The Ultimate Guide To Fresh Fruit And Cheese Platter Storage

A fruit and cheese platter is a delightful treat for any occasion, be it a holiday celebration, a baby shower, or a simple family get-together. But how long can it sit out before it turns into a science project? The answer depends on the type of cheese and fruit on your platter, as well as the temperature of your surroundings. In general, perishable foods like dairy and meat should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. However, certain cheeses and fruits can last longer, especially if some simple precautions are taken.

How to make a fruit and cheese platter look attractive

A fruit and cheese platter is a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Here are some tips to make your platter visually appealing:

Choose a Base

Start by selecting a board or platter that is visually appealing to you. You can use a wooden board, a marble slab, a slate surface, or even a simple cookie tray. If you're serving a large group, you might opt for a larger surface like a baking sheet or multiple cutting boards.

Use Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes add visual interest to your platter. Arrange your cheeses into triangles, rectangles, or wedges, and play with different shapes for a captivating display.

Colour Contrast

Add a pop of colour to your platter by incorporating contrasting hues. Red grapes against green pears or green grapes with red pears create a vibrant display. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colour combinations to make your platter visually appealing.

Overflowing Platter

A full, almost overflowing platter is more inviting than a sparse one. Don't be afraid to stack items or fan out sliced fruits to maximise space. You can always add more of your chosen items as your guests enjoy the platter.

Arrange by Size

Start by arranging the larger items first. Place bowls of olives, small jars of jam, or a ramekin of honey on your platter. Then, position your chosen cheeses near these accompaniments, placing them in different corners of the board to separate the flavours.

Fill the Gaps

Use fruits, crackers, nuts, or dark chocolate squares to fill any empty spaces on your platter. Smaller fruits like grapes, berries, or dried fruits are perfect for filling gaps and adding texture to your creation.

How long can a fruit and cheese platter sit out unrefrigerated?

A fruit and cheese platter is a delightful treat for any occasion, but how long can it sit out unrefrigerated? Well, that depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese and fruit you're using, the temperature of the room, and how you prepare and serve your platter.

Recommended Consumption and Storage

According to the USDA, perishable foods like dairy and meat should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. At higher temperatures, this time decreases—for example, at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), perishable foods should not be left out for more than an hour.

Preparing Your Platter

To extend the life of your fruit and cheese platter, only prepare a small amount at a time and replenish as needed. This helps limit the amount of food exposed to air and room temperature. Additionally, consider using a marble or acacia charcuterie board, as the marble will keep cheeses cooler for longer.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When selecting your cheeses, opt for aged hard cheeses such as parmesan, hard cheddar, or gouda, as these can be stored at room temperature, even when cut. For softer cheeses, choose those made from pasteurized milk and go for ripened varieties with a soft rind, like brie or muenster.

As for fruits, stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries are excellent choices, as they require no refrigeration. Melons, berries, and grapes are also popular additions to a fruit and cheese platter and can be left out for a short period. However, avoid highly juicy fruits like watermelon or peaches, as they can make your crackers and bread soggy.

Serving Tips

To ensure the best flavour and texture, remove your cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes to one hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. During this time, you can assemble the rest of your platter, arranging the larger items and cheeses first and filling in the gaps with fruits, crackers, and other accompaniments.

In conclusion, by choosing the right ingredients, preparing your platter carefully, and being mindful of time and temperature, your fruit and cheese platter can safely sit out unrefrigerated for a couple of hours. However, always use your best judgement and discard any food that looks or smells off. Enjoy your delicious creation!

What fruits go well with cheese?

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's important to consider the colours, shapes, strengths, and textures of the foods you're using. Here are some tips on which fruits go well with cheese:

Apples

Apples are a great choice for a fruit and cheese platter as they pair well with almost any cheese. Some apple varieties that work particularly well include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, Envy, Pink Lady, Opal, and Braeburn. Apples can also be thinly sliced and paired with a strong cheese like Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or a crumbly cheese.

Pears

Like apples, pears go well with most cheeses. Try Bosc, D'Anjou, Barlett, or Comice varieties, which pair especially well with Brie and Gouda.

Persimmons

Fuyu persimmons are sweet and mild with a great texture. They pair well with soft cheeses like goat cheese, Burrata, or Camembert.

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries go well with a variety of cheeses. Try them with feta, Brie, or Boursin/Gournay.

Grapes

Juicy, crunchy grapes are a classic choice for fruit and cheese platters. They pair well with Gouda, but can also be enjoyed with other cheeses.

Apricots

Fresh apricots are a great choice during the summer, while dried apricots are a good option for the rest of the year. Apricots pair well with goat cheese and blue cheese.

Plums

Bold, sweet plums go well with strong, salty cheeses like Manchego or Fontina.

