Cheese Meat Checkerboard Chalet (Print Version)

Striking cheese and meat checkerboard base topped with a playful 3D chalet of stacked cubes and squares.

# What to Use:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 0.6 inch cubes and slices
02 - 7 oz Swiss cheese, cut into 0.6 inch cubes and slices

→ Meats

03 - 7 oz smoked ham, cut into 0.6 inch cubes and slices
04 - 7 oz salami, cut into 0.6 inch cubes and slices

→ Garnishes & Extras

05 - 16 small fresh chives for logs or roof beams
06 - 8 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for decoration)
07 - 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley for greenery
08 - 8 toothpicks or short skewers for stability

# How to Prepare:

01 - Slice and cube all cheeses and meats uniformly to approximately 0.6 inches for precise assembly.
02 - Arrange alternating slices of cheddar, Swiss, ham, and salami tightly in a 4x4 grid on a large serving platter to form a distinct checkerboard pattern.
03 - On one side of the base, stack alternating cheese and meat cubes in layers of four per level for three to four layers, securing with toothpicks or skewers as needed.
04 - Position cheese slices or cubes angled atop the chalet and secure them with fresh chives acting as beams.
05 - Decorate the chalet area with halved cherry tomatoes and flat-leaf parsley to simulate a garden or pathway.
06 - Present immediately with small forks or cocktail picks for convenient serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that looks so impressive your guests will forget you made it in thirty minutes.
  • No cooking required means you can relax instead of panicking in the kitchen while entertaining.
  • Every bite combines sharp, creamy, and savory flavors in ways that feel intentional and sophisticated.
02 -
  • Room temperature cheese stacks more reliably than cold cheese straight from the fridge—take everything out about fifteen minutes before you build.
  • If your layers start sliding, insert toothpicks at slight angles rather than straight up; they'll catch the cheese better and look more intentional.
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble the checkerboard base first and cover it loosely with plastic wrap, then build your chalet just before guests arrive—it only takes five minutes and everything will look fresh and intentional.
  • Keep a small spray bottle of water nearby while you're building; a light mist on your hands prevents cheese from sticking and helps you stay clean and focused.
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