Secret Garden Appetizer (Printable Version)

A garden-inspired starter with edible flowers, microgreens, and delicate aged cheeses for sophisticated gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into small cubes
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, cut into small cubes
03 - 3.5 oz Gruyère, cut into small cubes

→ Greens & Flowers

04 - 2.6 oz microgreens (pea shoots, radish greens, or mixed micro herbs)
05 - 1 cup edible flowers (nasturtiums, pansies, violets, borage, calendula, etc.)

→ Garnish & Extras

06 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
07 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the different cheese cubes evenly on a large serving board, leaving space between each variety.
02 - Distribute microgreens generously over the cheese, partially concealing the cubes.
03 - Nestle edible flowers among the microgreens to evoke a vibrant garden tableau.
04 - Optionally, lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the greens and flowers for added richness.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to forage beneath the foliage for flavorful cheese bites.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required, which means you can prep this while everything else is still in the oven.
  • It's become my secret weapon for making ordinary gatherings feel like something special without actually spending much time in the kitchen.
  • Guests genuinely light up when they discover pockets of creamy goat cheese hiding beneath a bouquet of nasturtiums.
02 -
  • Sourcing edible flowers is non-negotiable—many ornamental flowers are sprayed with pesticides, and you absolutely cannot serve those; buy from specialty markets, farmers markets, or growers specifically labeled as pesticide-free.
  • Assemble this no more than one hour before serving, as microgreens wilt quickly and flowers begin to bruise; it's a dish that demands to be fresh and alive.
03 -
  • If you can't source certain flowers, swap them out—the magic isn't in having exact varieties but in the principle of playing with textures, colors, and tastes that complement each other.
  • A tiny drizzle of aged balsamic or honey over one corner of the board adds intrigue without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Return