The Tartan Plaid Appetizer (Printable Page)

Layered jerky and cheese strips create a flavorful, visually engaging tartan plaid perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jerky

01 - 2 oz beef jerky, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 oz turkey jerky, cut into thin strips
03 - 2 oz pork jerky, cut into thin strips

→ Cheese

04 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin strips
05 - 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
06 - 2 oz smoked gouda, sliced into thin strips

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Arrange a clean cutting board or serving platter as your workspace.
02 - Lay out half of the jerky strips vertically, alternating colors to create a plaid base.
03 - Starting at one edge, weave cheese strips horizontally over and under the jerky, alternating cheese types to form a woven pattern.
04 - Interlace the remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating directions and colors to replicate a tartan plaid design.
05 - Gently press the woven layers to help the arrangement hold its shape.
06 - Trim the edges if desired to create a neat and uniform presentation.
07 - Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or chives to add color and freshness, if using.
08 - Serve immediately on a charcuterie board or slice into squares for individual portions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it but takes barely twenty minutes, which feels like a delicious secret between us.
  • The contrast of chewy jerky and smooth melting cheese hits differently when they're woven together than when they're sitting separately.
02 -
  • Cut your strips as consistently thin as possible—thick chunks won't weave properly and the pattern falls apart faster than you'd like.
  • Work on a cool surface and keep your hands dry; any moisture makes the cheese strips slip around and ruins the careful placement.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cheese strips are easier to handle and weave than cold ones fresh from the fridge—pull them out five minutes before you start building.
  • Arrange your ingredients in the order you'll use them before you start weaving; it sounds obvious but it genuinely saves you from fumbling around mid-project.
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