Tuscan Sunburst Lemon Cheese (Printable)

Bright yellow bell peppers paired with lemon-infused goat cheese and crisp breadsticks for a fresh starter.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into thin strips

→ Cheese Mixture

02 - 7 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Bread

08 - 12 Italian breadsticks (grissini)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened goat cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
02 - On a large serving platter, arrange the yellow bell pepper strips in a circular pattern to mimic sun rays, leaving the center clear.
03 - Spoon the lemon-infused goat cheese into the center of the platter, shaping it into a neat circle or dome.
04 - Position the breadsticks around the platter, radiating outward from the cheese center to form additional sun rays.
05 - Serve immediately, using the breadsticks and bell pepper strips to scoop the cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it but actually takes less time than a good shower.
  • The bright lemon cuts through the richness of goat cheese in a way that makes people ask for the recipe immediately.
  • You can assemble it right on the table and watch people's faces light up at the visual.
02 -
  • The peppers release water if they sit too long, so assemble this no more than 30 minutes before serving or the rays will start to wilt.
  • Room temperature goat cheese makes all the difference—cold cheese from the fridge won't mix smoothly and will have a grainy texture that fights against the lemon brightness.
03 -
  • Zest your lemons over the cheese bowl so you don't lose any of that fragrant oil—it carries so much flavor and aroma.
  • Set up your platter and ingredients on the table 15 minutes before guests arrive so people have time to admire it before diving in.
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