Pin it My nephew came running into the kitchen asking if we could make something that looked like a spaceship, and I realized I had exactly what we needed scattered across the cutting board. Those pointy wedges of sharp cheddar and some glossy strawberries suddenly became a launching pad for his imagination, and mine too. What started as a quick idea to buy him five extra minutes of wonder turned into this ridiculously fun platter that's been requested at every gathering since. Sometimes the best recipes are born from a kid's offhand comment and whatever cheese you happen to have on hand.
I made this for a potluck once where everyone brought casseroles and sad green salads, and watching grown adults crowd around this cheesy rocket like it was the most exciting thing in the room was genuinely hilarious. One person asked if I'd bought it from a caterer, which somehow felt like the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 200g cut into pointed wedges: This is your rocket body, and the sharp flavor cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly; look for a block you can actually cut into wedges rather than pre-sliced.
- Fresh strawberries, 200g hulled and sliced lengthwise: These become your dramatic flames at the base; slicing them lengthwise (not rounds) gives you those long, theatrical streaks of red.
- Cream cheese, 100g optional: A tiny dab between wedges acts like edible glue, though honestly the overlapping alone usually holds.
- Black olives, sliced optional: For windows or little rocket details; use them sparingly so they read as intentional rather than random.
- Carrot sticks, 2-3 thin optional: These lean against the sides like fins and add a pop of orange that balances the reds and yellows.
- Fresh mint leaves, 1 tablespoon optional: A few leaves tucked around the base feel decorative without being fussy.
Instructions
- Shape your cheese body:
- Start at the center of your platter and arrange the cheddar wedges in a sleek, pointed formation, overlapping them slightly so they lock together like a little fortress. Think less geometric perfection and more playful drama.
- Anchor it if needed:
- If your wedges feel wobbly, dab a tiny bit of cream cheese between them like concrete; usually this isn't necessary, but it's good insurance.
- Create the flame effect:
- Fan those strawberry slices out at the base, layering them so they look like they're shooting out and up. This is where the energy of the whole thing happens.
- Add character with details:
- Press a few olive slices onto the cheese wedges to look like windows or portholes. They should feel like thoughtful accents, not clutter.
- Finish with flourishes:
- Lean carrot sticks against the sides for fins, and tuck mint leaves around the base or top. Step back and admire your edible engineering.
- Serve fresh or hold cool:
- Bring it straight to the table for maximum impact, or cover it loosely and refrigerate for up to a couple hours if you need breathing room.
Pin it There's something magical about watching people's faces light up when they realize this casual arrangement of snacks is actually meant to be a rocket. It's the kind of thing that turns a regular Tuesday into a moment someone remembers.
Playing with Variations
Swap out your strawberries for thin mango slices or blood oranges if you want a different color story altogether. I've also used thinly shaved Gouda for a warmer golden tone instead of cheddar, and the whole thing shifts from bold to elegant without changing the structure. Different cheeses absolutely change the vibe, so have fun testing what speaks to you.
Building It Ahead of Time
The best part about this is that you can assemble it an hour or two before your crowd arrives. Keep it covered loosely on the counter or in a cool spot, and the cheese stays at the right temperature while the strawberries stay fresh and glossy. The only thing that might get slightly softer is the mint, so if you're doing this way ahead, add those garnishes closer to serving time.
Making It a Heartier Snack
On its own, this is a beautiful appetizer, but if you want it to feel more substantial, station some good crackers and breadsticks alongside it so people can build little cheese-and-fruit bites. The saltiness of a crisp cracker against the sharp cheddar and sweet strawberry is genuinely perfect. It transforms from a showstopper into something actually filling.
- Arrange crackers in neat little piles around the platter like a supporting cast.
- Use sturdy breadsticks that won't snap under the weight of cheese and fruit.
- Set out a small knife so people know they can help themselves to wedge-sized bites.
Pin it This is proof that the best recipes don't require cooking, just a little imagination and whatever good ingredients you have nearby. It's the kind of thing that makes a gathering feel special without stressing you out.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best for the rocket body?
Sharp cheddar provides a striking color and firm texture, but alternatives like Gouda or Swiss can add color variation while maintaining shape.
- → Can I substitute strawberries for another fruit?
Yes, mango or orange slices can create a different flame effect while keeping a vibrant appearance.
- → How can I keep the cheese wedges stable on the platter?
Small dabs of cream cheese between wedges help hold the shape and prevent pieces from shifting.
- → Are there decorative elements besides strawberries and cheese?
Black olive slices can mimic rocket windows, while carrot sticks and mint leaves add color and fin details.
- → Is this snack suitable for guests with dietary restrictions?
It's vegetarian and gluten-free, but contains milk products, so check for specific allergies beforehand.