Save My friend Sarah showed up to a dinner party once with a cheese board that looked like an actual landscape, and I realized that night how much the presentation matters as much as the taste. When I developed The Stepping Stones, I wanted to capture that same sense of playful whimsy—the idea that appetizers don't have to be complicated to feel intentional and memorable. It's basically an edible game, where three creamy, nutty, and tangy cheeses become little islands you hop across a sea of blue corn chips. The first time I arranged them, my nephew asked if they were actually meant to be walked on, and I knew I'd nailed the concept.
I made this for a potluck last autumn when everyone was tired of the same old veggie platter, and watching people actually gather around the platter instead of just grabbing and leaving felt like a small victory. Someone's grandmother asked for the recipe, which never happens at potlucks, and that moment made me realize this wasn't just clever plating—it was genuinely good.
Ingredients
- Goat cheese log, 150g: This one's tangy and creamy, cutting through the richness of the other cheeses and giving your palate a little wake-up call with each bite.
- Brie cheese, 150g (well-chilled): Keep this cold before slicing or it'll be impossible to handle, but once it warms slightly on the tongue, that buttery flavor is pure luxury.
- Smoked gouda, 150g: The smoky depth here is what ties everything together and keeps people from getting cheese fatigue halfway through.
- Blue corn tortilla chips, 150g: These aren't just a base—they're earthy and slightly sweet, creating a genuine flavor story instead of just being a vehicle for cheese.
- Fresh chives, 2 tbsp finely chopped: A whisper of onion and freshness that prevents the board from feeling too heavy, even with all that cheese.
- Cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp: Don't skip this or use pre-ground; the visual texture and bite make all the difference.
- Pomegranate seeds, 2 tbsp: These jewel-like bursts add a tart pop and make the whole thing photograph like a magazine spread.
- Honey, 2 tbsp: Just a drizzle transforms this from savory to sweet-savory in the best possible way.
Instructions
- Slice Your Stepping Stones:
- Using a sharp cheese knife, cut each cheese into 1-cm thick rounds—aim for pieces roughly the size of a golf ball. If the brie is soft, pop all your slices in the fridge for 10 minutes before arranging.
- Create Your River:
- On a large platter or board, arrange the blue corn chips in a loose, winding path like a river running through a landscape. This isn't about perfection; let it curve and meander naturally.
- Place Your Stepping Stones:
- Now for the fun part—lay your cheese rounds across the chip river as if someone's actually meant to hop from one to the next. Alternate between the three cheeses so no two of the same type sit next to each other.
- Add Your Details:
- Scatter the chopped chives and cracked pepper over the cheese rounds, then dot the pomegranate seeds along the sides of the chip river for little pops of color and flavor.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle honey lightly over some of the cheese rounds, allowing the sweetness to pool slightly in the crevices. Serve immediately while everything is still cool and the contrasts are sharp.
Save There's something wonderful about watching people's faces when they realize this playful little board is actually delicious, not just decoration. It became my go-to when I wanted to impress without stress.
Choosing Your Cheeses Wisely
The three cheeses here represent a flavor spectrum—tangy, creamy, and smoky—but you have flexibility if you want to swap them out. The only rule is to pick cheeses with different personalities so each bite feels slightly different. Manchego instead of smoked gouda works beautifully if you want something a bit milder, and aged cheddar gives you a sharper bite if you like that. The key is that each cheese should be sturdy enough to slice cleanly without crumbling or melting under knife pressure.
Building Boards That Actually Work
Once I started thinking about cheese boards as actual compositions rather than just random arrangements, everything got better. The stepping stone concept works because it creates movement across the platter, which draws the eye and makes people want to try each cheese in sequence. I've learned that these visual narratives actually make food taste better because people slow down and appreciate what they're eating instead of mindlessly grabbing. The height variation—cheese rounds stacked slightly above the flat chips—also makes everything feel more intentional and less like a board someone threw together five minutes before guests arrived.
Variations and Flavor Adventures
This recipe is honestly your playground once you understand the basic formula. I've made stepping stone boards with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto scattered nearby, others with candied walnuts replacing the pomegranate seeds for a warmer vibe. One winter I added fresh rosemary sprigs as little trees along the river, which sounds silly but totally changed the mood. The point is that the structure gives you permission to get creative while knowing the foundation will hold.
- Swap the honey for hot sauce or a spicy drizzle if you want to wake people up with heat instead of sweetness.
- Replace pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries or apricots for a different texture and tartness level.
- Try smoked paprika mixed into cracked pepper for extra depth and color on top of the cheese rounds.
Save The Stepping Stones reminds me why I love cooking in the first place—it's not always about complex techniques, but about creating moments where people feel welcome and delighted. Serve this warm or cold, with wine or sparkling water, and watch it disappear faster than you'd expect for something that's basically just cheese and chips.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best for this dish?
A combination of soft goat cheese, creamy brie, and smoked gouda provides contrasting textures and rich flavors that complement each other well.
- → Can I substitute blue corn chips?
Yes, regular tortilla chips can be used if blue corn chips are unavailable, though the vibrant color adds to the presentation.
- → How should I slice the cheese for best results?
Slice cheeses into 1-cm thick rounds and chill them for about 10 minutes to make handling easier and maintain shape.
- → Are there garnish options that enhance flavor?
Fresh chives, cracked black pepper, pomegranate seeds, and a light drizzle of honey enhance both visual appeal and taste.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The dish is gluten-free if using certified gluten-free blue corn chips; always check packaging for allergens.