Clockwork Orange Appetizer Platter (Print)

A visually stunning citrus and cheese platter arranged in a circular clock formation with honey and nuts.

# Components:

→ Citrus

01 - 1 large orange
02 - 1 blood orange
03 - 1 grapefruit
04 - 2 clementines
05 - 1 lemon
06 - 1 lime

→ Cheese

07 - 5.3 oz firm goat cheese or manchego
08 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar or gouda

→ Garnishes

09 - 2 tbsp honey
10 - 2 tbsp chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional)
11 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
12 - Crackers or crusty bread, to serve

# Directions:

01 - Slice all citrus fruits into thin, even rounds, removing seeds as needed.
02 - Place citrus slices in a circular pattern on a large round serving platter, alternating colors and positioning one slice at each hour of a clock.
03 - Cut cheeses into long, narrow strips and shape two pieces to represent clock hands, placing them at the center pointing to a desired time.
04 - Drizzle honey over the center and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts if using.
05 - Add fresh mint leaves for aroma and color, then serve immediately with crackers or crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required, just slicing and arranging—perfect for when you want to look like you tried without the stress.
  • The visual impact alone gets people talking before anyone takes a bite, which buys you time to pour the wine.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you can serve it to almost anyone without apologizing.
02 -
  • Slice your citrus as close to serving as possible—they dry out quickly and lose that glistening, jewel-like quality that makes the whole thing work.
  • Room-temperature cheese arranges and tastes better than cold cheese; take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before you start building.
03 -
  • A sharp knife and a steady hand matter more than any special equipment; take your time slicing and your platter will look intentional instead of rushed.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the citrus slices in the fridge and the cheese wrapped separately, then assemble 30 minutes before serving so everything is at its best.
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