The Polished Pebble Appetizer (Printable Version)

Oval cheeses and roasted almonds arranged artfully to create a playful, elegant appetizer presentation.

# What You Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls
02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions or soft cheese shaped into ovals
03 - 5 oz babybel cheese, peeled and halved for shape variety

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz whole raw almonds

→ Garnishes

05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt
07 - Small handful fresh basil leaves
08 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional for decoration)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and aromatic. Remove and allow to cool.
02 - Drain mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to achieve a polished appearance.
03 - On a large serving platter or wooden board, arrange cheeses and roasted almonds in an organic, meandering pattern resembling a stream-bed of polished pebbles, alternating types for visual interest.
04 - Drizzle evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
05 - Decorate with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers to create a natural, garden-inspired presentation.
06 - Serve immediately accompanied by cocktail picks or small forks.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • It looks effortlessly elegant but takes only minutes, so you feel like a design genius without the stress.
  • Every bite combines creamy cheese, toasted nuttiness, and salt in a way that makes people linger longer at the platter.
02 -
  • Wet cheese won't hold oil or salt properly—that drying step is what separates a sad platter from a luminous one.
  • Room temperature cheeses taste richer and softer; if yours came from the fridge, let them sit for ten minutes before arranging.
03 -
  • Use a slate board or dark wooden platter to make the cheeses and almonds glow by contrast.
  • Arrange everything on the board no more than thirty minutes before serving so nothing gets sweaty or loses its shape.
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