Southwest Mesa Cheese Stacks (Printer View)

Colorful stacks of assorted cheeses and crackers layered with fresh garnishes.

# What you'll need:

→ Crackers

01 - 24 assorted crackers (multigrain, wheat, rye, or seeded; various shapes and sizes)

→ Cheeses

02 - 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced
04 - 3.5 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced
05 - 1.75 oz smoked gouda, sliced
06 - 1.75 oz blue cheese, cubed (optional)

→ Garnishes

07 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
09 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

# Method:

01 - Slice cheeses slightly smaller than crackers to facilitate stacking and maintain a neat appearance.
02 - On a large platter, alternate crackers and cheese slices to build 3 to 7-layer stacks resembling flat-topped mesas.
03 - Incorporate different cheese varieties within each stack to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
04 - Insert bell pepper slices, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices between layers or on top to simulate vegetation and add color.
05 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds around the bases of the stacks to evoke a desert floor effect.
06 - Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to present.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No cooking required—this comes together faster than heating an oven, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
  • It's a flavor adventure: every bite combines different cheese personalities and that satisfying crunch.
  • Honestly, the visual drama of these towers does half the work for you before anyone even tastes them.
02 -
  • Cold cheese from the fridge cracks and doesn't layer smoothly—let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes first, and the difference is noticeable.
  • If your stacks feel wobbly, your crackers might be too thin for the height you're building; cut back a layer or choose crackers with more structural integrity.
03 -
  • Cheese at room temperature is non-negotiable—it slices cleanly, stacks without cracking, and tastes more vibrant.
  • The visual payoff is worth the extra minute it takes to vary your stack heights and colors; guests eat with their eyes first.
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