Southwest Mesa Layered Cheeses (Printable)

Stacked crackers and cheeses combine with fresh peppers and seeds for a vibrant, Southwestern-inspired snack.

# What You Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 24 assorted crackers (multigrain, wheat, rye, or seeded; varying shapes and sizes)

→ Cheeses

02 - 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced
04 - 3.5 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced
05 - 1.75 oz smoked gouda, sliced
06 - 1.75 oz blue cheese, cubed (optional)

→ Garnishes

07 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
09 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

# Directions:

01 - Cut all cheeses into slices slightly smaller than the crackers to ensure stable stacking and an appealing presentation.
02 - Arrange cracker and cheese layers alternately on a large serving platter, creating stacks ranging from 3 to 7 layers to resemble flat-topped rock formations.
03 - Incorporate different cheese varieties within each stack to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.
04 - Insert thin slices of red bell pepper, fresh cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices between some layers or atop stacks to mimic vegetation and add color contrast.
05 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds around the base of each stack to emulate a desert floor texture.
06 - Present immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing cheeses to come to room temperature for optimal flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like architectural art but takes less time than brewing coffee.
  • Everyone becomes a kid again, carefully deconstructing and eating these edible towers.
  • You can make it with whatever cheese and crackers you have on hand.
02 -
  • Cheese that's too cold will crack or refuse to stay put; fifteen minutes at room temperature is the difference between a disaster and a masterpiece.
  • The height of your stacks matters less than the variety; a short, sturdy tower with five different elements beats a wobbly seven-layer monolith.
03 -
  • Build your stacks just before serving or right after guests arrive; crackers stay crispest in those first couple of hours.
  • Arrange your platter so the tallest stacks are toward the back and shorter ones toward the front—it creates visual depth and makes them easier to grab.
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