Checkerboard Appetizer: The Viral TikTok Recipe with Comté and Blackberries

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

5.00 (2 reviews)

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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Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• 1½ cup of Comté cheese 150 g
• 15 blackberries
• 1 drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions 

1. Using a sharp knife, remove the rind from the Comté and cut into 2 cm cubes.
2. Arrange the comté cheese cubes and blackberries on a plate, alternating them to form a pretty checkerboard pattern.
3. Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and place a few thyme leaves on each Comté cube.
4. Pepper lightly and serve immediately, accompanied by slices of toast.

Nutrition facts

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

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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 rillettes, my cold melon, basil and mint soup, perfect for a refined summer meal, or my savory herb and parmesan cookies, ideal for a chic aperitif!

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