Garden Gate Lattice Appetizer (Print)

A visually stunning lattice of thin cheese slices and crispy cracker strips with fresh garnishes.

# Ingredients:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Place a clean rectangular serving board or platter on your work area.
02 - Lay cheese slices and cracker strips in alternating horizontal rows, leaving slight gaps between pieces.
03 - Weave vertical rows of cheese and cracker strips over and under the horizontal rows to form a lattice, alternating types for visual contrast.
04 - Neatly trim any excess from the edges for a polished presentation.
05 - Sprinkle finely chopped chives and poppy seeds evenly over the lattice; drizzle honey if desired.
06 - Present the lattice platter promptly, inviting guests to break off portions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on the table, and people always assume you spent way more time than you actually did
  • No cooking required means you can make it right before guests arrive without any stress
  • The mix of textures and flavors keeps everyone coming back for just one more piece
02 -
  • The thickness of your slices matters more than anything else—too thick and your weaving becomes a wrestling match, too thin and they tear. I aim for about the thickness of a coin, and a mandoline is honestly worth its weight in gold here.
  • Temperature makes a difference too. Cold cheese is easier to work with and holds together better. I keep mine in the fridge until the last moment before weaving.
03 -
  • If you're nervous about the weaving, practice once or twice with the ingredients laid out but not woven together. It's easier than it looks, and most people can't tell if the pattern is perfectly precise anyway—they just see that it's gorgeous.
  • The honey drizzle at the end is what makes people gasp. It adds this unexpected touch of sweetness and catches the light in such a beautiful way. Never skip it.
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