Diamond Inlay Appetizer (Print Version)

A creamy cheese ring with a luxurious caviar or tapenade center for special occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cream Cheese Layer

01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 tablespoon sour cream
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Center Diamond

05 - 1.5 oz black caviar (optional, for pescatarian)
06 - OR 1.5 oz black olive tapenade (vegetarian option)

→ Garnish & Serving

07 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or dill
08 - Crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices

# How to Make It:

01 - In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
02 - Place a round ring mold or cookie cutter approximately 3 inches in diameter on the serving platter.
03 - Using a spoon or piping bag, create a thick, even ring of the cream cheese mixture along the inside edge of the mold, leaving the center empty.
04 - Spoon the black caviar or olive tapenade carefully into the center, smoothing it to resemble a diamond shape.
05 - Gently lift away the ring mold to reveal the clean cream cheese inlay with the center filling.
06 - Sprinkle the top with finely chopped chives or dill for color contrast.
07 - Serve immediately accompanied by crackers, blinis, or toasted baguette slices.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours when you actually spent fifteen minutes, which is the kind of magic every home cook needs.
  • The contrast between the cool, tangy cream cheese and whatever jewel sits in the center—caviar or tapenade—makes every bite feel special.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about removing that ring mold and seeing the shape emerge perfectly formed.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't truly softened, the ring will be lumpy and won't pipe smoothly—this is the one thing worth waiting an extra thirty minutes for.
  • Assembly must happen close to serving time or the cream cheese will absorb moisture from the caviar and begin to weep; this dish lives in the moment.
03 -
  • If you want the diamond shape to be truly dramatic, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean edges instead of relying on a mold.
  • A tiny squeeze of good quality olive oil drizzled across the top right before serving adds a whisper of something luxurious without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Go Back