Garden Gate Lattice Platter (Print Version)

A visually stunning cheese and cracker lattice platter ideal for gatherings and elegant snacking.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
03 - 3.5 oz Gouda cheese, thinly sliced

→ Crackers

04 - 5.3 oz rectangular whole-grain crackers, cut into 0.4 inch wide strips
05 - 3.5 oz sesame crackers, cut into strips

→ Garnishes (optional)

06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds
08 - 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)

# Directions:

01 - Place a clean rectangular serving board or platter on a stable surface.
02 - Lay out thin cheese slices and cracker strips in alternating horizontal rows, leaving small gaps between pieces.
03 - Weave vertical rows of cheese slices and cracker strips over and under the horizontal rows, alternating types for visual contrast.
04 - Neatly trim any excess crackers or cheese at the edges to maintain a clean shape.
05 - Sprinkle finely chopped chives and poppy seeds evenly over the lattice; drizzle honey if using.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to break off individual portions from the lattice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly fancy but takes just 20 minutes, which means you can spend time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • Everyone gravitates toward it first because the visual presentation feels like edible art that somehow tastes even better than it looks
  • You control the cheese selection and cracker types, so it works perfectly whether you're feeding adventurous palates or picky eaters
  • There's something deeply satisfying about the weaving process—it's meditative and actually fun to prepare
02 -
  • The single most important lesson I learned the hard way: your cheese must be properly cold and your knife must be absolutely sharp. Warm cheese tears, and a dull knife creates ragged edges that ruin the whole aesthetic. Fifteen minutes in the freezer before slicing makes all the difference.
  • Don't assemble this more than 30 minutes before serving. As the cheese comes to room temperature, it softens slightly and your beautiful lattice can lose its structural integrity. Timing is everything with this one.
  • Your crackers will soften slightly as they sit, so serving immediately preserves that satisfying crunch that makes the contrast with creamy cheese so magical.
03 -
  • A mandoline slicer is worth its weight in gold for this recipe—it creates those perfectly even, professional-looking cheese slices that make the whole lattice look intentional and polished
  • Chill your serving platter in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before assembly. A cold surface keeps cheese cooler longer and helps your lattice hold its shape throughout the party
  • The weaving motion should feel gentle and almost playful. If you're fighting resistance, your cheese is too warm. Take a break, chill everything, and start again.
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