Diamond Inlay Appetizer Dish (Printable)

A creamy cheese ring with a luxurious caviar or tapenade center, ideal for special occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cream Cheese Layer

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 tbsp sour cream
03 - 1 tsp lemon juice
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Center Diamond

05 - 1.5 oz black caviar (optional for pescatarian option)
06 - 1.5 oz black olive tapenade (optional for vegetarian option)

→ Garnish & Serving

07 - 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or dill
08 - Crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices

# How To Make It:

01 - In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
02 - Place a round cookie cutter or ring mold approximately 3 inches in diameter on the serving platter.
03 - Using a small spoon or piping bag, create a thick, even ring of the cream cheese mixture around the inside edge of the mold, leaving the center empty.
04 - Carefully spoon the black caviar or black olive tapenade into the center, smoothing it to form a diamond shape.
05 - Gently remove the ring mold to reveal the clean inlay shape.
06 - Sprinkle with finely chopped chives or dill for color.
07 - Serve immediately with crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours when you actually spent 15 minutes, which is the best kind of kitchen magic.
  • The cool, creamy texture against the briny richness of caviar (or earthy tapenade) feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • You can make it vegetarian or keep it fancy with caviar—it works beautifully either way.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't truly softened before blending, you'll end up with a grainy texture that won't spread smoothly—let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes.
  • Caviar separates from the cheese and slides around if you assemble this more than a few minutes before serving; tapenade holds steady, which makes it the more forgiving choice if you're cooking ahead.
03 -
  • A piping bag fitted with a large round tip gives you the cleanest ring and the most control—it takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect shape.
  • Keep your serving platter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before assembling so the cream cheese sets quickly and stays put once the mold is removed.
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