Crimson Gold Gala Platter (Printable Version)

A striking appetizer featuring deep reds and bright golds arranged for maximum flavor and impact.

# What You'll Need:

→ Deep Reds

01 - 1 cup fresh sweet cherries, pitted
02 - 4 oz wine-soaked cheese (e.g., Drunken Goat or Merlot BellaVitano), sliced
03 - ½ cup dried cranberries
04 - ½ cup red grapes, halved
05 - ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

→ Bright Golds

06 - 2 large yellow bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
07 - 4 oz aged cheddar or gouda, cubed
08 - 12 to 16 gold leaf–topped crackers or plain water crackers
09 - ¼ cup golden raisins
10 - ½ cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Garnish & Extras

11 - Edible gold leaf sheets (optional, for crackers)
12 - Fresh basil or microgreens
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasted peppers)
14 - Freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place whole yellow bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam for 5 minutes. Peel skins, remove seeds, and slice into strips. Drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to cool.
02 - Carefully apply edible gold leaf sheets to crackers according to package instructions if using.
03 - On a large serving platter, arrange cherries, wine-soaked cheese, dried cranberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds closely together forming a crimson block on one side.
04 - Opposite the crimson block, place roasted yellow pepper strips, cubed aged cheese, gold leaf crackers, golden raisins, and halved yellow cherry tomatoes in a tight gold block.
05 - Garnish with fresh basil or microgreens for color and freshness. Serve immediately, inviting guests to combine flavors and colors.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter—guests genuinely light up when they see the bold color contrast, and the flavors deliver on that visual promise
  • Minimal cooking involved, which means you can spend more time actually enjoying your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • The wine-soaked cheeses and roasted peppers create a sophisticated depth that feels far more elegant than the simple preparation requires
02 -
  • Roasting the peppers isn't optional—raw peppers will make the gold section feel flat and one-dimensional. The roasting adds a sweetness and depth that changes everything
  • Arrange your board no more than 30 minutes before serving. Cheese and fruit begin to separate and lose their appeal if they sit too long; you want everything to look as vibrant when it's eaten as when it's first revealed
03 -
  • Roast your peppers the day before if you're hosting—it takes pressure off and they actually taste better after sitting overnight with the oil
  • Keep everything except the crackers chilled until the last moment. Cold cheese and fruit maintain their crisp texture and the board will stay fresh-looking longer
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