Andy Montoya
Meat and cheese trays are a popular appetizer or snack option for gatherings and parties. They are usually served on a board, tray, or plate and consist of an assortment of meats, cheeses, crackers, dips, and other accompaniments. While meat and cheese trays can be indulgent, there are ways to make them healthier. This includes choosing leaner meats such as roasted turkey, including fruits and vegetables, and opting for whole grain crackers. In addition, portion control is important to ensure that the meat and cheese tray remains a healthy option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of types of cheese | 2-3 types |
| Type of cheese | Hard, soft, cow, sheep, goat |
| Quantity of cheese | 2-3 oz per person |
| Presentation of cheese | Cut into cubes or thinly sliced |
| Number of types of meat | 2-3 types |
| Type of meat | Cured, lean, deli, summer sausage, peppered salami, roast beef, ham, turkey, prosciutto |
| Quantity of meat | Thinly sliced |
| Presentation of meat | Folded, rolled, fanned out, or stacked |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, dips, spreads, fruits, vegetables, pickles, olives, bread |
| Vessels | Cutting board, serving tray, butcher paper, wooden board, slate board, rimmed baking sheet, small bowls, plates, jars |
| Wine pairing | Port, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot |
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What You'll Learn
Lean meats and high-quality deli meats
If you're looking for lean meats to include in your meat and cheese tray, consider opting for turkey, chicken, and grass-finished roast beef. These are good proteins to choose when buying lunch meats. Deli meats like Black Forest Ham, Smoked Turkey, and Roast Beef are also great budget-friendly selections. When it comes to preparing your meat and cheese tray, roll each slice of deli meat tightly and stack them neatly on the platter.
When buying deli meats, it is recommended to choose fresh, sliced meat over prepackaged lunch meat. Meat sliced fresh off the bone or slab may contain natural nitrates and can be less processed, with shorter ingredient lists that omit preservatives, artificial colors, and "natural flavors". To make an informed decision, compare the ingredient lists of prepackaged meat products with their deli-sliced equivalents.
To ensure you are getting the healthiest option, opt for organic, pasture-raised, or grass-fed cuts of meat. Grass-fed and grass-finished beef from regenerative farms are lean and delicious, offering high levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and cancer-fighting antioxidants. If you want to avoid meat altogether, you can switch up your routine by substituting proteins like eggs, tofu, or beans.
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Choosing cheese types and quantities
When creating a meat and cheese tray, it's essential to choose a variety of cheese types and quantities to satisfy different tastes and create a visually appealing display. Here are some tips for selecting the right cheeses and amounts:
- Go for a mix of cheese textures: Offer your guests a range of options by including hard and soft cheeses. For example, select a firm cheese like Manchego or cheddar and contrast it with softer varieties such as goat cheese or fresh mozzarella. This ensures that your guests can enjoy different sensory experiences.
- Consider different milk sources: Opt for cheeses made from milk of various animals, including cow, sheep, and goat. This adds diversity to your tray and caters to guests with specific dietary preferences or allergies.
- Vary the flavours and intensities: From mild and creamy Swiss cheese to more pungent options like smelly cheeses, offer a range of flavour profiles to suit different palates.
- Quantity guidelines: As a rule of thumb, it's recommended to provide 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. This ensures that your guests have enough to enjoy without excessive waste. If creating a cheese board for a larger group, consider increasing the variety of cheeses to accommodate different tastes.
- Presentation tips: When arranging the cheeses on your tray, aim for an odd number of selections, such as three, five, or seven varieties. This odd number rule is believed to create a more aesthetically pleasing display. Additionally, keep the cheeses in their original shape whenever possible to add visual interest.
- Balance with other ingredients: Remember to balance the quantity of cheese with the other items on your tray. For example, if you plan to include three types of cheese, it's suggested to offer three types of meats as well, ensuring a harmonious pairing.
By following these guidelines, you can create a well-rounded and appealing meat and cheese tray that caters to different tastes and dietary preferences. Remember to have fun with your selections and get creative with your combinations!
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Wine and food pairings
Meat and cheese trays are a popular appetiser for parties and gatherings. They are easy to put together and can be made in a few minutes. The basic ingredients are meat, cheese, and crackers, but you can also add fruits, dips, and pickled relishes. When creating a meat and cheese tray, it is important to consider the quality and variety of the ingredients. For meat, choose high-quality deli meats, such as lean roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, or summer sausage. For cheese, select a variety of textures and flavours, such as firm, semi-firm, or soft cheeses.
Now, when it comes to wine and food pairings, the options are endless. Wine and cheese are well-known companions, and when paired correctly, they can enhance each other's flavours and create a delightful culinary experience. Here are some tips and suggestions for wine and food pairings, specifically for meat and cheese trays:
- Port Wine: Port wine is a dessert wine that pairs exceptionally well with meat and cheese trays, especially those that include fruits and other sweet treats. It has a good balance of flavours and complements the savoury and salty elements on the tray.
- Pinot Noir: This wine originates from Burgundy, France, but excellent variants can also be found from Oregon and Sonoma. Pinot Noir tends to balance fruit, acid, and tannin, making it a versatile choice for meat and cheese trays.
