Lavender Haze Cheese Platter

I discovered this board on a lazy afternoon when a friend brought over a bunch of edible flowers from her garden and I had some lavender goat cheese lingering in the fridge. There was something about that combination—the soft purple coating against creamy white, the whisper of lavender in the air—that just clicked. We ended up building this whole platter around it, and what started as a happy accident became the thing I reach for whenever I want to feel a little bit fancy without the stress.

My sister brought her new partner to dinner, and I wanted something that felt intentional but not stressful. I remembered having seen those black sesame crackers at the market and thought they'd look striking against the lavender tones. When everyone started reaching for different combinations, watching their faces light up as they found their favorite pairing—goat cheese with fig, brie with walnut, everything with the edible flowers—that's when I realized this wasn't just a cheese board anymore.

Ingredients

• Lavender-coated goat cheese: This is your star, so get the best quality you can find; the coating should smell floral but not perfume-like, and slicing it into neat rounds makes all the difference for presentation.
• Ash-rinded brie: The soft grey coating is naturally beautiful, and it gets even creamier at room temperature, so let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Seedless red or black grapes: Halving them releases a tiny bit of juice that helps clean the palate between bites and makes them easier to pair with cheese.
• Fresh figs: If you can find them, use them; dried figs work but won't have that same delicate fragrance and the slight give when you bite down.
• Candied walnuts or pecans: The sweetness and crunch are non-negotiable—these add texture and prevent the board from feeling one-note.
• Lavender honey: This is optional but worth seeking out; if you can't find it, regular honey drizzled over the goat cheese still tastes wonderful.
• Edible flowers: Make absolutely sure they're from a food-safe source; the flavor is subtle but the visual impact is huge, and that's honestly the point.
• Toasted baguette slices and charcoal crackers: Mix textures and colors here—the dark crackers are stunning against the soft cheeses, and toasted bread adds warmth.

Instructions

Start with your canvas:

Arrange the lavender goat cheese rounds and ash-rinded brie wedges on your board first, leaving breathing room between them so each cheese can be appreciated on its own.

Build in clusters:

Group the grapes and figs in small piles around the cheese—think of it like creating little islands of flavor rather than spreading everything evenly.

Add the crunch:

Scatter candied nuts throughout the board, tucking them into the spaces between cheese and fruit so they feel intentionally placed, not just sprinkled.

Finish with flowers and herbs:

Drizzle the lavender honey over the goat cheese first (it pools beautifully and hints at what's to come), then scatter edible flowers and fresh thyme sprigs across the whole board like confetti.

Add your foundations:

Arrange toasted baguette slices and charcoal crackers on and around the board, making sure they're easy to grab without disturbing the other elements.

Serve with intention:

Step back and look at it for a second—you've created something that's both generous and composed, and it's ready to be enjoyed exactly as it is.

Save

There's a moment during every gathering when someone tries a combination they wouldn't have thought of on their own—brie with candied walnut and a tiny edible violet—and their whole face changes. That's the real magic of a board like this; it's not a meal so much as an invitation to play, and people always surprise you with what they love.

The Art of Composition

I used to think a cheese board was just about throwing things on a platter, but it's actually more like arranging a small landscape. Odd numbers feel more natural, so try to use three different cheese shapes or types if you can; heights matter too, so let some elements sit a little higher than others. The eye needs something to follow, and those little visual resting places between clusters help people know where to reach next.

Wine and Pairing Moments

Lavender and floral notes go beautifully with crisp white wines or a chilled rosé, especially if it's got that dry, mineral quality that Provence rosés often have. I've had great success pairing this with Gewürztraminer or even a light Riesling—the slight sweetness in those wines echoes the honey and candied nuts without fighting the delicate lavender. That said, if wine isn't your thing, a sparkling water with a splash of elderflower cordial mirrors the same vibe.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this board is that it's a framework, not a script. I've swapped in aged cheddar when I couldn't find the ash-rinded brie, used sliced pears instead of figs when they were in season, and even added a dollop of fig jam on the side once because I had some open in the fridge. The color story shifts a little each time, but it always feels intentional.

• Purple endive leaves or thinly sliced purple radishes can replace some of the grapes for even more color if you're feeling it.
• If you're making this for someone with allergies, swap the candied nuts for toasted seeds or simply load up on more fruit and flowers.
• Gluten-free guests won't feel left out if you just skip the baguette and lean into the charcoal crackers or offer proper gluten-free crackers on the side.

Save

This board has become my answer to the question of how to make people feel welcomed without spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen. It's elegant and generous, and somehow it always brings people together.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cheeses are featured on the board?

Lavender-coated goat cheese and ash-rinded brie provide contrasting flavors and creamy textures on the platter.

→ Which accompaniments pair well with the cheese?

Seedless grapes, fresh or dried figs, candied walnuts or pecans, and lavender honey for drizzling add complementary sweet and nutty notes.

→ Can I substitute the bread options for dietary needs?

Yes, gluten-free crackers can replace the baguette slices to accommodate gluten sensitivity.

→ How should the platter be garnished?

Use edible flowers such as violets or pansies and fresh thyme sprigs to enhance visual appeal and aroma.

→ What drink pairs nicely with this platter?

A chilled Provence rosé or floral white wine like Gewürztraminer complements the floral and creamy elements well.

→ How long does it take to prepare the board?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with no cooking required, making it a quick and elegant appetizer option.