Save The first time I made this, I was hosting a dinner party and panicking about appetizers when I spotted a wheel of Brie in my fridge. I'd seen a blue cheese platter somewhere and thought, what if I made it whimsical? I grabbed some Greek yogurt, found blue food coloring in a kitchen drawer from who-knows-when, and suddenly had this floating island concept. My guests thought it was magical, and honestly, so did I.
The most memorable moment was watching my sister literally gasp when she walked into the kitchen. She grabbed her phone immediately to photograph it, then ate three grapes without breaking eye contact. That's when I knew this wasn't just food anymore, it was conversation starter.
Ingredients
- Soft-ripened cheese wheel (Brie or Camembert, about 500g): This is your island, so pick one that looks beautiful and has that creamy texture you can almost taste by looking at it.
- Plain Greek yogurt (400g): The tanginess balances the rich cheese perfectly, and Greek yogurt holds its shape better than regular when you're creating your lake.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A small squeeze that brightens everything and keeps the yogurt from tasting heavy.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Just enough to give the dip personality without overpowering the cheese.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Don't skip this, it's what makes people say the dip tastes like something instead of nothing.
- Blue food coloring (gel or natural): Start with less than you think you need, the color intensifies as you stir and builds this dreamy, lake-like effect.
- Seedless black or red grapes (250g): These create the dramatic border, and the color contrast is what makes this whole thing pop visually.
- Fresh herbs (optional): A small handful of basil or microgreens scattered on top adds life and lets people feel fancy for eating a platter.
Instructions
- Set your island:
- Place the cheese wheel in the center of your serving platter, leaving plenty of space around it for the yogurt sea. The cheese should feel stable and centered, like it's been there the whole time.
- Build the lake:
- Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until completely smooth. You want it to feel luxurious and taste balanced, so take a second to taste it before moving on.
- Paint the water:
- Add blue food coloring drop by drop, stirring between each addition. Stop when you have that deep, mysterious blue-water feeling you're going for, not a bright artificial look.
- Create the scene:
- Gently spoon the blue yogurt around the cheese wheel, filling in the space like you're filling a moat. Work slowly so the yogurt stays relatively contained and doesn't splash onto the cheese.
- Add the shoreline:
- Arrange grapes around the edge where the yogurt meets the platter, creating a natural border that frames everything. Use a mix of colors if you have them for maximum drama.
- Finish with flourish:
- Scatter fresh herbs or edible flowers across the top of the cheese if you're feeling it. This takes two seconds and makes the whole thing feel intentional.
- Serve with confidence:
- Bring it to the table immediately with crackers or bread on the side, and watch people's faces.
Save There was this moment during a winter party when someone asked if they could bring their kids into the kitchen to see it up close. Watching their faces light up, hearing them whisper about a floating island, reminded me that food is about more than just taste sometimes. It's about creating tiny moments of wonder on an ordinary Tuesday.
Choosing Your Cheese
The cheese you pick sets the whole mood. Brie is classic and buttery, Camembert is earthier with more personality, and honestly both work. I've also tried it with a triple-cream and people lost their minds. The key is picking something that makes you excited just looking at it, because that excitement reads on the platter.
The Color Question
Natural blue food coloring exists now if that matters to you, and it works just as well as the artificial stuff. I've used both and no one's ever guessed which one I used. If you're nervous about any coloring, you could skip it entirely and call it a white lake instead, which is honestly just as beautiful.
Make It Your Own
This is a template that wants to be played with. I've added everything from swirled pesto to a tiny drizzle of hot honey on the cheese. The yogurt base can shift too, depending on what you're pairing it with or what's in your fridge.
- Swirl pesto or hot honey onto the yogurt lake for a flavor twist that takes thirty seconds.
- Mix in fresh dill or chives to the dip if you want something more herbaceous and less garlicky.
- Try edible flowers instead of grapes if you want to go full artistic vision and have them around.
Save This dish sits at that perfect intersection of easy and impressive, which is honestly the dream for any entertaining situation. Make it once, and it becomes your secret weapon.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for the floating island?
Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert are ideal due to their creamy texture and round shape, which create a smooth centerpiece.
- → How do you achieve the blue color in the yogurt dip?
Adding small amounts of blue food coloring, natural or gel, to plain Greek yogurt creates the deep, lake-like blue needed for the effect.
- → Can I prepare the cheese island in advance?
It is best assembled just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation, especially the vibrant color of the yogurt dip and grapes.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for a vegan version?
Yes, using plant-based cheese wheels and vegan yogurt allows for a dairy-free variation without sacrificing the overall look and taste.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh herbs or edible flowers on the cheese wheel enhance presentation, while a swirl of pesto or olive oil in the yogurt can add extra flavor.
- → How should the dish be served?
Serve with crackers or crusty bread to balance textures and allow guests to enjoy the creamy cheese alongside the tangy yogurt dip and grapes.