Food Styling, Two Ways

Pimento Cheese Cups and Melon Art!

Happy May! We’ve made it to one of my favorite months, and I’m feeling inspired by the anticipation of fresh summer produce and al fresco gatherings. If you couldn’t tell already, I love food styling. Something as simple as adding edible flowers or herbs to an appetizer, or using a funky platter, can really elevate a dish. Today I’m bringing you two of my favorite presentation ideas!

Coupes and Cups

Whether it’s pasta salad or a creamy dip, plating in a single serve format is a cute way to make your guests feel special at a gathering. Here I made a delicious pimento cheese dip, served up in small glass pudding cups. I placed cucumber, celery and crackers in each one with a garnish of fresh thyme. Perfect for Derby Day celebrations this weekend. They turned out super cute and I now plan on doing this with a plethora of other apps!

Pimento Cheese

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup jarred pimentos

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Celery, cucumbers and crackers for serving

• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, mix the cream cheese and mayo until smooth.

2. Add in pimento peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined.

3. Transfer to a medium sized bowl and fold in the cheddar cheese.

4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Scoop into individual serving cups and garnish with more cheese, cucumber, celery, crackers and thyme. Serve additional veggies and crackers on the side.

Cubes, Cubes and More Cubes!

Slicing and dicing cheese and fruit can go a very long way. It might take a while to do so, but the end result is like a work of art. I originally made this feta, mozzarella and melon “salad” in 2021, and it’s recently made a comeback on the internet. I love how the colors pop, and the presentation acts as a striking centerpiece on your appetizer table.

All you need is a block of low moisture mozzarella, a block of feta, watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Slice all into even cubes and arrange on a platter. Top with basil or mint, and sprinkle with citrus fennel flaky salt (as simple as just combining lemon zest and fennel with salt!) I also served this with balsamic glaze on the side for an additional flavor pairing.

Let me know some of your favorite food styling tips in the comments :)