Frederic Melton
Whether you're serving cheese or salad first depends on the type of meal you're preparing and the overall flow you want to create. In traditional fine dining, soup is served before the salad course, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. For instance, in some cultures, soup is considered a main course and is served first, while in others, salad is the standard first course. A light, crisp salad might be more appealing on a hot summer day, while a comforting soup could be perfect for a chilly winter evening. Similarly, a refreshing salad can stimulate the appetite and provide a light, healthy start to a meal, while a hot soup can warm up the palate and prepare it for the main course. When it comes to cheese, it is typically served after the main course in French culture, either before or as dessert. However, in Anglophone countries, cheese is commonly served with drinks before the meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese course in France | Always served after the main course, either before or as dessert |
| Cheese as an appetizer | Not common in France, but recent imports like Warm Brie have started to appear as appetizers on bistro menus in Paris |
| Salad | Can be served before the main course as a refreshing and healthy start to a meal |
| Salad with cheese | Green salad with olive oil vinaigrette may be offered with the cheese. It is up to the diner if they want to eat the salad with or after the cheese |
| Cheese with wine | Cheese is usually accompanied by red wine |
| Best cheese for salad | Feta, blue cheese, Parmesan, Cheddar, Swiss, and more |
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What You'll Learn
- In France, cheese is served after the main course, sometimes with a salad
- A cheese course can be served before dessert or as dessert
- In Anglophone countries, cheese is served with drinks before a meal
- Salads can be served with cheese, like feta in Greek salad
- A salad can be served before a main to stimulate the appetite
In France, cheese is served after the main course, sometimes with a salad
In France, cheese is typically served after the main course, and sometimes it is accompanied by a salad. While the salad can be plated first, it is up to the individual whether they would like to eat the salad before or after the cheese. The cheese course can be served before dessert or as a dessert in itself.
The French cheese course is a delightful way to introduce a variety of fascinating flavours to the table. It is usually presented in a very straightforward manner. A typical cheese platter will be accompanied by red wine, and occasionally by a green salad with a vinaigrette. The wine served with the cheese course is often the same wine that was served with the main course. However, if another bottle needs to be opened, a Riesling or a light, fruity red like a cru Beaujolais are good choices.
When serving the cheese platter, it should be passed from the oldest to the youngest female guest, eventually reaching the hostess, and then to the oldest male guest, and so on. The bread, on the other hand, can be passed around more casually. It is customary to take one piece of bread and place it next to your plate.
While cheese is often served as an appetiser in Anglophone countries, the French typically serve simple, light bites before the main course. This is to ensure that guests' appetites are not dulled by rich, heavy foods at the beginning of the meal.
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A cheese course can be served before dessert or as dessert
When hosting a dinner, the order of courses is an important consideration. A cheese course can be served before dessert or as dessert, depending on your preference and the overall flow of the meal. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to serve the cheese course before or as dessert:
Firstly, in French culture, the cheese course is typically served after the main course. It is considered separate from the dessert course and is often accompanied by wine and occasionally a green salad. The French rarely serve cheese with drinks before the meal, unlike in Anglophone countries. Serving the cheese course before dessert allows your guests to savour the cheese and appreciate its unique flavours without filling them up too much before the main event.
Secondly, the type of cheese you plan to serve can influence its placement in the meal. If you're serving a lighter, softer cheese, it might be more suitable as a pre-dessert course to refresh the palate. On the other hand, a heavier, richer cheese might be more satisfying as the grand finale of the meal. Consider the overall tone of the meal and the other dishes being served to ensure a harmonious progression of flavours.
Thirdly, the season and weather can play a role in your decision. On a hot summer day, a lighter cheese course before dessert might be more appealing to your guests. Conversely, on a chilly winter evening, serving cheese as dessert could provide a comforting conclusion to the meal.
Lastly, personal preference plays a significant role in this decision. There is no strict etiquette rule dictating whether you should serve the cheese course before dessert or as dessert. Feel free to experiment and find an approach that suits your dining style and the experience you wish to create for your guests.
