Randy Chandler
Preparing a cheese tray is a fun and simple task that can be done in a variety of ways. The first step is to select your cheeses, with most trays including a mix of soft and hard cheeses. It is recommended to choose 3-5 different cheeses, with 3 being the minimum for a variety of flavours and textures. Once you have your cheeses, you can add cured meats like prosciutto or salami, as well as something briny like olives or pickles. Next, add crackers or bread, and finish with dried or fresh fruit, nuts, and spreads like jam or honey. When it comes to presentation, you can fill in the gaps with herbs or arugula to add colour and texture. It is also important to let your cheese come to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3-5, including at least one hard and one soft cheese |
| Cheese types | Hard: cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, provolone, pepper Jack, Parmesan |
| Soft: goat cheese, brie, cream cheese, Neufchâtel, burrata, mascarpone, blue cheese | |
| Cheese texture | Variety of textures |
| Cheese flavour | Variety of flavours |
| Cheese quantity | 3-5 oz per person |
| Meat | Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, deli salami |
| Thin meats should be folded | |
| Sausages should be cut on a bias and fanned out | |
| Bread | Crostini, crackers |
| Fruits | Fresh or dried fruits like apples, pears, grapes |
| Nuts | Walnuts |
| Condiments | Honey, jam, mustard |
| Garnish | Fresh herbs like rosemary, dill, arugula |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Cheese board | Wooden or any other serving dish |
| Cheese knife | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose 3-5 cheeses with different textures, flavours, and colours
- Select a board or platter to serve your cheese on
- Cut hard cheeses into slices or cubes, and arrange them on the board
- Add cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, and fold them into fun shapes
- Finish with crackers, breads, dried fruits, nuts, and spreads like jam or honey
Choose 3-5 cheeses with different textures, flavours, and colours
When preparing a cheese tray, it's essential to offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different tastes and preferences. Aim for 3-5 cheeses with distinct textures, flavours, and even colours to make your tray visually appealing and exciting for your guests. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect combination of cheeses:
First, consider the different types of cheeses available:
- Firm or semi-firm cheeses: Aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, and Manchego are excellent choices that fall into this category. They provide a nice contrast to softer cheeses.
- Hard cheeses: Cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, Provolone, and Pepper Jack are popular options. These cheeses often need to be sliced or cubed to make it easier for guests to enjoy.
- Soft cheeses: Goat cheese, Brie, Cream cheese, Neufchâtel, Burrata, and Mascarpone are creamy and spreadable, with tangy and pungent flavours. These cheeses can be served as-is, and their soft texture adds variety to your tray.
When selecting your cheeses, aim for a balance of flavours and textures. If you choose two cheeses from the same category, ensure they have distinct flavours. For example, you could pair a tangy, herb-flecked goat cheese with a buttery Brie. This way, your guests can experience a range of flavours and textures, even if you only select a few cheeses.
Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations. If you're unsure, a good rule of thumb is to choose one or two hard cheeses and one or two soft cheeses to create a well-rounded cheese tray that appeals to a variety of tastes.
Additionally, consider the following tips:
- Visit a specialty cheese shop or a store with a good cheese counter. A cheesemonger can guide you in selecting cheeses that are in season and offer you samples to ensure you choose cheeses that align with your taste preferences.
- Ask for recommendations and don't be afraid to try new and unique cheeses. This is a great way to discover hidden gems and create a memorable cheese tray.
- If you're serving the cheese tray as an appetizer, plan for 3-4 oz of cheese per person. If it's a main course, consider increasing the portion size to 4-5 oz per person.
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Select a board or platter to serve your cheese on
When it comes to selecting a board or platter to serve your cheese on, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the size of your gathering and the amount of cheese you plan to serve. If you're serving an appetizer cheese platter, plan for around 3 ounces of cheese per person, while a main course would be around 4-5 ounces. If you have a large group, you may need a larger board or platter, or you could use multiple dishes to create a visually appealing display.
A wooden charcuterie board is a popular choice for serving cheese, but it's not necessary. You can use any board or platter that you have available, including serving dishes, wooden fruit bowls, or even a simple cheese plate. If you're using multiple dishes, choose a 'main platter' for your cheeses and snacks, and a 'side platter' for items like dips, crackers, and bread. This will help create a balanced and attractive presentation.
