Stormy Sea Crackers Cheese (Print Version)

Crisp charcoal crackers paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh dill for a striking appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 18 to 24 charcoal or squid ink wavy-shaped crackers

→ Cheese

02 - 5.3 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened
03 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for extra smoothness)

→ Garnish (optional)

04 - Fresh dill fronds or edible flowers

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the wavy grey crackers in overlapping rows on a dark blue slate or serving platter to mimic ocean waves.
02 - In a small bowl, whip the softened goat cheese with heavy cream, if using, until smooth and spreadable.
03 - Using two teaspoons or a piping bag, place small mounds of goat cheese atop each cracker to resemble whitecaps.
04 - Garnish each cheese mound with a sprig of dill or a small edible flower as desired.
05 - Present the assembled dish immediately to maintain freshness and visual appeal.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes but looks like you spent half the day preparing something precious.
  • People actually pause and admire it before eating, which rarely happens with finger food.
  • The tangy goat cheese against the salty crunch of charcoal crackers creates a flavor combination that keeps people reaching back for more.
02 -
  • The slate or platter matters more than you'd think—a light-colored plate drains all the visual drama and turns this into just another appetizer.
  • Goat cheese from the refrigerator is a lost cause; let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes while you prep everything else, or you'll struggle.
03 -
  • Arrange your crackers in the direction they'll be eaten—in rows leading from the platter to the plate—so guests naturally understand the flow.
  • If you're making this more than 30 minutes ahead, keep the goat cheese dollops covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator and let them return to room temperature just before serving.
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