- Chardonnay: A Chardonnay, preferably from cooler climates like Burgundy or Sonoma, can be an excellent choice. Warmer regions, such as Napa Valley, may produce Chardonnays that are overly fruity or oaky for this pairing.
- Sparkling Wines: Bubbly options like Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain are always a safe bet. These sparkling wines pair well with the salty and savoury flavours of cheese, enhancing their fruit aromas.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Bright and acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc are perfect for cutting through the richness of creamy cheeses. They also pair well with pickled vegetables and relishes.
- Merlot: If you prefer less sweet reds, a Merlot is an ideal choice. It will complement the flavours on the meat and cheese tray without overwhelming them.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich cured meats and nuts on the tray can counterbalance the tannins in bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Semi-Hard Cheeses: For semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Swiss, opt for light to medium-bodied wines. A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a medium red like Cabernet Franc can offer a balanced tasting experience.
- Soft Cheeses: When dealing with soft cheeses, choose fruity reds like Pinot Noir or softer reds like Merlot or Zinfandel. These wines won't overpower the milder flavour of the cheese.
- Aged, Hard Cheeses: For stronger, saltier cheeses like aged Cheddar or Manchego, go for fruity and light-bodied white wines like sparkling wine, or medium to full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, calls for fruity and sweet wines. Try pairing it with Sherry, Riesling, or Port.
- Honey and Cheese: If you plan to serve honey with your cheese, consider a Sauternes, a dessert wine from the Bordeaux region of France. The nectar-like flavours of Sauternes complement the sweetness of the honey, while a savoury cheese adds balance.
Remember, these are just suggestions to get you started. Wine and food pairings are a subjective matter, and it's always fun to experiment with different combinations to find your favourites. Enjoy the process of creating your meat and cheese trays and exploring the wonderful world of wine pairings!
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Healthy accompaniments and alternatives
Meat and cheese trays can be made healthier by including accompaniments and alternatives that are nutritious and well-balanced. Here are some ideas to elevate your meat and cheese tray:
Healthy Accompaniments
Fruits and vegetables: Include an assortment of colourful, seasonal fruits and vegetables to add vitamins, fibre, and freshness to your tray. Cherries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes are great options.
Nuts: Sprinkle some nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for added protein, healthy fats, and crunch.
Dips and spreads: Offer dips like hummus, artichoke dip, or tzatziki made with yoghurt for a healthier twist.
Pickles and olives: Pickled items like cucumbers, onions, or olives add a tangy flavour and are often low in calories.
Whole grain crackers: Opt for whole grain or seed crackers to provide more fibre and nutrients than plain white crackers.
Healthy Alternatives
Lean meats: Choose leaner meats such as roasted turkey, chicken breast, or ham instead of fatty options like salami or pepperoni.
Low-sodium deli meats: Look for deli meats with reduced sodium content to lower the salt intake of your tray.
Plant-based meats: For a vegetarian or vegan option, include plant-based meats like soy-based salami or tempeh bacon.
Lower-fat cheeses: Go for lower-fat cheese options like part-skim mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or feta to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
With these simple swaps and additions, you can create a delicious and nutritious meat and cheese tray that your guests will love!
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How to assemble a meat and cheese tray
Meat and cheese trays are a great, simple option for entertaining, and they can be healthy, too! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a delicious meat and cheese tray:
Firstly, choose your meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. For the meats, consider cured meats such as summer sausage and peppered salami, or, for a more budget-friendly option, go for deli meats like Black Forest Ham, Smoked Turkey, or Roast Beef. If you want to keep it healthy, opt for leaner meats like roasted turkey. When it comes to cheese, it is customary to choose three types for your platter, offering a variety of textures and flavours. Try Gouda, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack, or include a spreadable herb cheese or goat cheese.
Next, prepare your meats and cheeses. Slice the firm cheeses thinly or cut them into small cubes, and place a cheese knife close by for the soft cheeses. If you are using sliced sausages, arrange them in a fish-scale pattern on the platter. For deli meats, roll each slice up tightly and stack them. Place the cheeses on the platter first, then add the meats around them.
Now, it's time to add the crackers. Choose crackers that don't have too much flavour of their own, like Saltines, Stone Wheat Crackers, or water crackers. Use the crackers to fill in any gaps on the platter. If you want to offer bread, cut this into bite-sized pieces, too.
Finally, add some extras. Fresh and dried fruits, mixed nuts, and pickled relishes like olives all pair well with meat and cheese. If you want to offer a dip, a strong mustard pairs well with fatty meats. If you're serving wine, Port is considered a great match for cheese, or you could try Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Merlot.
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy meat and cheese tray.
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Frequently asked questions
Lean meats, such as roasted turkey, are healthier options for a meat and cheese tray. You can also include lots of fruits and vegetables, such as bright, vivid seasonal produce like cherries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
You can make a meat and cheese tray healthier by choosing high-quality, low-fat meats and cheeses. Opt for leaner meats like turkey, and avoid fatty meats like salami. Choose whole grain crackers and breads. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, and consider adding healthy dips and spreads like hummus or artichoke dip.
Meat and cheese trays can be healthy if they are made with nutritious ingredients and enjoyed in moderation. They can be a good source of protein and healthy fats, but it's important to be mindful of the high sodium and saturated fat content that may be present in some meats and cheeses.
