Stacked crackers with sharp cheddar, Havarti, and folded cured meats create a vibrant urban-inspired appetizer.
# Components:
→ Cracker Layer
01 - 12 rectangular or square seeded crackers (2x4 inch), sturdy type such as rye crispbread or whole-grain flatbread
→ Cheese Layer
02 - 6 ounces aged sharp cheddar, cut into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes
03 - 6 ounces creamy Havarti, cut into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes
→ Meat Layer
04 - 6 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
05 - 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
→ Garnish
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
07 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
08 - 12 small fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Wash hands thoroughly and sanitize all surfaces and tools. Arrange crackers, cheeses, meats, and garnishes separately for easy access and efficient workflow.
02 - Cut aged sharp cheddar and creamy Havarti into precise 1-inch cubes using a sharp chef’s knife. Wipe blade between cuts to prevent sticking and ensure clean edges.
03 - Fold each slice of Genoa salami and prosciutto lengthwise in half, then again to form loose ribbons that add volume without compacting the meat.
04 - Place a single unbroken cracker flat on the serving platter. Test stability by pressing gently in the center; discard any cracked crackers to avoid collapsing stacks.
05 - Arrange cheddar and Havarti cubes side by side along the cracker. Position folded salami and prosciutto ribbons upright on corresponding cheese cubes, alternating layers to create a linear cityscape profile. Use 2–4 cheese cubes and 2–4 folded meats per cracker depending on size.
06 - Insert a 6-inch cocktail pick through the center of each stack, piercing cheese and meat layers into the cracker to maintain vertical structure and ease serving.
07 - Continue building stacks with remaining ingredients, varying height and order for an authentic skyline effect.
08 - Sprinkle chopped chives and black sesame seeds over tops and between stacks. Nestle a small basil leaf beside each skewer for fresh aroma and visual contrast.
09 - Present the platter for immediate consumption to preserve cracker crispness and cheese freshness. If needed, cover loosely and refrigerate no longer than 2 hours; add basil leaves just before serving.
