Checkerboard Garden Appetizer (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy cheeses paired with fresh herb blends create a vibrant, visually appealing dish ideal for gatherings.

# 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

# Directions:

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 required.
02 - Line a square or rectangular serving tray with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal.
03 - Cut mozzarella and feta into even, square pieces of approximately equal size, using a ruler or cookie cutter for precision if desired.
04 - Spread ricotta cheese evenly into square shapes matching the size of other cheese pieces, using an offset spatula or piping bag for clean edges.
05 - Alternately arrange the cheese squares and herb paste squares on the tray in a checkerboard pattern, using a piping bag or spatula to neatly define herb squares.
06 - Decorate the assembled checkerboard with microgreens, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper as desired. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
07 - Present with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh crudités for an elegant appetizer.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it's really just 25 minutes of actual work.
  • Every square is a different texture and flavor experience, so no two bites feel the same.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, which means feeding everyone without the fuss.
02 -
  • Cold cheese spreads differently than room-temperature cheese, so pull everything out about 20 minutes before you start arranging.
  • Your herb mixture will darken slightly as it sits, which is completely normal and actually makes the green richer.
03 -
  • A piping bag with a large round tip makes ricotta squares look professionally done, but honestly an offset spatula and a steady hand work just as well.
  • The herb mixture can be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container—it actually gets more flavorful as it sits.
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