Gilded Cage Elegant Centerpiece (Printable Version)

Delicate breadsticks form a dome around a luxurious mix of fine cheeses, perfect for entertaining guests.

# What You Need:

→ Breadsticks

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp instant dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp sugar
04 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
05 - 2/3 cup lukewarm water
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
08 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

→ Cheese Selection

09 - 3.5 oz triple-cream Brie, cut into cubes
10 - 3.5 oz aged Comté, cut into cubes
11 - 2.8 oz truffled goat cheese, shaped into small balls
12 - 2.8 oz blue cheese (e.g., Roquefort), crumbled
13 - 1.75 oz Parmigiano Reggiano, shaved

→ Accompaniments (optional)

14 - 1 small bunch seedless red grapes
15 - 2 tbsp honey or fig jam
16 - Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
02 - Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
03 - Preheat oven to 390°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
04 - Divide the dough into 18 to 20 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin stick approximately 1/8 inch thick and 10 inches long.
05 - Place breadsticks on the baking tray. Brush lightly with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely.
07 - On a serving platter, mound the cheeses at the center. Add grapes, honey or jam, and fresh herbs if using.
08 - Carefully assemble the breadsticks into a dome shape over the cheese mound, using the cheeses and breadsticks to support the structure. For added stability, gently press breadsticks into the cheese or use a small bowl as a base mold, removing it once set.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks almost impossibly impressive but comes together with surprising ease—the kind of dish that makes you feel like a chef.
  • The contrast of crispy, salty breadsticks against creamy, complex cheeses creates a moment of pure pleasure on the palate.
  • It's endlessly customizable; swap in your favorite cheeses and suddenly it's a reflection of your own taste.
02 -
  • Breadsticks must cool completely before assembly, otherwise they'll soften and lose their structural integrity.
  • The dome is more stable than you'd think—the cheeses act as natural anchors, so lean breadsticks against them confidently.
  • If serving this several hours ahead, assemble the breadsticks no more than 2 hours before guests arrive to maintain crispness.
03 -
  • Make the breadsticks a few hours ahead and store them in an airtight container—they'll stay crisp and you'll reduce last-minute stress.
  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in an oven with the light on, or near a sunny window for gentle, steady warmth.
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