Crimson & Gold Gala (Printer View)

Vivid deep reds and golden hues combine for a visually stunning, flavorful appetizer platter.

# 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 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
05 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Bright Golds

06 - 2 large yellow bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
07 - 4 oz aged cheddar or gouda, cubed
08 - 12–16 gold leaf–topped crackers or plain water crackers
09 - 1/4 cup golden raisins
10 - 1/2 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

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Roast whole yellow bell peppers on a baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam for 5 minutes. Peel skins, remove seeds, slice into strips, drizzle with olive oil, season with black pepper, and let cool.
02 - If using, carefully apply edible gold leaf to crackers following package instructions.
03 - On a large platter, arrange cherries, wine-soaked cheese, dried cranberries, halved grapes, and pomegranate seeds tightly on one side.
04 - Create a contrasting block with roasted yellow peppers, cubed aged cheese, gold leaf crackers, golden raisins, and halved yellow cherry tomatoes on the opposite side of the platter.
05 - Decorate platter with fresh basil or microgreens to add color contrast and freshness.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to combine flavors and colors to taste.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks so impressive that guests think you spent hours preparing it, when really it's just 35 minutes of pure joy
  • The color contrast doesn't just look beautiful—it actually helps you taste differently, like your eyes are guiding your palate
  • Every ingredient plays both a flavor and visual role, so nothing feels like filler
  • It works for any occasion, from casual gatherings to those moments when you want to feel a little fancy at home
02 -
  • Don't prepare this more than a few hours ahead—the red elements start to bleed into each other if they sit too long, and you lose that clean color separation that makes this whole thing work
  • The roasted pepper skins will come off completely if you let them steam long enough; rushing this step means you'll have bitter, charred bits clinging to your beautiful peppers
  • Pomegranate seeds are best added 15 minutes before serving; they dry out otherwise and lose their jewel-like quality
03 -
  • Arrange this platter on a large wooden board or slate surface—the neutral background makes the colors absolutely sing and prevents the platter itself from competing with your carefully planned color story
  • Serve all cheeses at room temperature; cold cheese tastes muted and dense, while room-temperature cheese opens up and reveals its complexity
Return