Patchwork Quilt Appetizer (Print View)

A colorful mix of meats and cheeses arranged with tangy mustard for a delightful starter.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked turkey breast, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz ham, sliced

→ Cheeses

04 - 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar, sliced
06 - 3.5 oz provolone, sliced

→ Garnishes & Condiments

07 - 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
08 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Slice all meats and cheeses into uniform 2-inch squares.
02 - Place the squares on a large serving platter or board in a checkerboard pattern, alternating meats and cheeses to create a quilt-like effect.
03 - Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag, pipe lines of whole grain and Dijon mustard alternately between the squares to mimic stitching.
04 - Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the arrangement, if desired.
05 - Present immediately with toothpicks or small forks for easy tasting.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You can prep everything in under 20 minutes and impress people who think you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so you're not scrambling to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
  • The visual presentation actually makes people slow down and engage with what they're eating instead of just grabbing and going.
02 -
  • Request pre-sliced meats and cheeses from the deli counter cut to about 1/8 inch thickness—doing it yourself is possible but requires patience and a very sharp knife, and thin, even slices are non-negotiable for clean squares.
  • The mustard lines are what make this feel intentional rather than haphazard, so don't skip them or treat them as optional decoration—they're the visual and flavor glue that holds the whole concept together.
03 -
  • Use a ruler or straight edge lightly penciled on the platter to guide your mustard lines if you're feeling uncertain about freehand work—no one will see it underneath, and it takes the pressure off.
  • Buy your meats and cheeses from a place where you can request the exact thickness and can examine the quality before paying; this single decision changes everything about how the final board feels.
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