Patchwork Quilt Appetizer (Printable Version)

Colorful meat and cheese squares artfully arranged with tangy mustard for an eye-catching starter.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked turkey breast, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz ham, sliced

→ Cheeses

04 - 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar, sliced
06 - 3.5 oz provolone, sliced

→ Garnishes & Condiments

07 - 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
08 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Cut all meats and cheeses into uniform 2-inch squares.
02 - Place the squares in a checkerboard pattern on a large serving platter, alternating meats and cheeses to resemble a quilt.
03 - Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag, pipe lines of mustard between the squares, alternating between whole grain and Dijon mustard to simulate stitching.
04 - Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the arrangement if desired.
05 - Present immediately with toothpicks or small forks for easy tasting.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually pulled it together in the time it takes to brew coffee.
  • The visual presentation triggers genuine delight—people eat with their eyes first, and this one wins every time.
  • No cooking required means you can focus entirely on the arrangement, turning prep into something almost meditative.
02 -
  • Invest in a truly sharp knife or this entire exercise becomes frustrating—dull blades tear the meat and cheese, destroying the clean square edges that make the design work.
  • Room-temperature meats and cheeses taste infinitely better than cold ones; take them out of the fridge at least fifteen minutes before assembling.
03 -
  • If you're not serving immediately, cover the arrangement loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out—it'll stay perfect for a few hours.
  • Add roasted vegetables like roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes in small squares for color complexity and a flavor surprise.
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