Save My friend Sarah showed up to a dinner party with this stunning cheese board arranged like a riverbed, and I was immediately charmed. She explained it was her way of making appetizers feel less fussy and more like art—something you could actually enjoy instead of just photographing. The moment I tasted the creamy goat cheese paired with those golden roasted almonds, I understood why she kept coming back to this simple formula. It's become my go-to now whenever I want to feel a little clever without spending hours in the kitchen.
I made this for a small gathering last spring when the weather finally felt warm enough to entertain outside. One of my guests, who'd been quiet most of the evening, suddenly lit up when she saw the board—she started rearranging pieces with her pick, making little jokes about geology and landscape design. That's when it clicked for me: this isn't just appetizers, it's an invitation to play with your food in a way that feels sophisticated and fun at the same time.
Ingredients
- Oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls (200 g): These are the clean, pale pebbles of your arrangement, and their delicate milky flavor keeps the board from feeling too heavy.
- Oval goat cheese medallions (200 g): The slightly tangy ones that catch the light beautifully—cut them yourself if needed and they'll taste fresher than pre-cut versions.
- Babybel cheese halves (150 g): Their waxy exterior and that warm golden color add visual variety without extra work or flavor confusion.
- Whole raw almonds (100 g): Toast these yourself rather than buying roasted; it fills your kitchen with the most inviting smell and takes only five minutes.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Good quality matters here since it's one of the few seasonings doing the heavy lifting—use something you'd actually want to taste.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp): The texture and irregular shape make all the difference compared to table salt, and it won't dissolve into everything.
- Fresh basil leaves: A small handful adds both greenery and a whisper of brightness that keeps everything from tasting one-note.
- Microgreens or edible flowers (optional): These are your chance to get playful with the presentation and add a delicate final touch.
Instructions
- Toast the almonds until golden:
- Spread them on a baking tray, roast at 180°C for about five to seven minutes, stirring once so they toast evenly. You'll know they're ready when your kitchen smells warm and nutty and a single almond tastes buttery without being burnt.
- Dry your cheeses thoroughly:
- Pat each piece with paper towels until they look almost polished—this tiny step is what makes them catch the light and actually look like pebbles instead of just cheese scattered on a board.
- Arrange them like a natural landscape:
- Start from one corner and let the cheeses and cooled almonds meander across your platter in an organic pattern, alternating shapes and colors as you go. There's no wrong way to do this, which is the whole point.
- Season and garnish:
- Drizzle everything lightly with olive oil—not so much that it pools, just enough to add shine and richness. Scatter the flaky sea salt, then tuck basil leaves and microgreens into the arrangement like you're creating a tiny edible landscape.
- Serve it while it's still cold:
- Bring it straight to your guests with cocktail picks or small forks so they can help themselves without you hovering over it like a nervous parent.
Save A few months ago, my mother-in-law told me this was the first appetizer in years where she'd actually stopped to taste something instead of eating on autopilot. That's the moment I realized this recipe works because it doesn't try to be complicated—it just knows exactly what it is, and does that beautifully.
Choosing Your Cheeses
The beauty of this board is that you're not married to these exact varieties. Bocconcini, ovolini, or even thin slices of a soft cheese like burrata cut into ovals all work wonderfully. The key is mixing textures—something creamy, something mild, something with a little tang—so each bite feels like a small discovery. I've used everything from smoked cheese to herb-coated varieties, and they all find their place naturally on the board.
The Power of Good Almonds
This is where you get to be a little particular, and it's worth it. Marcona almonds are rounder and more buttery than regular varieties, but honestly, fresh raw almonds toasted at home beat both of them. If you're feeling fancy, you could use smoked almonds for an unexpected twist, or try hazelnuts for something earthier. The roasting is genuinely the secret—don't skip it even though the recipe works technically fine with raw ones.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Serve this alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or something light and sparkling. A drizzle of good honey or aged balsamic on the side gives guests the option to dress it up further without forcing it on anyone. Crusty bread is wonderful for spreading the soft cheeses, and some people love adding a small bowl of honeycomb or fig jam nearby.
- A cold rosé is also magical with this arrangement, especially on warm afternoons.
- Don't stress about the presentation being perfect—organic and a little casual actually looks more intentional.
- Make this as close to serving time as possible so everything tastes cool and fresh.
Save There's something generous about putting out food that looks like you had fun making it. This board does exactly that, and somehow that warmth translates into how people eat together.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the almonds be prepared?
Roast whole raw almonds at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, then let them cool before arranging.
- → What types of cheese work best for this dish?
Oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls, goat cheese medallions, and babybel cheeses are ideal to create the smooth pebble effect.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, similar oval-shaped cheeses like bocconcini or ovolini can be used to maintain the visual appeal.
- → What garnishes complement this platter?
Fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers add natural color and a garden-inspired finish.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments?
Serve with honey, balsamic glaze, crusty bread, or pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.