Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle Recipe

Nothing says festive quite like a beautifully arranged Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle. This dish brings together the perfect harmony of sharp, creamy cheeses paired with a vibrant variety of fresh and roasted vegetables, all enhanced by a fragrant herb oil. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something delightful and nutritious, this platter delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal with effortless charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a key role in creating a vibrant and balanced flavor profile. The cheeses provide a creamy, tangy base, while the fresh and roasted veggies add bursts of color and crispness. The herb oil brings everything together with its aromatic finish.

• Sharp cheddar, sliced: Adds a bold, tangy punch that pairs beautifully with sweet veggies.
• Creamy brie, cut into wedges: Offers a luscious, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Goat cheese log or feta block: Brings a tangy, slightly crumbly contrast that livens up the platter.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they brighten the dish both visually and in flavor.
• Cucumber rounds: Provide refreshing crunch and cooling balance to the richer components.
• Roasted carrots or sweet potato cubes: Add a caramelized, earthy sweetness, warming up the platter.
• Blanched green beans or asparagus: Contribute a tender snap and vibrant green color.
• Radishes, halved: Offer a peppery bite that perks up every bite.
• Olives (green & Kalamata): Bring salty, briny notes that enhance the cheesy richness.
• Roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios): Add crunch and a toasty depth of flavor.
• Crackers or sliced baguette: Essential for scooping and pairing the cheeses and veggies.
• Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup/120 ml): The base for the herb oil, rich and fruity, it ties everything together.
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped (1 tbsp/3 g): Infuses a piney, fragrant aroma into the oil.
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp/3 g): Adds subtle earthiness to the herb oil drizzle.
• Garlic clove, grated (1 small/3 g): Lends a gentle warmth and depth to the drizzle.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the herb oil flavors perfectly.

How to Make Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Oil Drizzle

Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil gently over low heat in a small saucepan. Once warm, add the freshly chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture heat for about one to two minutes until you can smell the herbs’ fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. This simple step infuses the oil with vibrant flavors that will beautifully enhance the cheeses and veggies.

Step 2: Arrange the Cheeses

Next, lay out your cheese selection on a large platter or wooden board, spacing the slices and wedges evenly. This not only makes the platter visually appealing but also makes it easy for guests to reach a variety of flavors. The sharpness of the cheddar, creaminess of the brie, and tang of the goat cheese or feta create a delicious contrast on the palate.

Step 3: Add Fresh and Roasted Vegetables

Surround the cheeses with a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, roasted carrots or sweet potato cubes, blanched green beans or asparagus, and halved radishes. This combination offers a magnificent assortment of textures and flavors — from crisp and juicy to soft and earthy — complementing the cheeses perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Extras

Scatter green and Kalamata olives for burst of saltiness and depth. Sprinkle roasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios on the platter for crunch and nuttiness. Finally, arrange your favorite crackers or thinly sliced baguette around the edges for that satisfying carb companion.

Step 5: Drizzle the Herb Oil

Just before serving, lightly drizzle the fragrant herb oil over the cheeses and vegetables. Alternatively, serve it on the side in a small bowl for dipping, so everyone can customize their bites. This finishing touch adds a luscious, herbal brightness that elevates every flavor on your Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle.

How to Serve Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle

Garnishes

To make your platter even more inviting, consider adding fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme around the edges for a festive touch. Thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can add a pop of color and an extra layer of brightness that complements the herb oil.

Side Dishes

This platter pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of marinated olives. For a heartier option, a warm baguette or roasted garlic bread works wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, use a large rustic wooden board or a marble slab to arrange your platter. Play with the layout by grouping cheeses and veggies in clusters or in rainbow order by color to create visual interest. Adding small bowls for olives, nuts, and the herb oil drizzle helps keep elements neat and accessible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle, store cheeses and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the herb oil in a sealed jar or bottle to preserve its fresh flavor. This will help maintain textures and prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this platter, as fresh vegetables typically lose their texture once thawed, and cheese may alter in consistency. To enjoy the best quality, it’s best to consume the platter fresh within a couple of days.

Reheating

Since this dish is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer warm roasted vegetables, you can reheat them separately in the oven for a few minutes, then serve them alongside the cheeses and fresh veggies with a fresh drizzle of herb oil.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this platter?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses like gouda, blue cheese, or provolone. The key is to offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep the platter exciting and balanced.

How far in advance can I prepare the platter?

You can assemble most components a few hours before serving, but it’s best to add the herb oil drizzle right before you set out the platter to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Is this platter suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle is perfect for vegetarians since it features an assortment of cheeses and vegetables without any meat products.

Can I make the herb oil without garlic?

Certainly! If garlic isn’t your favorite, simply omit it or substitute with a small amount of garlic-infused olive oil to maintain some garlic flavor without the intensity.

What wine pairs well with this platter?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the cheeses and herb oil beautifully, enhancing your holiday experience.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese & Veggie Holiday Platter with Herb Oil Drizzle is a joy to prepare and even more fun to share with friends and family. Its bright, balanced flavors and irresistible presentation make it a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your favorite cheeses and veggies, whip up that fragrant herb oil, and watch this platter become the star of your holiday festivities!