Snail Shell Spiral Dish (Printable)

Thinly sliced roasted vegetables layered in a vibrant spiral with goat cheese and herbs create a stunning appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced lengthwise
02 - 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced lengthwise
05 - 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise

→ Cheese & Dairy

06 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
07 - 2 tbsp crème fraîche

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - ½ tsp sea salt
12 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 1 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
14 - Microgreens, for garnish (optional)

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Brush vegetable slices lightly with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
03 - Arrange slices on the tray in a single layer and roast for 10 to 12 minutes until pliable but not browned. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Combine softened goat cheese, crème fraîche, chopped basil, and thyme in a small bowl; mix until smooth.
05 - On a large serving plate, spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture in a spiral starting from the center and winding outward.
06 - Starting from the center, place roasted vegetable slices in an overlapping continuous spiral over the cheese, alternating colors for visual appeal.
07 - Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and optionally garnish with microgreens.
08 - Serve at room temperature as an appetizer or light lunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, but it takes less than an hour from start to table
  • Every slice is a perfect balance of creamy cheese and tender roasted vegetables that taste even better at room temperature
  • It's naturally vegetarian and so elegant that no one will miss meat, even if they usually do
02 -
  • If your vegetables are too thick, they won't soften properly in the oven and they'll snap when you try to arrange them. Use a mandoline slicer or take your time with a sharp knife. Consistency is everything.
  • The vegetables must cool completely before you arrange them, otherwise they'll wilt further from their own heat and the cheese will melt unevenly. Patience here pays off in the final presentation.
  • Room temperature is essential because cold vegetables taste muted and cold cheese is stiff. Let this dish sit out for at least 30 minutes after plating if you've made it ahead.
03 -
  • A mandoline slicer is worth the investment for this dish because it creates uniform slices that overlap more gracefully and look more intentional than hand-sliced vegetables
  • Make sure your goat cheese is actually soft before you start. If it's cold from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes, and if it's still stubborn, add an extra tablespoon of crème fraîche to make it spreadable
Return