Fossil herb cheese nuts (Printable Version)

Soft cheese patterned with herbs and paired with cracked nuts for a savory, elegant appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 9 oz soft cheese (e.g., goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta)

→ Herbs & Imprints

02 - 1 small bunch fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro, chervil, or mixed)
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz assorted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts), in shell if possible
05 - 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

# Directions:

01 - Line a small tray or plate with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
02 - Spread the soft cheese to about 3/4 inch thickness into a rough oval or round shape on the tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.
03 - Gently press fresh herb sprigs, leaves, or fronds into the cheese surface to form fossil-like imprints; carefully lift the herbs to reveal detailed impressions.
04 - Optionally, brush the cheese surface lightly with olive oil to add a subtle sheen.
05 - Scatter cracked nuts and shell fragments around the cheese for an archeological effect.
06 - Sprinkle with sea salt if desired and serve immediately with crackers or fresh bread, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it when you actually spent fifteen minutes, which feels like a small magic trick you can pull off before guests arrive.
  • The creamy cheese and crunchy nuts together create a textural surprise that makes people reach for another piece.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free without any fussy substitutions, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
02 -
  • If your cheese is too cold, it will crack when you press herbs into it; let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes so it becomes forgiving and pliable.
  • The herbs will stick slightly when you first press them in, but a gentle wiggle and lift removes them cleanly and leaves the impression sharp and defined.
03 -
  • Use herbs that are just barely damp but not wet; moisture helps them press into the cheese cleanly without sticking.
  • If you're serving this more than thirty minutes after assembly, wait to add the herbs until just before guests arrive so the impressions stay crisp and defined.
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