New Years Clock Countdown Platter (Print View)

A festive clock platter with cheese cubes, olives, and crackers arranged to mark the countdown.

# Components:

→ Crackers and Breadsticks

01 - 24 round crackers
02 - 8 breadsticks (optional)

→ Cheeses

03 - 7 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
04 - 7 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into small cubes

→ Olives and Garnishes

05 - 24 pitted black olives
06 - 24 pitted green olives
07 - 2 cherry tomatoes
08 - Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs (optional)

→ Extras (optional)

09 - 1 small round wooden or ceramic serving board (approximately 12 inches diameter)

# Directions:

01 - Place the 24 round crackers evenly in a circle along the edge of the serving board to represent clock numbers, positioning 12 at the top and 6 at the bottom.
02 - Alternately place one black olive and one green olive atop each cracker to mimic the clock numbers.
03 - Set the two cherry tomatoes in the center of the board to create the clock’s central point.
04 - Skewer cheddar and Swiss cheese cubes with toothpicks and arrange them as clock hands pointing to midnight, with one hand straight up and the other overlapping at 12 if preferred.
05 - Decorate the platter with optional breadsticks and fill any gaps with parsley or rosemary sprigs to enhance presentation.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to snack as the countdown to midnight begins.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's almost edible art—your guests will actually stop scrolling and look up when you bring this out
  • Takes barely 20 minutes to make but looks like you spent hours planning it
  • Everyone eats while you countdown, so there's never an awkward moment waiting for midnight
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily customizable for any dietary preferences
02 -
  • Prepare this no more than 2 hours before serving, or the crackers will start absorbing moisture and getting soft. I learned this when I made it hours early thinking I was ahead of the game.
  • If you're not using a round board, any platter works—but round really does make the clock feel more intentional and complete.
  • Make sure your toothpicks are long enough that they sit stably on the cherry tomatoes. Short toothpicks will wobble, and wobbly hands undermine the whole concept.
03 -
  • If your cherry tomatoes are rolling around, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface that anchors them to the board
  • Keep your toothpicks in a glass of water while you're assembling—it prevents the cheese cubes from sticking as badly and makes the whole process smoother
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