Bring the Mess, Forget the Rules
This isn’t about perfect symmetry or Pinterest perfection. It’s about dumping all the stuff you love onto a board and realizing that rustic, haphazard arrangement isn’t a flaw—it’s the point. Before I ever measured out clever little piles, I just slapped down whatever was in the fridge. That scent of roasted cherry tomatoes mingling with salty crackers and sharp cheddar—that’s what makes this feel real. So much of what we prep for holidays is sterile, premeditated. But the best bites happen when you give into the chaos. July 4th is messy anyway—hot sun, spills, fireworks. The snack board should reflect that. No one expects a perfectly curated spread, just something you toss together that screams ‘I care enough, but I’m also drowning in watermelon slices.’
Rustic Snack Board
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 15 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and fragrant.2 cups cherry tomatoes
- While the tomatoes roast, cut the cheddar cheese into uneven, rustic chunks using a chef’s knife to enhance the haphazard aesthetic. Arrange the crackers and cheese on a large serving board, leaving space for the roasted tomatoes.1 cup crackers, 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- Once the cherry tomatoes are done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Then, scatter them loosely over the cheese and crackers on the board. Their juicy, blistered appearance adds color and texture variance.2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Garnish the board with additional casual touches if desired, such as slices of watermelon or a handful of nuts. Serve immediately to enjoy the mix of warm, roasted tomatoes with crunchy crackers and creamy cheese.
And maybe that’s the secret. Let the board be ugly in the best way—imperfect, full of surprises, and totally unpretentious. Like your favorite uncle’s jokes, or a burnt hotdog. That’s the charm, right?
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