Garden Gate Lattice Cheese Platter (Printable)

A visually striking lattice of cheeses and crackers, ideal for sophisticated appetizers or casual gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
03 - 3.5 oz Gouda cheese, thinly sliced

→ Crackers

04 - 5.3 oz rectangular whole-grain crackers, cut into strips about 0.4 inches wide
05 - 3.5 oz sesame crackers, cut into strips

→ Garnishes (optional)

06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds
08 - 1 tbsp honey, for drizzling

# How-To:

01 - Place a clean rectangular serving board or platter on a stable surface.
02 - Lay cheese slices and cracker strips in alternating horizontal rows across the board, leaving slight gaps between pieces.
03 - Weave vertical rows of cheese slices and cracker strips over and under the horizontal rows, alternating types for contrast.
04 - Neatly trim any excess ends of cheese or crackers for a clean finish.
05 - Sprinkle finely chopped chives and poppy seeds over the lattice, then drizzle with honey if desired.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to break off sections from the lattice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning but takes only twenty minutes, making you appear far more sophisticated than you actually are in the kitchen
  • Zero cooking required means you can prepare it while sipping wine and chatting with guests who arrive early
  • The combination of cheese varieties and textures creates an adventure for the palate that guests genuinely remember
02 -
  • Use a mandoline or very sharp knife—uneven slices are the difference between elegant and amateur. I learned this the hard way after twenty minutes of hand-slicing created wonky, tearing pieces
  • Slice your cheese just before assembly, not hours ahead. Room temperature cheese holds its shape better during the weaving process and tastes infinitely better than cold cheese straight from the refrigerator
  • The weaving doesn't need to be museum-perfect. Some of the beauty comes from the organic, slightly imperfect nature of handmade food. Perfect symmetry actually looks less inviting than something crafted with visible care
03 -
  • If your cheese starts to tear while slicing, briefly freeze it for ten minutes to firm it up. This single trick has saved countless dinner parties from looking rushed
  • Add thinly sliced vegetables like cucumber or radish between layers of the lattice for extra color, crunch, and a light, refreshing element that balances the richness of the cheese
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