Pin It I discovered this idea while arranging a cheese board for a friend's housewarming and completely botched the layout—cheese everywhere, no real vision. Then I thought: what if I made the cheese itself the centerpiece? Not just a pile, but something that actually looked like something. A skyline of cheese buildings felt ridiculous enough to be brilliant, and when I started carving little skyscrapers from blocks of cheddar and Gruyère, my friends couldn't stop laughing and taking photos. It became the thing everyone remembered about that night, not the food disappearing, but the memory of how playful it all felt.
I'll never forget the moment a coworker bit into the Empire State Building (made from sharp cheddar, naturally) at a work event and said it tasted better because it looked like something. That's when it clicked for me—presentation isn't just about impressing people, it's about making food feel intentional and memorable. She asked for the recipe that day, and three months later she sent me a photo of her version with a Paris skyline made entirely from white cheeses. That moment proved to me this wasn't just a gimmick; it was actually a way to make people think differently about what cheese could be.
Ingredients
- Sharp Cheddar (120g block): The boldness of aged cheddar makes it perfect for thick, sturdy slices that hold their shape when you carve them.
- Gruyère (120g block): Slightly nutty and firm, it carves with precision and adds a sophisticated edge to your skyline.
- Emmental (120g block): Its mild sweetness and creamy texture balance out the sharper cheeses without overwhelming the board.
- Havarti (120g block): Buttery and pliable, it's forgiving when you're cutting and adds visual warmth with its pale golden tone.
- Gouda (120g block): Caramel-like undertones give complexity, and its firm texture means your carved details won't crumble.
- Seedless Grapes (1 small bunch, washed): They nestle around the base of your cheese buildings like parks and plazas, adding unexpected pops of color.
- Apple (1 small, sliced): The tartness cuts through the richness and the pale slices create architectural shadows when fanned.
- Pear (1 small, sliced): Softer and sweeter than apple, pears add a delicate, creamy-looking element that feels intentional on a fancy board.
- Assorted Crackers (12–16 pieces): Choose a mix of textures—some thin and crispy, some hearty—so there's a vehicle for every personality of cheese.
- Honey or Fig Jam (2 tbsp): A tiny ramekin of this transforms the entire experience from snack to indulgent moment.
Instructions
- Chill your cheese first:
- Pop each cheese block in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before you start cutting—cold cheese holds its shape and doesn't shatter or tear unpredictably. I learned this the hard way after my first attempt looked like a cheese crime scene.
- Slice into tall rectangles:
- Using a sharp chef's knife, cut each cheese block into vertical pieces roughly 1 cm thick, thinking taller rather than wider. Each slice should feel substantial enough to carve without crumbling in your hands.
- Carve your building silhouettes:
- Using a paring knife, lightly sketch the outline of a famous building on each cheese slice—think Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or even a simple contemporary skyscraper. If freehand feels terrifying, cut a paper template and trace it first as your safety net.
- Add architectural details:
- Use small cookie cutters or the tip of your paring knife to punch windows and details into your cheese buildings, careful not to go all the way through. Even simple details make them feel intentional rather than random.
- Arrange your city upright:
- Stand each carved cheese building upright on your large platter so they create a genuine skyline, varying the heights and clustering them close enough that they feel like a real city rather than scattered objects.
- Plant your greenery around the base:
- Scatter grapes and fanned apple and pear slices at the base of your skyline to create the illusion of parks, streets, and landscaping. This small detail transforms it from just carved cheese to an actual miniature city.
- Pour and serve:
- Pour honey or fig jam into a small ramekin beside the platter, set out your crackers within arm's reach, and let your guests figure it out. The moment someone understands what they're looking at feels like discovering something secret.
Pin It There's something oddly emotional about serving food that looks like a tiny city. A friend's kid bit into one of the buildings, declared it "a dragon's tooth," and suddenly everyone was making up stories about which building was which and what kind of dragon ate which cheese. That's when I realized this recipe isn't really about the cheese at all—it's about giving people permission to play with their food again.
The Magic of Themed Presentation
The skyline concept works because it's specific enough to feel clever but familiar enough that anyone can understand it instantly. If you're hosting a party with an actual theme—say, a Paris dinner party or a New York night out—matching your cheese buildings to that city's iconic architecture creates this beautiful moment where everything clicks into place. I've done Parisian versions with tall Eiffel Tower pieces in white Emmental, and every single person has recognized it immediately, which feels surprisingly rewarding for sliced cheese.
Pairing and Wine Moments
The first time I served this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, I watched the temperature of the entire gathering shift—suddenly it felt less like a casual snack and more like an actual event. The acid cuts through the richness of the older cheeses while the acidity brightens the fruit slices in a way that makes the whole thing feel intentional. If wine isn't your thing, sparkling cider or even just cold mineral water works beautifully because the focus stays on the textures and flavors rather than playing catchup with overpowering pairings.
Building Your Skyline Strategy
The first time you carve these, keep your buildings simple and bold—clean lines read better than overly detailed attempts that risk falling apart. As you get comfortable with it, you can get fancier with your details, but honestly, even basic skyscraper shapes with a few window details create the intended effect. I've learned that imperfection is actually your friend here; slightly uneven towers and off-kilter carves make the whole thing feel handmade rather than sterile, which is exactly the vibe you want.
- Vary your building heights and silhouettes so the skyline doesn't look like a monotonous row of identical rectangles.
- If carving feels too ambitious, you can also just slice the cheese into tall rectangles and serve them standing up with a tiny label next to each one—the architecture of the arrangement does most of the work.
- Make extra cheese buildings if you're entertaining because people will eat more of this than you expect, and there's something satisfying about refilling an entire cityscape mid-party.
Pin It This recipe taught me that sometimes the best entertaining moments come from being willing to look a little silly in the kitchen, to carve cheese into buildings just because it feels fun. Serve it with pride and watch what happens when people realize their food is also their decor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
A combination of firm cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Emmental, Havarti, and Gouda provide good texture and contrasting colors.
- → How do I create the building shapes?
Use a sharp knife or small cookie cutters to slice cheese vertically, then carefully cut or trim each piece into silhouette shapes using templates or freehand.
- → Can this platter be made ahead of time?
Cheese blocks can be chilled before slicing for easier shaping, but it's best to assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and visual appeal.
- → What accompaniments pair well with the platter?
Seedless grapes, apple and pear slices, assorted crackers, and a side of honey or fig jam complement the cheese beautifully.
- → Are there any dietary considerations?
This platter is vegetarian and can be gluten-free by selecting gluten-free crackers. Always check individual ingredient labels for allergens.