Diamond Inlay Cream Cheese (Printable Version)

Elegant appetizer with whipped cheese ring and caviar or tapenade center. Perfect for special occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cream Cheese Layer

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 tbsp sour cream
03 - 1 tsp lemon juice
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Center Diamond

05 - 1.5 oz black caviar (luxury option) OR
06 - 1.5 oz black olive tapenade (vegetarian option)

→ Garnish & Serving

07 - 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or dill
08 - Crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices

# Directions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl; mix until smooth and fluffy.
02 - Place an 3-inch diameter ring mold or cookie cutter onto the serving platter.
03 - Using a spoon or piping bag, pipe a thick, even ring of the cream cheese mixture along the inside edge of the mold, leaving the center empty.
04 - Carefully spoon the caviar or tapenade into the center of the ring, smoothing it into a diamond shape.
05 - Gently lift and remove the ring mold to display the clean diamond inlay.
06 - Sprinkle finely chopped chives or dill over the top for color.
07 - Present immediately with crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks far more complicated than it actually is, which means you'll impress people without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The cool, creamy richness contrasts beautifully with whatever you choose for the center—either that briny luxury of caviar or the warm earthiness of tapenade.
  • It's naturally elegant enough for a dinner party but so easy you can pull it together while guests are still arriving.
02 -
  • Assemble this as close to serving time as possible—the cream cheese edges stay sharp for about thirty minutes and then slowly begin to soften into the platter.
  • If your ring mold sticks, dip it briefly in hot water and dry it before placing it, or use plastic wrap on the platter beneath the mold for easier removal.
03 -
  • If you don't have a mold, you can pipe concentric circles of cream cheese on the platter and create a geometric shape, then fill the center and smooth everything into a cohesive diamond.
  • The night before serving, whip your cream cheese mixture and keep it covered in the refrigerator; it actually stays fresher and fluffier this way, and you're only left with assembly on the day.
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