Pomegranates

The sweet-tart flavour of pomegranate seeds pairs well with goat cheese, feta, or Swiss cheese.

Dates

Dates are very sweet and pair well with stronger-flavoured cheeses like goat cheese.

Cherries

Try fresh or dried cherries with Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese.

Figs

Fresh or dried figs go well with Manchego cheese. They can also be paired with Boursin/Gournay, a flavoured spreadable cheese.

Oranges and Blood Oranges

Oranges add a burst of citrus to a fruit and cheese platter. Blood oranges, in particular, make a striking presentation and pair well with Brie.

What cheeses go well with fruit?

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's important to consider the different tastes, textures, shapes, and strengths of the cheeses and fruits. Here are some classic combinations of fruits and cheeses that complement each other well:

Apples and Cheddar

The crispness of apples goes well with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, especially a semi-sour variety like Granny Smith apples.

Grapes and Brie

Sweet and juicy grapes pair beautifully with the creamy and slightly tangy flavour of Brie cheese.

Pears and Gorgonzola

The sweet and slightly grainy texture of pears contrasts nicely with the pungent and creamy Gorgonzola cheese.

Apricots and Goat Cheese

The sweetness and delicate flavour of fresh or dried apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese.

Strawberries and Ricotta

The sweetness of ripe strawberries balances well with the mild and creamy nature of ricotta cheese.

Blueberries and Feta

The tartness of blueberries pairs well with the salty and tangy taste of feta cheese, creating a delicious contrast.

Cherries and Asiago

The nutty and slightly sharp flavour of Asiago cheese can contrast nicely with the sweet and tart taste of cherries.

Figs and Blue Cheese

This is a classic combination. The creamy, rich, and pungent flavour of blue cheese complements the sweet, jammy, and earthy taste of figs.

Peaches and Gouda

The smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour of aged Gouda cheese complements the juicy, sweet, and fragrant nature of peaches.

Plums and Berries with Brie

The rich and creamy texture of Brie goes well with the juicy sweetness of plums and berries. The mild and slightly tangy flavour of Brie allows the natural flavours of the fruits to shine.

Pineapple and Monterey Jack

Pineapple is a tricky fruit to pair with cheese, but the mild and buttery Monterey Jack can be a good match as it doesn't overpower the tropical flavour of the pineapple.

Watermelon and Halloumi

The refreshing and juicy watermelon pairs surprisingly well with the salty and slightly squeaky texture of grilled halloumi cheese.

Oranges and Brie

The sweet citrus of oranges and the salty creaminess of Brie is a wonderful combination.

Persimmons and Soft Cheeses

Fuyu persimmons have a sweet and mild flavour with a great texture. They pair well with soft cheeses like goat cheese, Burrata, or Camembert.

Berries and Brie/Feta

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are fantastic with cheese. They go especially well with Brie or Feta.

Grapes and Gouda

Juicy, crunchy grapes are a popular choice for cheese boards and go exceptionally well with Gouda.

Plums and Brie/Manchego

Bold, sweet plums pair well with strong, salty cheeses like Brie or Manchego.

Pomegranates and Goat Cheese/Feta/Swiss

The sweet-tart flavour of pomegranates and their juicy bursts complement goat cheese, Feta, or Swiss cheese.

Dates and Goat Cheese

Dates are intensely sweet, so they pair well with stronger-flavoured cheeses like goat cheese.

Cherries and Brie/Camembert/Goat Cheese

Try fresh or dried cherries with Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese.

Figs and Manchego

Fresh or dried figs go well with soft cheeses like Brie, but they can also be paired with Manchego for a bolder combination.

Oranges and Blood Oranges with Brie

Oranges, especially blood oranges, make a striking addition to a fruit and cheese platter. They pair well with Brie.

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese are popular choices, while harder cheeses such as aged cheddar, Gouda, and Manchego also work well. Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured option that some people love, while others prefer to avoid it.

How much cheese do you need per person?

The amount of cheese you'll need per person will depend on the type of meal you're serving. If you're serving a fruit and cheese platter as a main course, you'll need to provide more cheese than if it's a starter or dessert.

For a fruit and cheese platter as a main course, plan to serve 200-250g of cheese per person. If you're serving cheese for lunch, 75-125g per person is a good amount, and for a starter or dessert, 50-75g per person will suffice. If your fruit and cheese platter follows a heavy meal, 70-90g of cheese per person will be enough, but if the cheese selection is the main attraction, you can go up to 100-150g or more.

It's also a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses to suit different tastes. Include at least one familiar cheese, like Gouda or Brie, and then choose a selection of aged or hard cheeses, soft or creamy cheeses, firm cheeses, and perhaps some blue cheese. Aim for three to five different types of cheese in total, and plan for 1-2 ounces of each cheese per person.

Frequently asked questions