Layered Urban Skyline Stack (Printable)

Crisp crackers topped with sharp cheddar, gouda, folded meats, and chives for a stunning party stack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 18 rectangular whole grain crackers

→ Cheeses

02 - 5.3 ounces sharp cheddar, cut into 0.8 inch cubes
03 - 5.3 ounces gouda, cut into 0.8 inch cubes

→ Meats

04 - 3.5 ounces salami slices
05 - 3.5 ounces prosciutto slices

→ Garnishes

06 - 12 fresh chives, cut to various lengths
07 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place crackers vertically on a large flat platter, spacing unevenly to simulate a city skyline.
02 - Layer cheddar and gouda cubes on each cracker at varied heights, alternating types for visual contrast.
03 - Fold salami and prosciutto slices into loose ribbons or rosettes; insert between and atop the cheese stacks to enhance the skyline effect.
04 - Place fresh chives upright among the stacks to evoke antennae and spires.
05 - Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the arrangement for bursts of color if desired.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to pull apart sections for sharing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes just 20 minutes but looks like you spent hours perfecting it, which is the best kind of magic in the kitchen
  • Everything is completely assembled cold, so there's zero stress and maximum time to mingle with your guests
  • The visual drama does half the work for you—people are genuinely impressed before they even bite in
02 -
  • Assemble this no more than 30 minutes before serving or your crackers start absorbing moisture and losing that satisfying crunch—that's the secret to why it tastes so good
  • Cut your cheese cubes exactly 2 centimeters, not bigger. Bigger cubes won't balance, smaller ones look like sad little pebbles. That precise size is what makes the whole thing stack beautifully
03 -
  • Chill your cheese cubes for 15 minutes before assembly—they stack better and hold their shape instead of getting soft and sliding around
  • Cut your crackers to sit flat and stable on your platter, maybe even trim the bottoms slightly if they're uneven. A wobbly base ruins everything
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