The shape of your board or platter can also impact the arrangement of your cheeses and accompaniments. For example, if you're using a round board, it's helpful to fill in the curved edges first, creating a visually pleasing foundation for the rest of your ingredients.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different boards or platters. You can always adjust the amount of cheese and accompaniments to fit your chosen servingware, ensuring a beautiful and delicious cheese tray that your guests will love.
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Cut hard cheeses into slices or cubes, and arrange them on the board
When preparing a cheese tray, it's important to offer a variety of flavours and textures. You can achieve this by selecting different types of cheeses, such as hard and soft cheeses, and cutting them into slices or cubes.
Hard cheeses, like cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, Parmesan, provolone, pepper Jack, and aged white cheddar, tend to have a firmer texture and more subtle flavours. To make it easier for your guests to serve themselves, cut these hard cheeses into slices or cubes. This way, your guests won't have to struggle with sawing through a block of hard cheese with a knife.
You can cut the hard cheeses into uniform slices or cubes, or you can vary the shapes and sizes to add visual interest to your tray. If you want to save time on preparation, you can also buy pre-sliced hard cheeses.
Once you have cut your hard cheeses, arrange them on the board. You can stack them up or create a pattern by alternating different types of hard cheeses. Place the hard cheeses in a way that complements the other items on your tray, such as meats, crackers, and fruits.
Remember to be creative and have fun with the process of preparing your cheese tray. You can experiment with different combinations of cheeses and arrangements to find what works best for your taste and presentation preferences.
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Add cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, and fold them into fun shapes
Cured meats like prosciutto or salami are a great addition to a cheese tray. If you're using thinner meats like prosciutto, hold each piece vertically above the tray and gently lower it down, twisting your hand a little as you go. This will help the meat develop some folds and stay in a small space. If you're using sausage, cut it on a bias and fan the pieces out in a row.
For larger pieces of meat, you can add visual interest by folding them into fun shapes. This will help you save space on your tray, especially if you have a lot of other items to include. You can also create meat roses for a more elegant look.
If you're not sure how much meat to include, a good rule of thumb is to prepare about 1 to 2 ounces of meat per person. It's always better to have plenty of everything to replenish the board, especially if you're hosting a longer party.
When it comes to choosing your cheeses, aim for a variety of flavours and textures. Pick at least one soft cheese, such as goat cheese or brie, and one hard cheese, like cheddar or Swiss. You can also include semi-firm cheeses such as Gouda, Edam, or Gruyère. If you want to get creative, ask your local cheesemonger for recommendations and suggestions.
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Finish with crackers, breads, dried fruits, nuts, and spreads like jam or honey
Once you've selected your cheeses, meats, and fruits, it's time to finish your cheese tray with crackers, breads, dried fruits, nuts, and spreads.
First, decide whether to place these items directly on your main cheese platter or to use a separate platter or board for accompaniments like dips, crackers, and bread. If you're using a round board, it's helpful to fill in the curved edges first. Fan out crackers or crostini along the edges of the cheese plate to make them easy to grab. If you're using a separate platter, place it next to the main cheese platter.
Next, fill in the gaps on your cheese tray with crackers, breads, dried fruits, nuts, and spreads like jam or honey. If you're using fresh bread, a baguette is a good choice. For dried fruits, consider tart cherries or figs. For nuts, walnuts pair well with cheese, and for spreads, honey or jam are good options.
Finally, take a step back and see if there are any gaps you can fill. Add a garnish of fresh herbs to bring some life to the board. Rosemary and arugula are good choices, as their piney smell and small leaves add a nice touch.
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Frequently asked questions
A typical cheese tray has 3-5 different types of cheeses. Plan for 3-5 oz of cheese per person if serving as an appetizer, or 4-5 oz if it's a main course.
Choose cheeses with different textures, flavours, shapes, and colours. Include a mix of soft and hard cheeses. Some soft cheeses include goat cheese, brie, cream cheese, and mascarpone. Some hard cheeses include cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, and Gouda.
You can include cured meats like prosciutto or salami, crackers or bread, dried or fresh fruit, nuts, spreads like jam or honey, and garnishes like fresh herbs.
Place large items like dip bowls and soft cheeses first. Add sliced cheeses, crackers, and breads next, building around the larger elements. Fill in gaps with meats, remaining cheeses, and accompaniments.
