Polished Pebble Oval Cheeses (Print Version)

Smooth oval cheeses with roasted almonds create an artful, playful appetizer arrangement.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls
02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions (or soft cheese cut into ovals)
03 - 5.3 oz babybel cheese, peeled and halved

→ 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)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
02 - Drain mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions. Pat dry 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. Alternate cheese types and almonds for visual contrast.
04 - Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the arrangement.
05 - Decorate with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers to evoke a natural, garden-inspired presentation.
06 - Present immediately with cocktail picks or small forks for easy serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Looks stunning with almost no effort—your guests will assume you spent hours fussing.
  • Comes together in 15 minutes, leaving you actually present instead of stressed in the kitchen.
  • Works for casual wine nights or formal dinners without apology.
02 -
  • Don't arrange this more than 30 minutes before serving—the cheeses start to look tired and the basil wilts, and you lose the magic.
  • The almonds must be completely cool before touching the cheese or they'll leave grease marks on everything.
03 -
  • Chill your platter for 10 minutes before arranging if your kitchen is warm—everything will hold its composure longer.
  • A squeeze of lemon zest over the arrangement just before serving adds brightness that no one expects and everyone notices.
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