About

YOU GO-TO SOURCE FOR SIMPLE, FANCY APPETIZERS

Meet The Founder

**MARISSA MULLEN** is a NYC and Hudson Valley-based bestselling two-time 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 unique cheese pairings and an avid party host, Marissa brings her passion for food to life in fresh, unexpected ways. Beyond recipe development and photography, 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, Live with Kelly and Ryan, 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. It earned accolades as Amazon’s Editor’s Pick for 2020 and a spot on The Wall Street Journal's Bestseller List. Her second cookbook, That Cheese Plate Wants to Party, innovates with 40 new cheese boards, drink pairings, color palettes, tablescape ideas, and curated playlists. Her forthcoming third cookbook (Spring 2026) expands on her love for appetizers and cheese pairings, offering even more interactive ways to entertain and host—reinventing the dinner party as a communal act of joy and connection.

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 has redefined the art of gathering, inspiring authenticity and delight in the present moment.

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Headshot Photos by Noel McGrath