Serengeti Sunset Apricots Gouda (Print Version)

Sweet apricots and smoky gouda layered to evoke the colors of a Serengeti sunset.

# What to Use:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots (preferably deep orange and plump)

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced into thin rectangles

→ Garnish

03 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Lay parchment paper or a serving platter on your work surface.
02 - Place a horizontal row of dried apricots slightly overlapping to form the first band.
03 - Layer smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricots, allowing slight overlap.
04 - Continue alternating apricot and Gouda bands, creating at least three layers of each to mimic a sunset horizon.
05 - Gently press each layer to keep bands neat and aligned for a dramatic presentation.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper as preferred.
07 - Serve immediately using a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes barely 15 minutes but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, which means you can impress without stress.
  • The sweet-smoky contrast is addictive—each bite plays these two flavors off each other in a way that keeps people reaching for more.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you're not scrambling to accommodate dietary needs at the last minute.
02 -
  • The Gouda slices need to be thin enough to be pliable but thick enough not to tear—a sharp cheese knife or a vegetable peeler works better than you'd expect.
  • If your apricots feel dry and rigid, soak them in warm water for five minutes before arranging; they'll become more flexible and the colors will look more vibrant.
03 -
  • Cold Gouda slices are easier to work with, so pull them from the fridge right before you start arranging.
  • The moment of pressing down the layers feels crucial—it's where the appetizer goes from looking pretty to looking intentional and polished.
Go Back