Bushra Griffith
Cheese appetizers are a great way to kick off a meal or a party. There are many ways to serve cheese as an appetizer, from a simple cheese platter to more complex recipes such as dips, spreads, and stuffed snacks. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to offer a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures, such as hard, semi-hard, and soft cheeses, and to pair them with the right foods and drinks. Some classic pairings include cured meats, nuts, olives, crackers, and bread. When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is recommended to choose lighter cheeses such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or fresh cheeses, as heavier cheeses may fill up your guests before the main meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese varieties | 3-6 types of cheese |
| Type of cheese | Light cheeses such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or brie |
| Cheese accompaniments | Savory foods such as cured meats, nuts, olives, roasted red peppers, crackers, bread, fruits, dried fruits, raisins, chutneys, jams, honey, etc. |
| Amount of cheese per guest | 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams) |
| Cheese preparation | Precut hard, semi-hard, and semi-soft cheeses into wedges or cubes |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature |
| Cheese platter spacing | Avoid overcrowding the platter |
| Cheese knife | Provide a separate knife for each cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Choose light cheeses for before dinner
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is best to opt for lighter cheeses. The aim is to whet your guests' appetites, not fill them up before the main meal. Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and herb-coated goat cheese are all good options. You could also consider a light cheese that pairs well with the main course.
It is recommended that you serve 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 57 grams) of cheese per guest. For example, if you are serving eight people, you will need at least 16 ounces (454 grams) of cheese in total. It is a good idea to pre-cut hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as gouda, cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan, into wedges or cubes. That way, your guests won't have to struggle to cut the cheese on the tray.
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is best to pair it with savory foods. Cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, nuts, olives, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustard and chutney, all complement cheese well. You could also serve cheese with fresh or dried fruit, but it is best to avoid fruits that are too acidic, such as oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, and pineapples, as these can make the cheese taste bitter. Good options include apples, pears, grapes, figs, and fresh berries, particularly with soft cheeses like brie.
If you want to offer a variety of cheeses, you could choose different cheeses made from the same type of milk, such as cow, goat, or sheep's milk. Alternatively, you could select several cheeses from the same family, such as brie and camembert, which have similar characteristics but also offer subtle differences for your guests to explore.
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How much cheese to serve per guest
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is important to offer your guests a variety of cheeses with the right accompaniments. However, you don't want to serve too much cheese, as it's easy to fill up on. As a rule of thumb, plan to serve about 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 57 grams) of cheese per guest, depending on the number of guests and types of cheese offered. If you are serving three cheeses to eight guests, for example, you will need at least 12 ounces or 3/4 pound of each cheese.
For an appetizer, it is recommended to serve lighter cheeses such as mozzarella and goat cheese, which will whet your guests' appetites without filling them up. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and goat cheese also pair well with soft fruits like grapes, apples, and pears, as well as dried fruits and raisins. These fruits complement the cheeses without overwhelming their flavors. On the other hand, oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, and pineapples tend to make cheese taste bitter.
If you want to explore the differences between cheeses, you can serve different styles of cheeses from the same family, such as brie and camembert. You can also offer a variety of cheeses made from different types of milk, such as goat, sheep, and cow's milk, to provide a range of flavors and a unique pairing experience.
When serving cheese, it is essential to prepare and present it in a way that preserves its flavor and makes it easy for your guests to access. Pre-cut hard, semi-hard, and semi-soft cheeses into wedges or cubes. Harder cheeses, in particular, should be sliced beforehand to avoid having your guests struggle to cut them on the tray.
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Cheese accompaniments to avoid
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it's important to remember that the cheese is the star of the show, and accompaniments should complement, not overwhelm, its flavour. With that in mind, there are some pairings that are best avoided.
Firstly, it's important not to serve anything too rich or heavy as an accompaniment, as this could fill up your guests before the main course. For instance, while cured meats like prosciutto and salami can be a great pairing with cheese, they should be served in moderation. Similarly, while crackers can be a good option, avoid heavily seasoned crackers or crisps, as these can be too overpowering. Instead, opt for simple, elegant crackers that will complement the cheese without stealing the show.
Secondly, when it comes to fruits, it's best to avoid those that are too acidic, such as oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, and pineapples. These fruits tend to make cheese taste bitter and can be quite overwhelming. Instead, opt for sweeter, less acidic fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and figs, or dried fruits like raisins and apricots.
