I’m going to switch gears a bit today and do some holiday appetizers. Next to dessert, appetizers are my favorite thing to make. It’s the preamble to all good meals and it’s a great way to get the party started, especially if you set up a DIY tartlet bar.
I love this idea. It gets everyone moving and talking.
To get started, make sure you set up the table where it can be approached from both sides and it’s best to have a few ideas presented to get people going. The key to making a successful DIY Tartlet Bar is stocking it with high quality ingredients. The variety of cheeses not only makes it so there is a little something for everyone, but it also creates the savory base for fun pairings with fruits, cold cuts, herbs, nuts and many other things.
A few of my favorites cheeses are: Président Manchego, Rondelé Garlic & Herbs, Président Camembert and Société Roquefort. The combinations you see here are pretty simple. I like the sweet play of strawberries on Roquefort, punched up with a peppery bite of watercress. But the fruity bite with the fig and raspberries is my favorite—the low acidity from the raspberries is just enough to complement the creaminess of the Camembert while the fig rounds out the bite with its sweet subtleness.
For the meat lovers combination, click here to see my fun pairing of Manchego cheese with microgreens, an egg wedge and prosciutto; along with the Rondelé Garlic & Herbs paired with smoked salmon. While you are there, make sure you enter to win $50 worth of your own Président cheese, by visiting the ArtOfCheese.com, where you can download a coupon and enter the Pinterest sweepstakes, plus find more holiday recipes and product information.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation by Lactalis; however, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love this, such a great appetizer idea!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
This is such a great idea. Love it!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
What a cute idea! So creative 🙂
Steph says
This is so awesome!!!
Angelyn @ Everyday Desserts says
Love this post – the pictures are gorgeous!!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
This is such a fun idea!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
That first picture? Is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen!!
Tieghan Gerard says
This is appetizer perfection!! Gorgeous!
Jenny Flake says
These are so much fun Naomi! So beautiful! xo
X says
Where do you buy the tartlets?
Erika says
This is such a great idea! And those photos are stunning.
Barbara says
Beautiful photos! I can’t wait to make this!
erin says
Beautiful pictures. Where does one find the tart shells?
Maria says
So fun! I love President Cheese!
marla says
Such a GREAT idea for a party!!! Pinned!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I am totally in love with this! Gorgeous photos, Naomi.
V says
What a creative idea! A great way to hold a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving with a lot of guests 🙂
Nicole says
I’m in love with this! So easy and beautiful. Can’t go wrong with fresh fruit and amazing cheeses!
sel says
are these tartlets homemade or store bought? and do you have a recipe for them? thank you
naomi says
They are pre-made and were purchased from Amazon.
naomi says
Hi Erin – They are pre-made and purchased from Amazon.
naomi says
Hi Sel – They are pre-made and purchased from Amazon.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
What a great idea of an appetizer. So many great choices and pairings!
ellie | fit for the soul says
My jaw just dropped…….this is sooo clever, simple, and sophisticated. I love the sound of a DIY _____ bar for Thanksgiving. Maybe I should set one up for our gathering this year??? And that first picture is too cool, Naomi! 😀 You’re the queen of doing things “differently” when it comes to creativity.
Julie @ Table for Two says
LOVE the idea of a tartlet bar!! So clever!!
naleśniki says
Sooo… want to come be my neighbor and make this for me? Please?
Gaby says
This is a genius idea, so fun!!!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
These are all so gorgeous!! I love a cheese bar, but this tartlet bar is exceptional!
Heather Christo says
What a great idea and the MOST beautiful pictures!
erin says
Thanks!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
I love cheese so this is right up my alley. I’d find this table on Thanksgiving and never leave!
sel says
thank you! certainly a wonderful idea for
replacing those ‘chips’
Shanna @ pineapple and coconut says
What a great idea!!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
This is totally brilliant Naomi!! And oh so lusciously gorgeous!
La Cuisine d'Hélène says
I would make them all, we love appetizers in the house!