Tessellation Triangle Appetizer Board (Printable)

An artistic arrangement of triangle-cut cheeses, fruits, and vegetables creating a stunning appetizer display.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, sliced into triangles
02 - 3.5 oz Manchego, sliced into triangles
03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, chilled and cut into triangles

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin triangles
05 - 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into triangles
06 - 1 small cooked beet, sliced into very thin triangles

→ Fruits

07 - 1 large pear, cored and sliced into thin triangles
08 - ½ cup seedless watermelon, cut into small triangles

→ Accompaniments

09 - 3.5 oz whole grain crackers, cut if needed into triangles
10 - ¼ cup roasted almonds
11 - ¼ cup pomegranate seeds for garnish

→ Optional

12 - 2 tbsp honey for drizzling
13 - Fresh herbs (thyme or mint) for garnish

# Preparation steps:

01 - Arrange a large, clean wooden board or platter to use as the foundation for the display.
02 - Slice all cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and crackers into similar-sized triangles to facilitate tight tessellation.
03 - Begin placing triangles from one corner of the board, alternating colors and textures to create a seamless, visually appealing pattern that fits tightly with minimal gaps.
04 - Fill small gaps between pieces with pomegranate seeds and roasted almonds for added color and texture.
05 - Optionally drizzle honey lightly over goat cheese triangles and garnish the entire board with fresh herbs; serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of board that makes people stop mid-conversation and just stare—your guests will think you're secretly a professional caterer
  • Zero cooking required means you can spend your energy on the artistry instead of being stuck at the stove
  • Every bite is a flavor adventure: creamy cheese, crisp vegetables, sweet fruit, and that satisfying crunch of almonds and crackers all at once
  • It actually gets easier each time you make it, so by the second board, you'll be arranging triangles like you invented the concept
02 -
  • Prep everything except the watermelon and pear at least an hour ahead and keep it in the fridge. Cold ingredients are firmer and easier to arrange, and they'll stay fresher longer on the board.
  • If your knife isn't sharp enough, your triangles will crumble and your pattern will look sad. Invest in a good knife and keep it sharp—it changes everything about this recipe.
  • The beet will stain your hands and your cutting board. Wear gloves or accept looking like you've been gardening. The color is worth it, but the warning is real.
  • Watermelon and pear oxidize and get soft quickly, so add them last and serve within 20 minutes of assembly for the best texture and appearance.
03 -
  • If you're nervous about cutting perfect triangles, practice on a piece of paper first. Draw triangle templates and cut around them—your cutting becomes confident and your board becomes flawless
  • Arrange your board on a tilt—even just a 5-degree angle—and the geometry feels more dynamic and less static. Your eye travels through it with more pleasure
  • Make a second, identical board off-camera. When the first one gets eaten, you can bring out the second as a surprise. People will think you're a magician
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