Save I'll never forget the New Year's Eve when my friend Sarah arrived with this brilliantly simple idea—a clock-shaped platter that was part food, part conversation starter. As midnight approached, we realized we'd been so captivated by this edible timepiece that we almost missed the actual countdown. There's something magical about turning snacks into something that makes people pause and smile before diving in.
That New Year's Eve, watching my neighbors gather around the living room with champagne glasses in hand, examining the clock face like it was fine art, reminded me why I love hosting. One of the kids actually asked for seconds of just the cheese, and I realized I'd accidentally made something that appeals to everyone at any age.
Ingredients
- Round crackers: Twenty-four of them form your clock face—I learned that slightly thicker varieties hold up better under the weight of olives than paper-thin ones
- Black and green olives: Forty-eight pitted olives alternate around your circle, and using both colors naturally draws the eye around the clock
- Cheddar cheese cubes: Two hundred grams cut into small cubes—they're firm enough to skewer and their golden color reads beautifully against the board
- Swiss cheese cubes: Another two hundred grams, and the pale color contrasts perfectly with the cheddar for your clock hands
- Cherry tomatoes: Two of them mark the center point, and honestly, they should be deep red—it makes the whole design pop
- Breadsticks: Eight optional pieces that add height and texture, like little party decorations you can actually eat
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or rosemary sprigs fill gaps and add that final touch of greenery that makes everything look intentional
- Round serving board: About thirty centimeters across—I've learned that wood feels warmer and more inviting than ceramic for this particular presentation
Instructions
- Create your clock face:
- Arrange those twenty-four crackers in a perfect circle around the edge of your board, starting with one at the very top for twelve o'clock. Take your time here—this is your foundation. The crackers should sit comfortably, not crowded, with just a tiny bit of space between each one.
- Add the numbers:
- Now take one black olive and one green olive and place them alternately on top of each cracker, like you're numbering a clock. This is where the colors do their work—the contrast makes it instantly readable as a clock. Press them gently so they nestle into place.
- Mark the center:
- Position your two cherry tomatoes right in the middle of the board. They should sit proud and visible, like the heart of your clock face.
- Create the hands:
- Thread cubes of cheddar and Swiss cheese onto toothpicks, alternating the colors so each hand is visibly different. Position them so both point straight up toward midnight—this is the moment right before everything changes, captured on a platter.
- Add your finishing touches:
- Arrange breadsticks as little spokes or decorative elements radiating out from the center. Tuck parsley or rosemary sprigs into any gaps, creating a garden-like frame around your entire creation. Step back and look—it should feel celebratory.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring this to the table about fifteen minutes before midnight so everyone can gather around it. Encourage your guests to start snacking, knowing that as the clock ticks down, they'll be literally eating away at the numbers until you reach twelve.
Save As the final minute counted down and everyone held their glasses up, something unexpected happened—nobody was rushing to eat anymore. They were all just standing there, watching this ridiculous, wonderful cheese and cracker clock, and suddenly midnight felt even more significant. It wasn't about the food. It was about the fact that we'd all paused together.
Why This Works as a Centerpiece
Unlike a traditional appetizer platter that sits quietly off to the side, this clock naturally becomes the focal point of your table. It gives people something to talk about, something to look at, and something to interact with that feels playful rather than formal. I've noticed it changes the whole energy of a room—it says you're not taking yourself too seriously, but you did care enough to make something special.
Adapting It to Your Crowd
The beauty of this platter is how flexible it truly is. Use whatever cheeses you love—manchego, gouda, mozzarella—and the clock still works. Swap the olives for roasted nuts, or use cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls as your numbers instead. I've made versions with hummus dollops and everything tasted just as good, and the concept remains instantly recognizable.
Timing and Transport Tips
Assemble this no more than thirty minutes before serving—the crackers will soften if they sit too long with the olives on top, and cheese cubes are best at room temperature. If you're traveling to a party, transport it on the board fully assembled, wrapped gently in plastic wrap, and it travels beautifully. The toothpick hands are sturdy enough to survive the trip, and honestly, there's something kind of thrilling about carefully carrying an edible clock through your front door.
- Keep the board cool in the kitchen until the last possible moment, then bring it out when people are ready to gather
- If your party will last hours, refresh the cheese and crackers midway through the evening—serve the second set as the evening winds down toward midnight
- Take a photo before anyone starts eating; you'll want to remember how beautiful this looked at the beginning
Save This clock is really just an excuse to gather people you care about and mark a moment together. As the year changes and midnight arrives, you'll find yourself grateful for this silly, beautiful thing that brought everyone to the same spot at the same time.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I create the clock face?
Arrange round crackers evenly in a circle to mark numbers, then place alternating black and green olives on top for visual effect.
- → What cheeses work best for the clock hands?
Use firm, cubed cheddar and Swiss cheeses that hold well on toothpicks and contrast in color for visibility.
- → Can I customize the platter for dietary needs?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can substitute regular ones, and various cheese types can replace the originals to suit preferences.
- → What garnish options enhance the presentation?
Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs add greenery, while breadsticks provide extra texture and decoration around the platter.
- → How should the platter be served?
Serve immediately after assembling, encouraging guests to snack as the New Years countdown nears.