Checkerboard Chalet Cheese Meats

# What You Need:

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Cut all cheeses and meats into uniform 0.6 inch cubes and slices to achieve a precise checkerboard effect.

02 - Arrange cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss) and meat slices (ham, salami) in a tight 4x4 grid pattern on a large serving platter, alternating the ingredients to form a clear checkerboard.

03 - On one side of the checkerboard base, stack alternating cheese and meat cubes in a square footprint with 4 cubes per layer for 3 to 4 layers, securing with toothpicks or short skewers as needed. For the roof, angle cheese slices or cubes on top and reinforce with chives serving as decorative beams.

04 - Decorate the chalet area with halved cherry tomatoes and flat-leaf parsley to resemble a garden or pathway.

05 - Present immediately with small forks or cocktail picks to facilitate self-service.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking, so you can prep it right before guests arrive without stress.
The checkerboard base is mesmerizing, and the 3D chalet gets people talking before anyone even takes a bite.
It's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so it works for almost any dietary preference without explanation.

02 -

Cut everything ahead of time but assemble just before serving—warm fingers and movement can topple your carefully stacked chalet if you build it too early.
Keep your toothpicks subtle and positioned where they won't catch people's fingers when they reach in; safety matters as much as aesthetics.

03 -