Save to Pinterest I discovered this little appetizer by accident while rearranging my charcuterie board before guests arrived. Instead of the usual scattered arrangement, I noticed how the oval cheeses and roasted almonds naturally formed these beautiful, smooth lines—like a river of pebbles I'd seen once while walking through a garden. It felt playful and unexpected, and everyone immediately leaned in to admire it before they even tasted anything. That moment taught me that sometimes the simplest ingredients become memorable when you arrange them with a little imagination.
I made this the evening my sister visited unexpectedly from out of town. I had maybe twenty minutes before she knocked on the door, and instead of panicking, I realized I had everything in my kitchen to create something that felt intentional and special. She walked in, saw it waiting on the board, and actually paused—not out of politeness, but genuine surprise. We ended up sitting with it for hours, picking at the almonds between conversations, and that platter somehow became the centerpiece of the whole evening.
Ingredients
- Oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls (200 g): These are the foundation—choose ones that are truly smooth and creamy, as they reflect light beautifully on the board and taste fresh and delicate.
- Oval goat cheese medallions (200 g): If you can't find pre-cut ovals, slice a log of goat cheese at an angle to create natural oval shapes; the soft tang contrasts perfectly with the mild mozzarella.
- Babybel cheese, peeled and halved (150 g): The vibrant red waxy coating adds color contrast, and halving them gives you those oblong pieces that feel intentional in the arrangement.
- Whole raw almonds (100 g): Roasting brings out their sweetness and makes them feel warm and toasted rather than raw; they're the neutral anchors that tie the cheeses together visually and texturally.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Use a good one—this is one of the few ingredients that shines on its own, so quality matters here.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp): The crystals catch the light and add a final touch of sophistication without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
- Fresh basil leaves: A small handful scattered loosely creates movement and brings a green note that makes the whole thing feel garden-fresh.
- Microgreens or edible flowers (optional): These are your finishing flourish—they're not essential, but they're the moment when someone says, "This is too pretty to eat."
Instructions
- Roast the almonds until golden:
- Spread them on a tray and roast at 180°C for 5–7 minutes, stirring once so they toast evenly—you'll know they're done when the kitchen smells like a toasted dream. Let them cool completely on the tray so they crisp up and lose any moisture.
- Dry the cheeses thoroughly:
- Pat the mozzarella and goat cheese with paper towels until they're completely dry; this gives them that polished, finished look rather than looking wet and rushed. It takes just a minute but makes all the visual difference.
- Arrange in a meandering pattern:
- Start with the cheeses and almonds in the center of your board, then let them flow outward in a natural, organic curve—think of a river winding through a landscape. Alternate types as you go so no two identical pieces sit side by side, which keeps the eye moving across the whole composition.
- Finish with oil, salt, and garnish:
- Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the cheeses (avoid the almonds so they don't get soggy), then scatter the flaky sea salt, fresh basil, and any edible flowers. Step back for a moment before serving—that's when you'll see if it feels balanced and beautiful.
Save to Pinterest The real magic of this dish happened when my eight-year-old nephew came into the kitchen, looked at it, and asked if it was "a cheese river." I hadn't thought of it that way, but suddenly that's exactly what it was. Food doesn't have to be complicated to spark joy—sometimes the smallest details and a little playfulness are enough.
Playing with Shapes and Colors
The beauty of this appetizer lives in its visual harmony. Each cheese brings something different—the pure white of fresh mozzarella, the creamy pale tone of goat cheese, the rustic red of babybel, and the warm brown of roasted almonds. When you arrange them thoughtfully, you're not just serving cheese; you're creating a landscape. Take your time with the placement. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it should feel intentional, as if the pieces have naturally found their resting place.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is a template, not a rule. If you have different oval cheeses in your fridge, use them. If you prefer candied or marcona almonds for a sweeter note, go there. I've made versions with roasted hazelnuts instead, and once with toasted pine nuts when almonds weren't on hand. The core idea—smooth oval shapes arranged like a river bed—stays the same, but the details shift with what feels right in that moment.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Serve this while it's still cool and the cheeses have their best texture. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc feels natural alongside it, or even a light sparkling wine if you're in the mood for celebration. You can offer crusty bread on the side for those who want it, and a small dish of honey or balsamic glaze transforms it from appetizer to something more intimate. Some people will eat it with their fingers, using the basil as a little wrapper—let them. That's when you know you've created something worth savoring.
- Serve within 30 minutes of assembly for the best texture and appearance.
- Have cocktail picks or small forks nearby so guests feel invited to eat with grace.
- A light honey drizzle on the side elevates the entire moment if you want to add one final touch.
Save to Pinterest This little arrangement proved to me that appetizers don't need to be fussy or time-consuming to feel special. Sometimes all it takes is good ingredients arranged with intention and a bit of play.
Your Questions Answered
- → What types of cheeses are used?
Oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls, goat cheese medallions, and babybel cheese halved for variety create the diverse cheese selection.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for almonds?
Yes, smoked or marcona almonds can be used for different flavor profiles and added richness.
- → How should the almonds be prepared?
Spread raw almonds on a baking tray and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant, then let cool.
- → What garnishes enhance this dish?
Fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers add natural color and a garden-inspired touch.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free but contains dairy and tree nuts, so check allergens accordingly.
- → What serving suggestions complement this platter?
Enjoy with honey, balsamic glaze, crusty bread, or pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for balance.