ABOUT THAT CHEESE PLATE

Meet The Founder

**MARISSA MULLEN** is a NYC and Hudson Valley-based bestselling cookbook author, food stylist, content creator, and appetizer enthusiast. She is the founder of **That Cheese Plate**, a widely recognized lifestyle brand for cheese plate inspiration and recipes, and the creator of the **Cheese By Numbers** method, a step-by-step approach to creative food styling. Known for pioneering the cheese and charcuterie trend in popular culture, Marissa transforms simplicity into edible art.

A pro at crafting memorable cheese pairings and an avid party host, Marissa brings her passion for food to life in fresh, unexpected ways. Beyond recipe development and creative direction, she teaches That Cheese Class, the first-ever “build your own board” experience of its kind. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, The New York Times, Business Insider, and Food & Wine, among others. She also served as the Resident Cheese Contributor at Food52 for two years.

Marissa’s debut cookbook, That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life, explores cheese plate-making as a grounding, meditative practice and earned accolades as Amazon’s Editor’s Pick for 2020 and a spot on The Wall Street Journal Bestseller List. Her second cookbook, That Cheese Plate Wants to Party, expanded the concept with 40 new cheese boards alongside drink pairings, color palettes, tablescape ideas, and curated playlists.

Her third cookbook, I’ll Bring the Apps (3/3/26), reimagines the dinner party as a “snacky party,” celebrating the art of gathering through appetizers. The book shows how to mix bites, bowls, boards, and beverages into flavorful, flexible menus, offering interactive and joyful ways to entertain.

With a passion for blending entertainment and culinary artistry, Marissa is dedicated to fostering connection through creativity, intentionality, and the simple pleasure of sharing food. Her innovative approach to cheese plates and snacky hosting continues to redefine the art of gathering, inspiring authenticity and delight in the present moment.

Stay up to date with EXTRA SHARP, Marissa’s substack.

Headshot Photos by Noel McGrath