Tartan Plaid Jerky Cheese (Printable)

Savory jerky and creamy cheese strips woven to mimic a classic tartan plaid for easy entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jerky

01 - 2 oz beef jerky, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 oz turkey jerky, cut into thin strips
03 - 2 oz pork jerky, cut into thin strips

→ Cheese

04 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin strips
05 - 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
06 - 2 oz smoked gouda, sliced into thin strips

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place a clean cutting board or serving platter on your work surface.
02 - Lay out half of the jerky strips vertically, alternating between beef, turkey, and pork to create a varied plaid effect.
03 - Starting at one edge, weave cheese strips horizontally over and under the jerky strips, alternating cheese types for a woven pattern.
04 - Continue weaving the remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating directions and colors to replicate a tartan plaid design.
05 - Gently press the woven layers to help maintain shape and trim edges if desired for a tidy presentation.
06 - Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the top for added color and freshness, if using.
07 - Serve immediately as part of a charcuterie board or cut into squares for individual portions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks showstopping but takes barely twenty minutes, so you can spend time with guests instead of stressing in the kitchen.
  • The salty-savory jerky and creamy cheese combination hits that sweet spot between protein-packed and genuinely crave-able.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so everyone at your table can enjoy it without worry.
02 -
  • Cut your jerky and cheese into truly thin, even strips or the weaving becomes frustrating and your pattern falls apart—I learned this the hard way with thick chunks.
  • If you're prepping ahead, cover everything tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for no more than two hours, or the cheese starts sweating and the jerky softens.
03 -
  • Use a long, thin, flexible knife or even dental floss to help guide your weaving—it keeps tension even and prevents fumbling.
  • Arrange your strips the night before on a sheet of parchment, then transfer everything to your serving platter just before guests arrive for a zero-stress final presentation.
Go Back