Polished Pebble Oval Cheeses

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls

02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions or soft oval-shaped cheese

03 - 5.3 oz babybel cheese, peeled and halved

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz whole raw almonds

→ Garnishes

05 - 1 tbsp olive oil

06 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt

07 - Small handful fresh basil leaves

08 - Microgreens or edible flowers, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.

02 - Drain mini mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a polished appearance.

03 - On a large serving platter or wooden board, arrange cheeses and roasted almonds organically, alternating types to mimic a stream-bed of polished pebbles.

04 - Lightly drizzle olive oil over the arrangement and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

05 - Decorate with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers to evoke a natural garden theme.

06 - Serve immediately with cocktail picks or small forks for easy enjoyment.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

It's ready in 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something clever.
No cooking skills required—just a good eye for arrangement and permission to play with your food.
Works for vegetarians and naturally gluten-free, so it welcomes nearly every guest.
The roasted almonds add warmth and crunch that cheese alone simply can't deliver.

02 -

Patience with the arrangement matters more than perfection; the first time I rushed, it looked cluttered, but when I stepped back and let gaps breathe, the beauty emerged.
Temperature is underrated—serve this straight from the cool part of your kitchen, not after sitting under warm lights, because soft cheeses look best when they're still holding their shape.

03 -