
The first time I toasted Parmesan before dusting, the nutty aroma filled the kitchen and I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. Heat a dry skillet over medium low, scatter the grated cheese in an even layer, and stir gently until it turns golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before using, and the flavor becomes deeper and more complex against the mild Brie.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
I usually set this out with plain crackers or thin baguette slices so the cheese flavors stay front and center. A chilled Chardonnay or sparkling wine cuts through the richness beautifully, and I've also paired it with crisp apple slices when I want a touch of sweetness. If you're feeling playful, add a small bowl of honey on the side for drizzling.
- Let the Brie come to room temperature for about ten minutes before serving if you want it extra creamy.
- Use a wide platter so the mountain range has space to breathe and look dramatic.
- Leftovers (if there are any) make an excellent grilled cheese the next day.
Save to Pinterest This little platter has become my go to whenever I need something that looks thoughtful but doesn't steal time from my guests. It's proof that a few good ingredients and a moment of whimsy can turn a simple cheese into a landscape worth remembering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the Brie be prepared for clean cuts?
Chill the Brie thoroughly to ensure it slices cleanly into triangular wedges without crumbling.
- → Can other cheeses be used instead of Brie?
Yes, Camembert or triple-cream cheeses can substitute Brie for a richer texture and flavor.
- → What is the purpose of dusting Parmesan on the Brie wedges?
Grated Parmesan mimics fresh snow atop the Brie, creating a visually striking 'snowcapped' effect.
- → Is any cooking required for this appetizer?
No cooking is needed; the dish is assembled cold, with an optional step of toasting Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
- → What garnishes complement this cheese arrangement?
Fresh thyme sprigs add a touch of greenery and subtle herbal aroma to complement the creamy cheeses.