Checkerboard Garden Cheese Herbs (Printable Page)

Vibrant squares of creamy cheeses and fresh herb blends create a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

# What You'll 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 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a food processor, blend basil, parsley, chives, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and vibrant. Adjust seasoning as needed.
02 - Line a square or rectangular tray with parchment paper for easy removal.
03 - Cut mozzarella and feta into even square pieces, using a ruler or cutter for precision.
04 - Spread or pipe ricotta into equal-sized squares matching the other cheese pieces.
05 - Arrange cheese squares and herb paste alternately in a checkerboard pattern on the tray, using a piping bag or spatula for neat herb squares.
06 - Top with microgreens, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of black pepper as desired.
07 - Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance presentation. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks magazine-worthy but takes less than 30 minutes, making you look like a culinary genius without the stress.
  • The contrast of creamy, tangy, and fresh all at once creates this perfect bite that guests always come back for.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for almost any gathering without complicated substitutions.
02 -
  • Room-temperature cheese spreads and pipes beautifully, but if your kitchen is warm, the whole thing gets sloppy—chill your cheeses and tools beforehand.
  • The herb paste thickens slightly as it sits, so if it looks thin when you first blend it, give it five minutes before you decide to add more oil.
  • Your eye is less precise than you think—make a quick mental grid or lightly score lines with a knife before you commit to placement.
03 -
  • Chill your serving board or tray before you start arranging so the cheese holds its shape longer and looks fresher under the lights.
  • Use a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip for the herb paste—it's faster and gives you better control than trying to spread it by hand.
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