Patchwork Quilt Appetizer (Printable)

A colorful arrangement of meats and cheeses with mustard, perfect for entertaining and sharing.

# 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Cut all meats and cheeses into uniform 2-inch squares.
02 - On a large serving platter or board, arrange the squares 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 mustard between the squares to mimic stitching, alternating whole grain and Dijon mustard for visual variety.
04 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve immediately with toothpicks or small forks for easy tasting.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks stunning with almost no effort—your guests will think you spent hours when it took twenty minutes.
  • Everyone finds something they love in those squares, from meat lovers to cheese obsessives.
  • No cooking required means you can spend time with people instead of sweating over a stove.
  • The mustard lines taste better than they have any right to, especially when you mix the two kinds.
02 -
  • Cut your meats and cheeses first, before you even think about arranging—trying to cut while building is a frustration you don't need.
  • Let this come together right before your guests arrive; the cheeses start to sweat and lose their appeal if they sit too long at room temperature.
  • The mustard lines are not just decoration—they're flavor anchors that make each bite more interesting, so don't skimp or skip them.
03 -
  • Slightly chilled cheese squares hold their shape better and taste fresher—pull them from the fridge right before assembly instead of using room-temperature cheese.
  • Use a quality mustard where you can see the seeds or feel the texture; this isn't the place for the thin, yellow stuff, as it won't show up visually or taste as good.
  • Arrange in vertical lines or diagonal patterns instead of the typical checkerboard if you want to make it feel different—the visual novelty is half the appeal.
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