Polished pebble cheese almonds

# What You Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz oval-shaped mini mozzarella balls

02 - 7 oz oval goat cheese medallions or soft cheese cut into ovals

03 - 5 oz babybel cheese, peeled and halved

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz whole raw almonds

→ Garnishes

05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

06 - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

07 - Small handful fresh basil leaves

08 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread almonds evenly on a baking tray and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool.

02 - Drain mozzarella balls and goat cheese medallions, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure a polished appearance.

03 - On a large platter or wooden board, create an organic, meandering pattern by alternating cheeses and roasted almonds to mimic a stream-bed of polished pebbles.

04 - Lightly drizzle olive oil over the arrangement and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, microgreens, and edible flowers for a natural, garden-inspired presentation.

05 - Present immediately with cocktail picks or small forks for easy enjoyment.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

It looks intentional and beautiful but takes barely any real cooking—the oven does most of the work.
Your guests will slow down and smile when they see it, which is sometimes worth more than perfection.
Everything is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so you're covered for most dietary needs without announcing it.

02 -

Don't skip drying the cheeses—wet ones slide around and never look intentional, while dry ones sit exactly where you place them.
Roasting the almonds is non-negotiable; raw ones taste forgettable and won't give you that crucial warmth that makes everything taste thoughtful.
Arrange this right before guests arrive so the basil stays bright and the cheeses haven't started to sweat.

03 -