Patchwork Quilt Colorful Appetizer (Printable Version)

Colorful meats and cheeses arranged in a playful quilt pattern with tangy mustard accents.

# What You 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:

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 or patchwork pattern, alternating meats and cheeses to create a quilt-like effect.
03 - Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag, stitch lines of mustard between the squares to mimic the look of thread, alternating between whole grain and Dijon mustard for variety.
04 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
05 - Serve immediately, providing toothpicks or small forks for easy tasting.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes barely twenty minutes, so you can pull it off even when friends call last-minute.
  • Everyone gets to taste multiple proteins and cheeses in one bite, which feels more generous than a traditional board.
  • The mustard lines are playful and functional—they're actually edible garnish that flavors every square perfectly.
02 -
  • Slice everything right before assembly—if you do it an hour early, the exposed surfaces start to look tired and slightly oxidized, especially the turkey.
  • Keep your platter or board at room temperature; cold surfaces make cheeses congeal and meats taste muted.
03 -
  • Room-temperature meats and cheeses taste fuller and more complex than cold ones, so take them out of the fridge ten minutes before serving.
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble everything except the mustard lines, then stitch them on just before guests arrive so they look fresh and defined.
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