Checkerboard Garden Cheese Herbs (Printable View)

Creamy cheeses paired with fresh herb mixtures create a colorful appetizer centerpiece for any occasion.

# 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 tablespoons chopped chives
07 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 small garlic clove
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine basil, parsley, chives, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant, adjusting seasoning as needed.
02 - Line a square or rectangular serving tray with parchment paper for easy removal.
03 - Cut mozzarella and feta into even squares of similar size, using a ruler or square cutter for precision if preferred.
04 - Spread ricotta cheese into even squares of matching size using an offset spatula or pipe for crisp edges.
05 - Arrange cheese squares and herb mixture in an alternating checkerboard pattern on the tray, maintaining clean, distinct borders. Use a piping bag or spatula to neatly fill herb squares.
06 - Garnish with microgreens, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
07 - Present with crackers, toasted bread, or crudités as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent three times longer than you actually did, which is always a win.
  • No cooking required means you can make it while chatting with guests or stealing quiet moments before they arrive.
  • The combination of creamy cheeses and punchy herb flavors keeps people reaching for more.
02 -
  • The herb paste will oxidize and lose its brightness if you make it too far in advance, so prepare it no more than an hour before assembling.
  • Keep everything cold until the very last moment—cold cheese is easier to work with and the whole thing holds together better on the platter.
03 -
  • Let your cheeses sit out for just five minutes before slicing so they cut cleanly without crumbling or tearing.
  • A piping bag with a large square tip makes spreading the ricotta and herb mixture feel almost professional, and it's honestly worth keeping one around just for this.
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