Southwest Mesa Appetizer (Printable Version)

Stacked crackers and cheeses inspired by Southwest mesas with peppers and pumpkin seeds.

# What You’ll 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)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Slice all cheeses so each piece is slightly smaller than the crackers to facilitate stacking and enhance visual appeal.
02 - On a large serving platter, alternate layers of crackers and various cheese slices, stacking between 3 to 7 layers to resemble flat-topped rock formations.
03 - Use different cheese types within each stack to create both visual diversity and layered flavors.
04 - Nestle red bell pepper slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices between layers or atop the stacks to mimic vegetation and add color.
05 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds around the base of each stack to evoke a desert floor effect.
06 - Serve immediately, or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It doubles as both a stunning centerpiece and an interactive appetizer that guests can pick apart and customize.
  • There's barely any cooking involved, just assembly and creativity, making it perfect for when you want to impress without stress.
  • The flavor combinations from layering different cheeses create little surprises with every bite.
02 -
  • Let your cheeses sit out for 15 minutes before assembling so they're pliable enough to layer without cracking, making the whole structure sturdier and more forgiving.
  • Odd numbers of layers photograph better and feel more intentional than even stacks—embrace asymmetry as part of the charm.
03 -
  • Chill your cheese slicer under cold water before slicing so the cheese cuts cleanly without tearing or clumping.
  • Arrange your towers on the platter in a loose, natural grouping rather than perfect rows—real mesas aren't in straight lines, and neither should these be.
Return