Floating Island Cheese Wheel (Print View)

Cheese wheel surrounded by vibrant blue yogurt dip and dark grapes creates a stunning appetizer centerpiece.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 1 large wheel soft-ripened cheese (e.g., Brie or Camembert, about 17.6 oz)

→ Dip

02 - 14 oz plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - Blue food coloring (gel or natural), quantity as needed

→ Garnishes

07 - 9 oz seedless black or red grapes
08 - Fresh herbs (optional, for decoration)

# Directions:

01 - Place the cheese wheel in the center of a large serving platter.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt; stir until smooth.
03 - Gradually add blue food coloring, mixing until the dip reaches a deep lake-blue hue.
04 - Carefully spoon the blue yogurt dip around the cheese wheel, forming a lake-like border.
05 - Arrange seedless grapes around the perimeter of the yogurt lake to create a decorative edge.
06 - Top the cheese island with fresh herbs or edible flowers if desired.
07 - Present immediately with crackers or bread alongside.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing when you really spent minutes.
  • The soft, creamy cheese against tangy blue yogurt creates an addictive flavor combination that keeps people coming back.
  • Completely vegetarian, naturally gluten-free (with label checking), and infinitely adaptable to what you have on hand.
02 -
  • The blue yogurt will look pale and unconvincing until you add enough coloring—this is the moment to commit and trust the color rather than second-guessing yourself.
  • Serve this immediately after assembling; the cheese stays freshest when it hasn't been sitting out, and the contrast between cool yogurt and room-temperature cheese is part of what makes it work.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts—this prevents the cheese from tearing and keeps slices looking pristine.
  • Mix black and red grapes if you can find them; the color variation is what makes the platter feel intentional and artistic rather than simple.
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