Bauhaus Block Appetizer (Printable Version)

Colorful blocks of bell pepper, cheddar, and grapes arranged in a striking geometric pattern.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch square pieces

→ Cheese

02 - 4 oz yellow cheddar or Gouda, cut into 1-inch rectangular blocks

→ Fruit

03 - 24 blue or black seedless grapes

→ Extras

04 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional, for brushing)
05 - Sea salt, to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash and dry the red bell pepper. Cut into 1-inch square pieces.
02 - Slice the cheese into uniform 1-inch rectangular blocks.
03 - Rinse and dry the grapes thoroughly.
04 - On a rectangular serving platter, arrange the bell pepper, cheese, and grapes in a geometric grid pattern, alternating colors for a striking visual effect.
05 - Lightly brush the bell pepper squares with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
06 - Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent hours on presentation, which secretly thrills every host.
  • No cooking means you can make it while wearing your nicest outfit without fear of splatters.
  • The simplicity means the quality of each ingredient shines through without competition.
02 -
  • Uniform sizing matters more than you'd think; if your cheese blocks and pepper squares are roughly equal, the visual impact multiplies even though the difference seems tiny.
  • Moisture is the enemy of a neat platter; damp peppers and grapes will weep and blur your carefully composed lines within minutes, so err on the side of over-drying everything.
03 -
  • Chill your cheese in the freezer for fifteen minutes before cutting; it stays firmer and cuts with less drag, giving you cleaner rectangular blocks that look more polished on the platter.
  • Arrange your elements on the platter in straight rows rather than freehand placement; a ruler or even the edge of a cutting board can guide your eye and keep your lines true without feeling rigid.
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