Black and White Formal Affair (Printable Version)

A striking black and white arrangement with mozzarella, olives, rye bread, and textured seeds for elegant entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Black Elements

01 - 3.5 oz pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise)
02 - 8 slices dark rye bread
03 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
04 - 8 black mission figs, halved (optional)

→ White Elements

05 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
06 - 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella (from large ball)
07 - 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
08 - 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
09 - 16 peeled blanched almonds

→ Garnish and Assembly

10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
12 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Cut dark rye bread slices into squares, triangles, or rectangles using a sharp knife. Arrange the pieces in alternating rows or patterns on a large platter.
02 - Place black olives and mozzarella balls in alternating lines or circles on the platter, creating a sharp black-and-white contrast.
03 - Slice the large mozzarella ball thinly and arrange the slices in geometric shapes alongside the rye bread pieces.
04 - Scatter black sesame seeds over the white mozzarella and white sesame seeds over the rye bread for added texture and visual interest.
05 - If using, halve black mission figs and place them strategically to provide contrast and a hint of sweetness.
06 - Place blanched almonds in minimalist clusters or lines to enhance white accents on the platter.
07 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and bread. Lightly season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
08 - Using a knife tip, gently scrape vanilla seeds from the pod and dot them artistically atop mozzarella slices to add an elegant aromatic note.
09 - Serve immediately to retain crispness, or cover and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing, but comes together in just 25 minutes—letting you focus on enjoying your guests instead of sweating in the kitchen
  • No cooking required means you can assemble this hours ahead and simply refrigerate, taking one major stress off your shoulders before company arrives
  • Every element is a texture and flavor contrast—creamy cheese, briny olives, nutty almonds, and crisp bread all playing together perfectly
  • The black and white color story is so visually striking that people will assume you're far more of a designer than you probably are
02 -
  • Wet mozzarella will weep liquid and destroy your clean lines—always drain your cheese thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before arranging. This one thing makes the difference between 'pretty' and 'stunning'
  • The vanilla bean is optional but it's the secret weapon. Skip it only if you're strictly savory-minded. Most people will taste it and wonder what makes this platter different from every other cheese board
  • Assemble this no more than an hour ahead. The rye bread stays crispest when it hasn't been sitting with oil on it too long, and the mozzarella is creamiest when it's only recently chilled
  • Stand back and look at the whole platter before serving. Sometimes moving one element a few inches completely changes how the eye travels across it
03 -
  • Choose a platter in white, black, or natural wood—anything that makes your ingredients the star, not a competing color story. Marble is particularly stunning
  • If vanilla seeds look too scattered, arrange them in intentional lines or patterns rather than randomly dotting them—it feels more designed
  • Pair this with a dry sparkling wine or crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and echoes the briny olives. Avoid heavy reds that would overpower the delicate balance you've created
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