Southwest Mesa Cheese Stacks (Printable Version)

Stacked cheeses and crackers form colorful, layered towers inspired by American Southwest mesas.

# What You Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 24 assorted crackers (e.g., multigrain, wheat, rye, or seeded; varying shapes and sizes)

→ Cheeses

02 - 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced
04 - 3.5 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced
05 - 1.75 oz smoked gouda, sliced
06 - 1.75 oz blue cheese, cubed (optional)

→ Garnishes

07 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
09 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

# Directions:

01 - Slice all cheeses slightly smaller than the crackers to facilitate stacking and enhance appearance.
02 - On a large serving platter, create stacks alternating crackers and cheese slices between three and seven layers to resemble flat-topped rock formations.
03 - Incorporate different cheese varieties in each stack to maximize flavor and visual variety.
04 - Nestle red bell pepper slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño (if using) between some layers or atop stacks to emulate vegetation and color.
05 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds around the base of the stacks to simulate desert floor texture.
06 - Serve immediately, or cover loosely and refrigerate until serving time.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks stunning on a platter but takes mere minutes, making you seem way more prepared than you actually are.
  • Everyone gets to eat with their hands and break apart these little towers, which somehow makes even simple cheese and crackers feel like an adventure.
02 -
  • Let your cheeses sit out for 10 minutes before assembling—cold cheese slices snap and won't hold layers as well, but room temperature cheese is forgiving and actually helps the tower stay together.
  • The secret is cutting your cheese slightly smaller than your crackers; it's a tiny thing that makes the whole structure feel intentional and elegant rather than haphazard.
03 -
  • Toast your pumpkin seeds yourself if you have time—the smell filling your kitchen and the warm seeds scattered across the platter make this feel homemade in the best way.
  • Experiment with cured meats or sun-dried tomatoes between layers when you're feeling adventurous; these add depth without changing the core simplicity.
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