Checkerboard Garden Appetizer (Printable)

An elegant arrangement of creamy cheeses and fresh herb blends in a striking checkerboard pattern.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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. Blend until a smooth, vibrant green paste forms. Adjust seasoning as needed.
02 - Line a square or rectangular serving tray with parchment paper for ease of removal.
03 - Cut mozzarella and feta into even squares using a ruler or cookie cutter for precision.
04 - Spread ricotta cheese into even squares of the same size using a small offset spatula or pipe for clean edges.
05 - Arrange the cheese and herb squares alternately in a checkerboard pattern on the tray, ensuring clean edges. Use a piping bag or spatula to neatly spread herb paste in designated squares.
06 - Top with microgreens, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of black pepper as desired. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to enhance presentation.
07 - Present with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh crudités.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • No cooking required, just 25 minutes of satisfying assembly that feels like edible art.
  • It looks fancy enough to impress a dinner party but simple enough that you won't stress the day before.
  • The contrast of creamy textures and bright herb flavor makes every bite interesting.
02 -
  • The ricotta needs to be thick enough to hold its shape—if it's too wet, it'll collapse into the other squares and ruin your pattern. A quick drain through cheesecloth makes all the difference.
  • Don't make this too far ahead. The herb mixture starts to oxidize and lose that brilliant green color after a few hours, so assemble it within 2–3 hours of serving.
03 -
  • Drain your ricotta for 10 minutes before using it, and use an offset spatula or piping bag for clean, defined squares that actually hold the pattern together.
  • Make the herb mixture no more than a few hours before serving to preserve that brilliant green color and fresh herb flavor.
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