Rustic log cabin appetizer (Printable)

A rustic appetizer featuring layered pretzels and cheese slices with fresh herbs and peppers.

# What You Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 24 large pretzel rods
02 - 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 4-5 inch long by 0.5 inch thick planks
03 - 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced into 4-5 inch long by 0.5 inch thick planks

→ Garnish & Extras

04 - 0.5 cup whipped cream cheese or soft cheese spread
05 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
07 - Crackers, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Cut cheddar and mozzarella into uniform planks approximately 4 to 5 inches long and 0.5 inches thick.
02 - Place a rectangular serving board or platter measuring about 6 by 4 inches to serve as the foundation.
03 - Arrange pretzel rods in a rectangle to form the outer frame of the log cabin base on the board.
04 - Alternate layering pretzel rods and cheese slices in a log cabin fashion, using dollops of whipped cream cheese as adhesive when necessary.
05 - Continue layering until reaching 4 to 5 layers in height, finishing with a final layer of cheese.
06 - Use additional cheese slices to create a roof and garnish with diced red bell pepper for windows, doors, or chimney details.
07 - Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the structure for a rustic appearance and serve alongside crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes just 20 minutes—the perfect confidence boost for entertaining.
  • No cooking required means zero stress and a cool, hands-on activity that even kids find magical to watch you build.
  • The combination of salty pretzels, creamy cheese, and fresh herb garnish creates a flavor balance that keeps people reaching for more.
02 -
  • Cut your cheese slices uniform in thickness—I learned this the hard way when my third layer kept tilting because the slices were uneven. Uniformity makes the whole structure stable and professional-looking.
  • Don't skip the cream cheese mortar between layers. It's not just decoration; it's actually what holds everything together and prevents the pretzels from sliding when people grab them.
03 -
  • Use the longest, straightest pretzel rods you can find—they're easier to handle and create cleaner lines that really showcase your architecture.
  • Chill your cheese slices for 10 minutes before building if you're working in a warm kitchen; cold cheese holds its shape better and is less likely to slip during stacking.
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