Serengeti Sunset Apricots Gouda (Print View)

Vivid orange layers of apricots and smoked gouda combine for a stunning vegetarian appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots, deep orange and plump

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced into thin rectangles

→ Garnish

03 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Place parchment paper or a serving platter on your work surface.
02 - Arrange dried apricots horizontally in a slightly overlapping row to create the first band.
03 - Position a layer of smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricot band, edges touching and slightly overlapping apricots.
04 - Continue layering apricots and smoked Gouda alternately, creating at least three bands of each for a sunset effect.
05 - Gently press each layer to keep bands neat and aligned.
06 - Sprinkle chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper over the layers as desired.
07 - Serve immediately using a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, which is exactly the kind of magic we all need.
  • The smoky-sweet balance between Gouda and apricots hits you in an unexpected way, making it far more interesting than most cheese boards.
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free without feeling like you're missing anything.
02 -
  • The apricots will release a tiny bit of moisture as they sit, so serve within an hour or the bottom band gets soggy—it's still delicious but loses that structured look you worked for.
  • Smoked Gouda can taste sharp or even bitter if your brand is particularly aggressive, so taste a thin slice first; if it feels overpowering, mix in a softer cheese or go with smoked cheddar instead.
03 -
  • Make this up to two hours ahead and keep it cool—the structure holds better and the flavors meld slightly, creating something even more cohesive than the fresh version.
  • If Gouda feels too expensive or hard to find, smoked cheddar delivers ninety percent of the magic at half the fuss and often less money.
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