Tartan Plaid Appetizer (Printable View)

Savory layers of jerky and cheese create a colorful tartan-inspired appetizer, ideal for gatherings and snacking.

# What You 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange a clean cutting board or serving platter as your workspace.
02 - Place half of the jerky strips vertically, alternating colors to create a plaid foundation.
03 - Weave strips of cheese horizontally over and under the vertical jerky, alternating cheese types to build a woven pattern.
04 - Continue weaving the remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating directions and colors for a tartan plaid effect.
05 - Gently press the woven arrangement to secure its shape and trim edges for a clean presentation if desired.
06 - Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or chives for added freshness and visual appeal, if using.
07 - Serve immediately on a charcuterie board or cut into squares for individual portions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes just 20 minutes, impressing guests without stress.
  • No cooking required means you can prep it while chatting with friends or family.
  • The interplay of chewy jerky and creamy cheese creates a flavor combination that feels sophisticated yet playful.
02 -
  • The thickness of your cuts matters more than perfection—aim for strips about the same width so the weave stays balanced and nothing buckles under its own weight.
  • If your arrangement feels too wobbly after weaving, chill it for 15 minutes before serving; the cheese will firm up just enough to hold everything in place.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and let it do the work—dull blades tear jerky and cheese, turning neat strips into frayed edges that won't weave cleanly.
  • If you want a vegetarian version without sacrificing the concept, smoked tofu cut into strips works beautifully and honestly holds the weave even better than traditional jerky.
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