Polished Pebble Appetizer (Printable)

Whimsical platter of oval cheeses and roasted almonds arranged like polished pebbles with fresh basil accents.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls
02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions or soft cheese cut into ovals
03 - 5 oz Babybel cheese, peeled and halved

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz whole raw almonds

→ Garnishes

05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt
07 - Small handful fresh basil leaves
08 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool.
02 - Drain mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions. Pat dry with paper towels for a polished appearance.
03 - On a large serving platter or wooden board, arrange cheeses and roasted almonds in a natural, meandering pattern resembling a stream-bed of polished pebbles, alternating cheese types and almonds for contrast.
04 - Lightly drizzle olive oil over the arrangement and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers to evoke a garden-inspired feel.
05 - Present immediately with cocktail picks or small forks for easy serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but takes less time than it takes to uncork a bottle of wine.
  • No cooking skills required—just roasting, arranging, and watching people's faces light up.
  • It works for any crowd, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings, and doubles easily.
02 -
  • Mozzarella balls and goat cheese release moisture as they sit, so assemble this no more than 30 minutes before serving or it will start to look tired rather than polished.
  • The roasted almonds are non-negotiable—raw ones taste bitter and pale in comparison, and roasting takes five minutes but transforms them completely.
03 -
  • Arrange on a wooden board rather than ceramic—the wood grain becomes part of the landscape and photographs beautifully.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the components separate and assemble only when guests are about to arrive; it keeps everything fresh and prevents the cheeses from sweating.
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