Randy Chandler
A cheese plate is a great appetizer for any occasion, be it a holiday, ladies' night, or a get-together. It is easy to put together, looks pretty, and is a fun, versatile, and delicious addition to any gathering. The process is simple, and you can make your cheese plate as fancy or as simple as you like. It is a great way to offer your guests a variety of options and is sure to be a hit. This guide will take you through the steps to assemble a stunning cheese plate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Slate or wooden tray, plate, cutting board, or baking sheet |
| Cheese | Variety of flavours, textures, colours, shapes, milk types, and ages; soft, semi-hard, hard, and aged; 3–6 types; 3 oz per person |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, cured meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dips, bread, dried sausages |
| Garnishes | Edible flowers, fresh herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a variety of cheeses
When it comes to choosing the cheeses for your cheese plate, it's important to offer a variety of flavours and textures to your guests. A good rule of thumb is to select cheeses from different families, such as aged, soft, hard, and blue cheese. Here are some specific examples of cheeses you can choose from for your cheese plate:
Aged Cheeses
Include aged cheeses such as aged cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda. These cheeses have a strong flavour and a firm texture, making them perfect for shaving or shredding.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Goat cheese are spreadable and easy to cut with a butter knife. They add a creamy texture to your cheese plate.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, such as Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Edam, require a sharp knife to cut easily. They provide a nice contrast to the softer cheeses on your plate.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a popular choice for cheese plates, but it's best to include only one type as it has a strong flavour that may not be to everyone's taste. Some options include Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton.
When selecting your cheeses, consider the type of milk, age, texture, shape, and colour to create a visually appealing and diverse cheese plate. You can choose between creamy cheeses, such as triple crème cheese, or semi-hard/hard cheeses. Include a variety of shapes, such as wedges, rounds, and pyramids, and cut the wedges into different sizes to add interest.
In addition to the type of cheese, the quantity is also important. A good rule of thumb is to provide 3 ounces of cheese per person. If you're serving a large party, five to six cheeses should be enough, and you can always reserve any extra cheese for future cheese plates.
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Select a base
A cheese plate is a perfect appetizer for a party, holiday, or any get-together. It is a fun, versatile, and delicious addition to any gathering. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to select a base for your cheese plate:
Consider the number of guests: The size of your base and the amount of cheese you need will depend on the number of guests you are serving. A good rule of thumb is to provide roughly 3 ounces of cheese per person. For example, if you are serving 10 people, you will need about 30 ounces of cheese. If you are serving a large group, you may want to provide a greater variety of cheeses and accompaniments, which will also impact the size of your base.
Estimate the amount of cheese: In addition to considering the number of guests, you can also estimate the amount of cheese needed based on the type of event. For a casual gathering, you may want to provide less cheese per person, while for a more formal event or a cheese-centric gathering, you may want to provide more. As a general guideline, aim for about 1 pound of cheese for every 5 guests.
Now that you have selected a base and estimated the amount of cheese needed, it's time to move on to the next step of assembling your cheese plate: choosing the cheeses!
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Add meats
Meat is a great addition to a cheese plate, but it can be expensive. If you're on a budget, opt for simple deli meats like salami, ham, or turkey. You could also skip the meat altogether and add extra fruit or crackers. If you do want to include meat, choose 2-3 ounces per person of a few different cuts. Fold large, thin pieces of meat, like prosciutto, in half and then roll them into a cone. For thinner meats, hold the piece vertically above the plate and gently lower it down, twisting your hand to help it fold and stay in a small space. If you're using sausage, cut it on a bias and fan the pieces out in a row.
When selecting meats for your cheese plate, variety is key. Choose a mix of cured meats like prosciutto, ham, salami, cured chorizo, soppressata, capicola, and summer sausage. If you want to include sausage, there are many types to choose from, such as a classic breakfast sausage or a sweet Italian sausage. Meat sticks or pepperoni sticks are also great options for a cheese plate and come in various flavours.
If you're looking to add some more substantial meat options to your cheese plate, consider adding some sliced meats like roast beef, turkey, or chicken. These can be purchased pre-cooked or cooked at home and then sliced thinly for the platter. Just remember to keep the portions small, as you want to leave room for all the other delicious items on your cheese plate!
In addition to the type and quantity of meat, the presentation is also important. Try to arrange the meats in a visually appealing way. Fold or roll the meats to create interesting shapes and fan out sliced meats to make them easier to grab. You can also use small skewers or toothpicks to create meat "bundles" that are easy for guests to pick up. Adding some fresh herbs or edible flowers can also enhance the appearance and flavour of your meat selections.
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Include fruits and vegetables
When putting together a cheese plate, it's important to include fruits and vegetables to add a burst of colour and flavour. You can use any fruits or veggies you have on hand, but here are some specific ideas to get you started.
First, consider adding some fresh berries. Strawberries, in particular, can be sliced in half lengthwise, keeping the greenery on for a fun presentation. Apple and pear slices are also great options, but be sure to put them out at the last minute and drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Larger fruits like sliced apples, pears, persimmons, and pomegranate segments can be placed on the board first, followed by smaller fruits like grapes, berries, and dried fruit to fill in the gaps.
If you're looking for something more savoury, roasted red peppers are a good choice. You can also try watermelon radishes and rainbow carrots for a colourful and crunchy addition. For a more filling option, include some toasted baguette slices or crackers. These can be paired with spreadable cheeses, such as Boursin or Gourney, which come in flavours like Garlic & Herb or Shallot & Chive.
Don't forget to include some small plates or bowls on the side so that your guests can create their own combinations from your fruit and cheese platter.
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Garnish with nuts and herbs
Nuts and herbs are a great way to garnish a cheese plate, adding texture and colour. You can't go wrong with nuts and cheese, but some nuts pair better with certain cheeses. For example, walnuts and almonds are a great choice, as shown in the photos on Life and Strawberries. If you are on a budget, peanuts tend to be the cheapest, but you can always skip the nuts altogether and fill those spaces with extra greens or fruit.
Fresh herbs are another way to garnish a cheese plate, adding a burst of colour and a pleasing aroma. Herbs are best used for visual appeal and can fill up extra space on a cheese plate to make it look abundant. Rosemary, basil, thyme, and arugula are all great options. If you are serving the cheese plate around the holidays, rosemary sprigs can be a lovely seasonal addition.
When it comes to presentation, you can place the nuts in the smaller blank spaces in the middle of the board to add texture and cover any open spots. You can also add herbs or greens around the edges of the cheese plate to break up the colours, as cheese plates tend to be very red, white, and brown.
Finally, if you want to get creative, you can combine nuts and herbs in a cheese plate. For example, you can spread some ricotta on a slice of baguette and top it with rosemary or thyme. This will create a beautiful and delicious appetizer for your guests to enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to include a variety of flavours and textures by selecting cheeses from different families. Include soft cheeses like goat cheese, semi-hard like cheddar, and aged like Parmesan. You could also add blue cheese, brie, gouda, or havarti.
You can add cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, or dried sausages. Include some carbs like bread or crackers, and some fruits or vegetables. You could also add some nuts.
A good rule of thumb is to include 3 ounces of cheese per person. Estimate 1 pound of cheese for every 5 guests.
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