In conclusion, when deciding whether to serve the cheese course before dessert or as dessert, consider the cultural context, the type of cheese, the season, and your personal preference. Remember that there are no hard and fast rules, and the most important factor is to enjoy the cheese and the company you share it with.
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In Anglophone countries, cheese is served with drinks before a meal
In Anglophone countries, cheese is often served with drinks before a meal. This differs from the French way of presenting a cheese course, which is usually done after the main course, either before or as dessert. In France, it is customary to pass the cheese platter from the oldest to the youngest female guest, who will then pass it to the oldest male guest, and so on. The French typically enjoy the cheese course with the same wine they had with their main course.
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is important to consider the other dishes that will be served. For example, serving a heavy, creamy soup after a rich, gooey cheese appetizer might fill up your guests and dampen their appetite for the rest of the meal. A lighter, refreshing salad might be a better choice in this case.
On the other hand, some chefs and food experts advocate for serving soup first, as it can warm up the palate and prepare it for the main course. It can also be a comforting way to start a meal, especially on a cold day. Serving soup first can also help the kitchen stagger meal preparation, ensuring that hot dishes are served hot and cold dishes are served cold.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether cheese or salad should be served first. The decision depends on the specific menu, the flow of the meal, and the preferences of the diners. In Anglophone countries, serving cheese with drinks before a meal can be a delightful way to start the dining experience, especially when followed by a light, refreshing salad to stimulate the appetite for the upcoming courses.
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Salads can be served with cheese, like feta in Greek salad
Salads and cheese are both delicious and versatile, and they can be served together or separately as part of a meal. The order in which they are served may depend on the specific menu and the overall flow of the meal, as well as personal preference.
When served together, cheese can be crumbled or shredded on top of the salad, or it can be served separately on a platter with the salad as a side dish. A popular example of this is the Greek salad, which typically includes feta cheese. Feta is a salty, tangy cheese that pairs exceptionally well with extra virgin olive oil, a common dressing for Greek salads.
In French culture, the cheese course is typically served after the main course, either before or as dessert. It is often accompanied by a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing and a glass of red wine. The salad can be plated first, and diners can choose whether to eat the salad with or after the cheese.
When served separately, the salad or cheese can be served as a starter or appetiser to stimulate the appetite and provide a light and healthy beginning to the meal. On a hot summer day, a crisp salad might be more appealing, while a comforting soup or cheese course could be perfect for a chilly winter evening.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether cheese or salad should be served first. The decision may depend on cultural norms, the specific menu, the flow of the meal, and personal preference.
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A salad can be served before a main to stimulate the appetite
While there is no definitive answer to whether salad or cheese should be served first, serving a salad before the main course can stimulate the appetite and provide a refreshing start to a meal.
Salads are often light, crisp, and refreshing, making them a perfect appetizer to whet the appetite before moving on to heavier dishes. They can incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients and add a healthy and tasty dimension to the dining experience. For example, a light, citrusy salad can be a perfect prelude to a rich main course.
In some cultures, salads are traditionally served as a standard first course. For instance, the French often serve a simple salad with vinaigrette as an appetizer, separate from the cheese course, which typically comes after the main course. This light starter can refresh and sustain guests before they move to the table for the main meal.
Additionally, the type of cheese and salad served can influence the order. For instance, a salad with tangy feta or creamy blue cheese may be better suited as a starter, while a heartier salad with stronger cheeses, such as Parmesan or cheddar, could be served as a main course. Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific menu and the flow of the meal, with the goal of creating a delightful culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is customary to serve cheese after the main course and before dessert. The salad can be plated first, followed by the cheese.
While there are no strict rules, serving cheese as an appetizer may fill up your guests and dampen their appetite for the main course.
It is common to simply finish the bottle of wine that was served with the main course. If you need to open another bottle, a Riesling or a light, fruity red like a cru Beaujolais are good choices.
A simple, lightly dressed salad is a good option to accompany cheese. Avoid strong flavours that might overpower the cheese.
It is up to you. Some people prefer to eat salad with cheese, while others prefer to eat it after.
