Tessellation Triangle Appetizer Board (Printer-friendly)

A striking interlocking pattern of triangle-cut cheese, fruits, and veggies on a grazing board.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, sliced into triangles
02 - 3.5 oz Manchego, sliced into triangles
03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, chilled and cut into triangles

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin triangles
05 - 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into triangles
06 - 1 small cooked beet, sliced into very thin triangles

→ Fruits

07 - 1 large pear, cored and sliced into thin triangles
08 - 0.5 cup seedless watermelon, cut into small triangles

→ Accompaniments

09 - 3.5 oz whole grain crackers, cut if necessary into triangles
10 - 0.25 cup roasted almonds
11 - 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Optional

12 - 2 tbsp honey for drizzling
13 - Fresh herbs (thyme or mint) for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set a clean, large wooden board or platter as the base for arrangement.
02 - Cut all cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and crackers into similarly sized triangles to facilitate tessellating.
03 - Begin placing triangles from one corner, alternating colors and textures to create a seamless and visually striking pattern, fitting pieces tightly together.
04 - Fill any small gaps with pomegranate seeds and roasted almonds to complete the pattern.
05 - Lightly drizzle honey over goat cheese triangles if desired and garnish with fresh herbs.
06 - Present immediately to guests for best freshness and visual impact.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks so impressive that guests assume you've spent hours in the kitchen, but it's pure organization and a sharp knife
  • Every bite combines different textures and temperatures—creamy goat cheese next to crisp pear, tangy cheddar beside sweet watermelon
  • There's something deeply satisfying about creating order and beauty with your own hands while feeding people you care about
02 -
  • Room temperature kills this dish. Everything must stay cool—cheeses will soften, pears will brown, and the whole carefully constructed design will start to wilt. Prep everything ahead, but assemble close to serving time.
  • A dull knife is your enemy. When I tried this with a dull blade, I crushed the goat cheese and created jagged edges everywhere. A sharp knife makes triangles sing, not suffer.
  • Fruit oxidizes fast. If you're worried about pears or other cut fruit browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice about 10 minutes before assembly—it keeps them bright and adds subtle flavor.
03 -
  • A mandoline slicer is worth its weight in gold for this dish, but please use the guard. I learned that lesson after nearly losing a fingertip and realizing that beautiful food isn't worth beautiful scars.
  • Prep all ingredients and arrange them on small bowls before you start assembling the board. This gives you a moment to step back and see colors and textures together before committing them to the final arrangement.
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