You might have seen, just like I did, this viral TikTok recipe: cubes of feta and watermelon arranged in a checkerboard for an elegant starter. When I came across it, I immediately thought of trying a more French version with my favorite cheese, Comté, paired with blackberries! The result looks amazing, and I know it’s going to become a classic every time I host friends.
An elegant starter inspired by a viral recipe
I’m not really one to follow viral recipes… and yet, this appetizer caught my eye because it’s so pretty! I confess, I’d never have come up with the idea for this checkerboard without social networking.
In fact, it was thanks to Instagram and Tiktok that I discovered other great recipes, like the famous Baked Feta Pasta that I still make regularly today. Incidentally, one of my own recipes has also gone viral: my Tarte Tatin with caramelized onions. A must-try, why not with this comté checkerboard as a starter!
Recipe card
Checkerboard Appetizer: The Viral TikTok Recipe with Comté and Blackberries
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I’ve tried a French version of the viral TikTok recipe: aperitif checkerboard with comté cheese and blackberries. Elegant, quick and perfect for impressing your friends!
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Using a sharp knife, remove the rind from the Comté and cut into 2 cm cubes.
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Arrange the comté cheese cubes and blackberries on a plate, alternating them to form a pretty checkerboard pattern.
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Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and place a few thyme leaves on each Comté cube.
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Pepper lightly and serve immediately, accompanied by slices of toast.
Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 0.1mg
My Tips for a Pretty Aperitif Checkerboard!
This recipe is super simple but I still have a few tips to give you:
- Make-ahead: Prepare the checkerboard a few hours in advance and keep in a cool place. Just add the oil and thyme at the last minute.
- Variation ideas:
- Cheeses: replace comté with feta cheese (as in the original TikTok recipe), brie, small mozzarella balls or Emmental.
- Fruits/vegetables: try cubes of watermelon, melon, olives or even cucumber.
If you’re looking for other elegant starter ideas, try my salmon rillettesmy cold melon, basil and mint soupperfect for a refined summer meal, or my savory herb and parmesan cookiesideal for a chic aperitif!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the checkerboard a few hours beforehand, but add the oil and thyme just before serving.
Use a sharp knife to cut evenly-sized cubes and line them up neatly on your dish.
You can replace the blackberries with cubes of watermelon, melon, grapes, olives or even cherry tomatoes.