Save to Pinterest The first time I saw a cheese wheel staged like an island, it was at a friend's gallery opening, and I couldn't stop staring. Not at the art, but at this golden Brie sitting in the middle of a platter surrounded by what looked like an impossibly blue ocean. Someone mentioned it was just yogurt and food coloring, and I became obsessed with recreating that same sense of wonder in my own kitchen.
I brought this to a dinner party where someone's picky teenage cousin was visiting, and even they got curious enough to ask what it was. Watching people's faces when they realized the "ocean" was just tangy yogurt with a secret hint of garlic—that's when I knew this wasn't just a platter, it was a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- 1 large wheel of soft-ripened cheese (Brie or Camembert, about 500 g): This is your island, so choose one with character—look for cheese that's ripe but still holds its shape, because it needs to anchor the whole presentation.
- 400 g plain Greek yogurt: The thicker Greek yogurt holds its color better than regular, and the tang cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: This brightens the yogurt dip and keeps it from tasting one-note; squeeze it fresh if you can.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: It dissolves seamlessly and adds a savory whisper without overwhelming the delicate cheese.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to make people wonder what they're tasting.
- Blue food coloring (gel or natural): Gel coloring is more forgiving—use natural spirulina if you prefer, though it leans more green and takes more stirring.
- 250 g seedless black or red grapes: These become your shore, and they provide those little pops of sweetness and tartness that balance everything.
- Fresh herbs (optional, for decoration): A sprinkle of chives or microgreens on the cheese makes it feel intentional.
Instructions
- Set your island:
- Place the cheese wheel dead center on your platter—this is the focal point, so take a moment to make sure it's not sliding. If it feels wobbly, cut a thin slice from the bottom to level it.
- Build your ocean base:
- Combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl and stir until completely smooth. Taste it now and adjust the salt if needed, because once the color goes in, it's harder to tell.
- Add the magic color:
- Start with just a drop or two of blue food coloring and stir, then keep adding until it looks like you're imagining—this is where patience matters, because it's easier to add color than to dilute it back. Stop when it looks almost too blue, because the color softens slightly once it's on the platter.
- Create the lake:
- Carefully spoon the blue yogurt around the cheese wheel, letting it pool naturally. If you're nervous, pour it slowly and let gravity do most of the work.
- Frame with grapes:
- Arrange the grapes around the edge of the yogurt, nestling them slightly into it so they don't roll away. A mix of black and deep red looks more dramatic than a single color.
- Finish with flourish:
- If you're using fresh herbs, scatter them on the cheese now—a little green against the golden cheese makes the whole thing look more intentional and less accidental.
- Bring it to the table:
- Set it down gently and watch people notice it before anything else at the gathering.
Save to Pinterest There was a moment at that gallery opening when someone took their first bite, the soft cheese paired with the garlicky yogurt and a grape, and their whole face changed. That's when I realized this dish isn't really about the presentation—though the presentation is half the fun—it's about the taste matching the promise.
The Color Question
Gel food coloring will give you that saturated, jewel-toned blue that photographs like a dream, but if you're hesitant about artificial colors, spirulina powder creates a more subdued, slate-blue that feels less theatrical. Either way, the taste doesn't change—it's purely about the mood you want to set. Stir slowly and taste as you go, because the flavor can shift depending on how much coloring you use.
Cheese Choices and Swaps
I've done this with Brie, Camembert, and once with a whole wheel of burrata, which was almost too soft—the oil pooled everywhere. Stick with a cheese that has some structural integrity, something that won't collapse when it gets warm. If you want to go adventurous, a herb-covered goat cheese wheel creates a completely different vibe, and the herbs echo nicely in the surrounding dip.
Serving and Pairing
This works best when you set it down and let people help themselves with crackers, bread, or even apple slices—the sweetness of the fruit balances the tangy, garlicky yogurt. I've noticed it pairs beautifully with something crisp to drink, and it's one of those rare appetizers that somehow manages to be both impressive and completely stress-free.
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or even thinly sliced apples for a slightly sweet counterpoint.
- Make the yogurt dip while guests are arriving so you're not stressed at the last minute.
- This platter can actually go into the fridge for a few hours before serving if you need to prep ahead—just cover it loosely with plastic wrap.
Save to Pinterest This is one of those recipes that reminds me why I love cooking: something so simple can become unforgettable just by shifting perspective. The cheese wheel becomes an island, the dip becomes an ocean, and suddenly everyone's smiling before they've even tasted it.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for the floating island?
Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert hold shape well while offering a creamy texture that complements the yogurt dip.
- → How is the blue color achieved in the yogurt dip?
A small amount of blue food coloring, either gel or natural, is gently mixed into the yogurt to create the deep blue lake effect.
- → Can this dish be adapted for vegan diets?
Yes, by substituting the cheese wheel with a vegan alternative and using plant-based yogurt, the dish can suit vegan preferences.
- → What is the purpose of the grapes around the yogurt?
The grapes form a decorative border around the blue yogurt, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a sweet, juicy contrast.
- → Are there suggested garnishes to elevate the presentation?
Fresh herbs or edible flowers placed atop the cheese wheel add color and elegance, completing the centerpiece’s aesthetic.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve immediately on a large platter with crackers or bread on the side for easy sharing and enjoyment.