Finally, while it can be fun to experiment with unusual pairings, some combinations may not be particularly complementary. For example, while nuts can be a great pairing with cheese, be cautious when it comes to pairing specific types of nuts with specific cheeses. For instance, while pistachios can be a great pairing with mild cheeses like goat cheese or Gruyère, they may not pair as well with stronger cheeses. Similarly, while honey can be a delicious accompaniment to cheese, the wrong type of honey could overpower the flavour of the cheese, so choose a varietal that will complement, not overwhelm, the cheese.
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Pairing cheese with wine
When serving cheese as an appetizer, it is important to offer your guests a variety of cheeses and pair them with the right drinks. You should also prepare and serve your cheeses in a way that does not compromise their flavours and allows your guests easy access.
As a general rule, you should pair milder cheeses with lighter, milder wines and stronger-flavoured cheeses with more robust, bolder wines. For example, the red berry fruit notes of a Pinot Noir complement the nutty flavours of a medium-firm cheese like Gruyère. The aromatic scents of a German Riesling bring out a subtle nuttiness in a Raclette cheese. The sweetness of a Port is a good match for a stinky cheese like Blue Stilton.
If you are serving a cheese platter as an appetizer, you should aim to serve about 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 57 grams) of cheese per guest. You should also pre-cut hard, semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses into wedges or cubes to make it easier for your guests.
- Serve light cheeses before dinner to whet your guests' appetites without filling them up. Fresh mozzarella and goat cheese are good options.
- Serve cheeses made from different types of milk, such as goat, sheep, and cow's milk, to offer a variety of flavours and a unique pairing.
- Pair your cheese with sweet fruits that are not too acidic, such as apples, pears, grapes, and figs. These fruits will complement the flavours of the cheeses without overwhelming them.
- Serve savory accompaniments with your cheese, such as cured meats, nuts, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustards and chutneys.
- If you are serving a cheese dip or a warm cheese appetizer, make sure to have enough for your guests and provide them with something to scoop or dip, such as bread, crackers, or vegetables.
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Cheese platter presentation
A cheese platter is a simple dish that can be served as an appetizer for almost any occasion. Here are some tips for putting together a delightful cheese platter:
Selecting the Cheeses
Choose three to six different types of cheese for your platter. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, it's best to select lighter cheeses if serving before a meal. Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, and herb-coated goat cheese are excellent options. If serving after dinner, richer and creamier cheeses like triple-crème St. Andre, Manchego, aged gouda, cheddar, or blue cheese are good choices. You can also select cheeses based on the type of milk used, such as goat, sheep, or cow's milk, to offer a range of flavours and a unique pairing experience.
Preparing the Cheeses
Before serving, remove the cheeses from the fridge at least one hour ahead of time to bring them to room temperature. Pre-cut hard, semi-hard, and semi-soft cheeses into wedges or cubes to make it easier for your guests to serve themselves. Harder cheeses, in particular, should be sliced beforehand to avoid any struggles.
Accompaniments
Pair your cheeses with savoury or sweet accompaniments, depending on whether you're serving before or after dinner. Cured meats like prosciutto and salami, nuts, olives, roasted red peppers, and chutneys go well with pre-dinner cheeses. For post-dinner treats, jams, honey, dried fruits, and toasted nuts are excellent choices. Fresh fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and figs also complement cheeses well without overwhelming their flavours.
Presentation
Avoid crowding your cheese platter to ensure comfortable serving. Provide a separate knife for each cheese to prevent flavour transfers. Serve slices of plain baguette or neutral crackers on the side, avoiding strongly flavoured breads or crackers that may overpower the cheese. If serving after dinner, plating the cheeses individually allows you to prepare the course ahead of time.
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Frequently asked questions
Plan to serve about 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 57 grams) of cheese per guest. For example, if your dinner party includes eight people, you will want to make sure that you serve at least 16 ounces (454 grams) of cheese.
If serving cheese before dinner, choose lighter cheeses such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta. If serving cheese after dinner, you can opt for richer, creamier cheeses such as triple-crème St. Andre or full-flavoured options like Manchego, cheddar, or blue cheese.
You can pair cheese with sweet or savoury accompaniments depending on when it is being served. Before dinner, pair cheese with savoury foods such as cured meats, nuts, olives, or chutney. After dinner, pair cheese with sweet accompaniments such as jams, honey, dried fruit, or fresh fruit that is not too acidic, such as apples, pears, grapes, or figs.
Pre-cut hard, semi-hard, and semi-soft cheeses into wedges or cubes so that guests can easily take a piece without having to cut it themselves. Offer a different knife for each cheese to prevent the flavours from mixing. Serve the cheese on a platter or plate them individually, especially if serving after dinner.
