Tartan Plaid Jerky Cheese (Printer version)

Savory jerky and cheese strips woven into a tartan pattern for a vibrant, easy-to-serve appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jerky

01 - 2 oz beef jerky, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 oz turkey jerky, cut into thin strips
03 - 2 oz pork jerky, cut into thin strips

→ Cheese

04 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin strips
05 - 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
06 - 2 oz smoked gouda, sliced into thin strips

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Set up a clean cutting board or serving platter as your workspace.
02 - Place half of the jerky strips vertically on the board, alternating colors to form a plaid base.
03 - Starting at one edge, weave cheese strips horizontally over and under the jerky strips, alternating cheese varieties to create a woven pattern.
04 - Continue weaving remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating direction and colors to replicate a tartan plaid design.
05 - Press the woven arrangement gently to maintain shape, then trim edges for a tidy presentation if desired.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness if using, then serve immediately or slice into squares for individual portions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honest confession: it takes about twenty minutes and zero actual cooking.
  • The interplay of smoky, salty jerky with cool, creamy cheese creates this texture contrast that somehow tastes even better than it looks.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so you can serve it without worrying about half your guests.
02 -
  • Keep your strips consistently thin—if they're too thick, they won't weave smoothly and the whole pattern falls apart when you try to move it.
  • Work quickly once you've started weaving; cheese begins softening at room temperature, so the faster you finish, the more defined your pattern stays.
03 -
  • A sharp knife matters more here than anywhere else—dull blades squish the cheese and fray the jerky, destroying your neat strips before you even start weaving.
  • If your strips start slipping during the weave, you can rest the board at a slight angle against a small object; gravity becomes your tiny assistant, keeping things in place while you work.
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