Tartan Plaid Jerky Cheese (Printable)

Savory jerky and cheese strips woven into a colorful plaid for a visually striking starter.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jerky

01 - 2 oz beef jerky, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 oz turkey jerky, cut into thin strips
03 - 2 oz pork jerky, cut into thin strips

→ Cheese

04 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin strips
05 - 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
06 - 2 oz smoked gouda, sliced into thin strips

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Arrange a clean cutting board or platter as your work surface.
02 - Lay out half of the jerky strips vertically, alternating colors to create a plaid effect.
03 - Starting at one edge, weave the cheese strips horizontally over and under the jerky, alternating cheese types to form a woven pattern.
04 - Continue weaving the remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating directions and colors to mimic a tartan plaid.
05 - Gently press the woven arrangement to help it hold its shape.
06 - Trim the edges if desired for a neat presentation.
07 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness, if using.
08 - Serve immediately as part of a charcuterie board or cut into squares for individual servings.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it when you literally spent twenty minutes, which is the best kind of kitchen magic.
  • Everyone gets to eat something they genuinely love because jerky and cheese are basically on everyone's desert island list.
  • Zero cooking means your kitchen stays cool and your stress stays lower, especially perfect for hot summer gatherings.
02 -
  • Slice your jerky and cheese as uniformly thin as you can manage—thick, uneven strips won't weave properly and the whole thing falls apart faster than you'd expect.
  • Work on a completely dry surface because moisture is the enemy of holding a woven structure; any dampness and your carefully constructed pattern becomes sad and floppy.
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced cheese when you can find it; it saves time and ensures consistent thickness that makes weaving infinitely easier.
  • Chill your jerky and cheese for thirty minutes before assembling if your kitchen is warm, because cold ingredients hold their shape better during the weaving process.
Go Back