Checkerboard Garden Appetizer (Printer-Friendly)

Elegant appetizer of creamy cheese squares paired with vibrant herb mixtures in a striking checkerboard design.

# What You Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 5.3 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
02 - 5.3 oz ricotta cheese
03 - 5.3 oz feta cheese, sliced

→ Herb Mixtures

04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
05 - 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
06 - 2 tbsp chopped chives
07 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 small garlic clove
09 - 1 tsp lemon zest
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)
12 - Freshly ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Combine basil, parsley, chives, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth and vibrant. Adjust seasoning as needed.
02 - Line a square or rectangular tray with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the arrangement.
03 - Cut mozzarella and feta into uniform square pieces using a ruler or square cutter for precision if desired.
04 - Spread or pipe ricotta cheese into even squares matching the size of the sliced cheeses, ensuring clean edges.
05 - Alternate cheese squares and herb paste squares on the tray in a checkerboard pattern, using a piping bag or spatula to create clean lines.
06 - Decorate with microgreens, edible flowers, or a light sprinkle of black pepper. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for optimal presentation.
07 - Present with crackers, toasted bread, or crudités as accompaniments.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly elegant but takes only 25 minutes to pull together, which means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The contrast between creamy whites and vivid green is so striking that people will photograph it before eating, and that's the compliment every cook deserves.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—cold cheeses hold their shape better and the colors pop more dramatically, so chill everything before you start if you have time.
  • The herb paste will oxidize and darken slightly over time, so make it as close to serving as possible if you're aiming for that vivid green.
03 -
  • Use a small offset spatula with a thin blade—it gives you control and makes spreading ricotta feel like an actual skill instead of a guess.
  • If your herb paste is too thick, add a touch more olive oil; if it's too loose, add a few more leaves of basil until it holds shape.
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