Polished Pebble Cheese Almonds (Printable)

Smooth oval cheeses paired with roasted almonds in a playful, elegant display.

# Ingredient list:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls
02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions or similar soft cheese shaped into ovals
03 - 5.3 oz Babybel cheese, peeled and halved

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz whole raw almonds

→ Garnishes

05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon 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 evenly on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
02 - Drain mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions. Pat dry with paper towels to achieve a polished appearance.
03 - On a large serving platter or wooden board, artfully arrange cheeses and roasted almonds in an organic, flowing pattern resembling a stream bed of polished pebbles, alternating types for visual interest.
04 - Drizzle the arrangement lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
05 - Decorate with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers for a natural, garden-inspired touch.
06 - Present immediately with cocktail picks or small forks for easy enjoyment.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did, which is honestly the best kind of entertaining secret.
  • Everything is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so you're not scrambling at the last minute to accommodate guests.
  • The whole thing comes together in under twenty minutes, leaving you time to pour a drink and actually enjoy your own party.
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of drying the cheeses—wet surfaces won't hold the oil or salt properly and the whole illusion falls apart.
  • Room temperature almonds feel mealy; letting them cool completely after roasting restores their texture and makes them taste more refined.
03 -
  • Arrange the board on a cold platter or marble board if you have one—cheese stays in better shape when it's not warming up as it sits out.
  • The edible flowers aren't just decoration; they're a signal to guests that they can relax and enjoy the moment instead of worrying about whether they're holding their appetizer the right way.
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