Save I discovered black wax cheddar quite by accident at a specialty market, and something about its obsidian exterior made me want to build something dramatic around it. The cheese felt too striking to slice into a board of ordinary arrangements, so I started imagining it as a centerpiece—a peak rising from a landscape of dark textures. When I finally assembled it for a dinner party, the moment guests walked in and saw that black tower surrounded by charcoal almonds and moody rye, I knew I'd stumbled onto something that bridged the gap between showstopper and genuinely delicious.
My partner walked into the kitchen mid-assembly and said, 'That looks like something from a moody film noir.' It made me laugh because that's exactly what it was becoming—bold, a little theatrical, but entirely edible. By the time the board hit the table that evening, I realized I'd created something that felt both indulgent and oddly functional, like art you're actually supposed to eat.
Ingredients
- Black wax-coated aged cheddar (400 g): The anchor of this platter—look for a block or wedge with a deep, glossy black coating that signals serious aging and flavor complexity.
- Dark rye crackers (150 g): Their earthy, slightly bitter edge complements the sharpness of the cheddar without competing; they ground the visual drama.
- Whole almonds (100 g): Choose raw or lightly roasted so the charcoal coating clings and the nuts stay crisp when dusted.
- Food-grade activated charcoal powder (1 tbsp): The visual secret—it transforms ordinary almonds into something that looks intentional and moody.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp, optional): A whisper of brightness that brings out the almond's natural sweetness against all that darkness.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish): Their green needles break up the monochrome and their piney aroma adds an invisible layer of sophistication.
- Edible black flowers (optional): Violas or pansies deepen the dramatic mood if you're feeling particularly theatrical.
Instructions
- Bring the cheese to its best self:
- Pull the black wax-coated cheddar from the refrigerator and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. This isn't just a step—it's when the cheese's sharp, complex flavors actually wake up and become approachable.
- Coat the almonds in mystery:
- Toss whole almonds in a small bowl with the activated charcoal powder, moving them around until each one is evenly dusted. If you're using it, sprinkle in flaky sea salt for a gentle contrast.
- Create the peak:
- Place the whole cheese block or wedge upright in the center of your largest, flattest serving platter. Position it so it looks intentional—like a mountain you've placed there on purpose.
- Build the foundation:
- Arrange dark rye crackers in a circular pattern around the base of the cheese, creating concentric rings that guide the eye inward toward your centerpiece.
- Fill the landscape:
- Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds around and between the crackers, filling gaps and deepening the visual contrast. Step back and look—this is where it starts to feel like something.
- Add the final gestures:
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter, and if you're using edible flowers, scatter them like they were meant to land exactly where they did. Everything should feel placed, not random.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring the platter to the table immediately so the cheese is still slightly warm and the almonds are at their crispest. Let guests slice directly from the peak.
Save What struck me most wasn't the compliments about how it looked—it was watching someone cut into that black wax and taste the aged complexity, then look for another cracker. The platter had done its job: it was beautiful enough to stop conversation, but delicious enough to actually matter once people started eating.
Why Contrast and Color Matter in Entertaining
A monochromatic food board—all beiges, all whites—disappears against most tablescapes. But introduce genuine darkness alongside sharp flavor, and suddenly the platter becomes a focal point, a conversation starter before anyone takes a bite. The black wax cheddar, rye, charcoal almonds, and optional flowers aren't just pretty together; they're visually honest about what's inside them. Dark things taste assertive and complex, and in this case, they actually deliver on that promise. Every element on this platter has been chosen to reinforce the same sensory idea.
Pairing Wine and Building a Spread Around One Star Ingredient
The temptation with a showstopping cheese like black wax cheddar is to dress it up with everything else—to add charcuterie, pickles, sweet elements, spreads. But I learned that sometimes the best board is the one that commits to an idea. Here, we're leaning into dark, bold, earthy flavors; everything supports that. A robust red wine like Syrah or Malbec pairs naturally because you're building a complete flavor story, not just throwing elements together and hoping they harmonize. If you want to add variation without breaking the mood, consider black grapes, dried dark cherries, or even candied walnuts alongside the charcoal almonds.
Practical Details That Make the Difference
The difference between a platter that impresses for ten minutes and one that's actually enjoyed comes down to small choices. Room-temperature cheese slices cleanly and tastes sharper; cold cheese resists the knife. Dark rye crackers add authenticity and earthiness that plain water crackers never could. Activated charcoal, when used sparingly and on good almonds, looks intentional rather than gimmicky. Even the optional rosemary and edible flowers aren't decoration—they're flavor whispers and visual punctuation marks that say someone cared about this.
- If black wax cheddar isn't available, any sharp aged cheese with a dark exterior coating will create the same effect and mood.
- Use food-grade activated charcoal only, and apply it moments before serving so it stays vivid and doesn't dull from moisture.
- Arrange the platter no more than an hour before guests arrive; the cheese is best served while still slightly warm, and crackers maintain their crispness.
Save This platter has become my go-to when I want to feel like I've done something memorable without fussing for hours. It's one of those rare dishes that gains power from simplicity rather than complexity.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do you enhance the flavor of the black wax cheddar?
Allow the black wax-coated cheddar to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This brings out the cheese’s full flavor and aroma.
- → What is the purpose of charcoal powder on the almonds?
Charcoal powder gives the almonds a dark, dramatic appearance and adds a subtle earthy note that complements the boldness of the cheddar and rye crackers.
- → Can other cheeses be used instead of black wax cheddar?
Yes, any sharp aged cheese coated in black wax can substitute the cheddar to create a similar visual and flavor profile.
- → What garnishes complement the cheese and crackers?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers such as viola or pansy add a fragrant and elegant touch to the platter’s presentation.
- → What drinks pair well with the Obsidian Peak platter?
Robust red wines like Syrah or Malbec enhance the bold flavors of the cheddar and accompanying elements.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with this platter?
Yes, it contains milk, gluten from crackers, and tree nuts from almonds. Check ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination.