Andy Montoya
Fruit and cheese platters are a delightful and simple way to entertain guests, offering a variety of sweet and savoury flavours. They are versatile and can be served at any time of the year, from cosy winter gatherings to summer parties. Preparing a fruit and cheese platter is straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to elevate your creation. Firstly, it is recommended to serve cheese at room temperature, so remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Secondly, consider the types of cheese and fruit you wish to include. Aim for a variety of textures and tastes, and perhaps offer cheeses derived from different milk sources, such as cow, goat, and sheep. Plan for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person, and feel free to add crackers, bread, dips, and garnishes to create a visually appealing and delicious platter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese types | 3-4 |
| Cheese sources | Cow, goat, sheep |
| Cheese shapes | Wedge, circle, cube, slice, triangle |
| Cheese textures | Soft, hard, crumbly |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature |
| Cheese quantity | 2-3 ounces per person |
| Fruit | Grapes, pears, figs, apricots, cranberries, etc. |
| Fruit preparation | Wash, slice, chop |
| Dips/spreads | Honey, mustard, honeycomb, jams, pepper jelly, etc. |
| Bread/crackers | French baguette, buttery crackers, seedy crackers, etc. |
| Other additions | Nuts, olives, pickles, chocolate, edible flowers, herbs, etc. |
| Assembly | Large items first, fill gaps with fruit, separate by colour and texture |
| Storage | Cover until serving, store in fridge if prepared in advance |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choose a variety of cheeses
When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's important to select a variety of cheeses that will appeal to your guests' tastes and complement the fruit. Here are some tips to help you choose the cheeses for your platter:
First, consider offering a variety of cheeses from different milk sources, such as cow, goat, and sheep cheeses, as they have distinct tastes and textures. It's a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese that most people will recognize and enjoy. Plan on providing 2 to 3 ounces of cheese per person, and aim for an odd number of different cheeses, as they tend to be more visually appealing. You can choose something wedge-shaped, circular, cubed, or sliced to add visual variety.
Select cheeses with different textures and flavours. For example, you could offer a soft cheese like Brie or mascarpone, a hard cheese like aged cheddar, and a crumbly cheese like blue cheese or goat cheese. You can also include spreadable cheeses like Boursin garlic & herb or a classic cream cheese.
If you want to add some colour and variety to your platter, consider using cheeses with different colours, such as orange cheddar or Swiss cheese. You can also add some garnishes, such as rosemary sprigs, mint leaves, or edible flowers, to enhance the visual appeal.
When creating your fruit and cheese platter, feel free to experiment and choose cheeses that you and your guests will enjoy. Remember to remove the cheeses from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature, as cheese is more flavourful and enjoyable when served this way.
The Perfect Pairing: Apple Pie and Cheese
You may want to see also
Prepare the cheese and fruit
Preparing a cheese and fruit platter is a simple process that can be done in advance. It's a good idea to start with the cheese, selecting 3-4 different types, such as a soft cheese, a hard cheese, and a crumbly cheese. Aim for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. Cut the cheeses into different shapes like cubes, triangles, or slices, and place them in different corners of the platter. Add a cheese knife and a label to each cheese to avoid mixing flavours.
Next, wash, slice, and chop the fruit. Choose any fruit that is in season, such as grapes, pears, figs, apricots, or cranberries. You can also add dried fruit. Place the larger fruit items on the platter first, filling in the gaps with smaller fruits, nuts, or other additions. Add some garnish, such as fresh herbs or edible flowers, to finish off the platter.
To enhance the platter, add some dips, sauces, or spreads. Honey, mustard, jams, and chocolate pair well with cheese and fruit. Place these in small bowls or jars on the platter. You can also add bread and crackers, choosing a variety of shapes and textures, such as buttery crackers, seedy crackers, or a French baguette. If you want to add a savoury element, include some olives, pickles, or cured meats from the deli section of your grocery store.
You can prepare the platter a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients, wrapping the platter in plastic wrap, and storing it in the fridge. However, it's best to add the crackers and nuts just before serving to avoid sogginess. Remove the platter from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to come to room temperature, as cheese is more flavourful when served this way.
The Perfect Quince Paste and Cheese Pairing
You may want to see also
Assemble the platter
To begin assembling your fruit and cheese platter, select a board or platter. You can use a variety of boards, such as a wooden board, trays, cutting boards, marble boards, or even cookie trays. If you're having a lot of guests, you can use multiple cutting boards or cookie sheets.
Next, arrange the larger items on the board first. This includes the cheese, which you should place in different corners of the platter, and any bread or crackers. Try to offer a variety of cheeses from different milk sources, such as cow, goat, and sheep, and consider factors such as taste, texture, and appearance. Plan for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person, and cut the cheese into different shapes like cubes, triangles, or slices. You can also add a cheese knife and a sign to each cheese to avoid mixing flavours.
After the larger items are in place, fill in the empty spaces with fruit. Wash, slice, and chop the fruit as needed, and separate them by colour and texture to add variety to the platter. Add in the larger fruit items first, such as grapes, and then fill in the gaps with smaller fruits, nuts, and other items. Pears, figs, and dried fruit like apricots, cranberries, and dates are great options.
Finally, finish off your platter with some garnish, such as fresh herbs, edible flowers, or sprigs of rosemary or mint. You can also add small jars or bowls of dips, sauces, or spreads like honey, mustard, jams, or preserves. If you're adding crackers, it's best to add them just before serving to avoid sogginess. Don't forget to add serving utensils like spoons, tongs, or toothpicks, and let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for the best flavour and texture.
Cheese Grits: Perfect Pairing Ideas for Your Next Meal
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Add dips, sauces and spreads
When serving cheese and fruit, dips, sauces, and spreads can add a unique twist to the classic pairing. For a savoury option, try a cheese dip such as queso, fondue, or spinach dip. For something sweeter, fruit dips can be easily made by combining cream cheese with marshmallow creme or blending Greek yoghurt with instant pudding and whipped cream. Fruit can also be dipped in balsamic vinegar, chilli sauce, or tajin.
For those who want to stick to the classic pairing of cheese and fruit, there are many dips, sauces, and spreads that can enhance this combination. Honey is a versatile pairing that complements both sharp and mellow cheeses. Jams and marmalades can also be paired with cheese, although the combination of sweet and savoury flavours may be unusual for those who are not accustomed to it.
Sweet and spicy salsas, such as pineapple, peach, and mango salsa, pair well with mellow, rich cheeses like Brie or Mozzarella, while the sweetness in these salsas highlights the robust complexity of sharp cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Pecorino Romano, or Manchego Viejo. Chilli oil can also be poured over creamy, mellow cheeses like Burrata, Mozzarella, Stracciatella, Scamorza Bianca, Chevre, or Ricotta to create a magical combination.
Farmhouse chutney, a relish-like condiment made with various fruits, vegetables, and spices, pairs well with rich and moderately sharp cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, Taleggio, Emmental, and Gouda. Tapenade, a thick dip made with mashed olives, capers, herbs, and spices, is an ideal pairing for blue cheese varieties, Grana cheese, and Aged European-style cheese. Finally, truffle sauce, with its earthy and mushroomy flavour, goes best with mellow and creamy to moderately sharp cheeses.
The Art of Presenting Burrata on a Cheese Board
You may want to see also
Serve with drinks
When serving cheese and fruit with drinks, it's important to consider the type of drink being served and how the cheese and fruit can complement it. Here are some tips and ideas for serving cheese and fruit with drinks:
Wine
Cheese and wine are a classic pairing, and adding fruit to the mix can enhance the experience. When serving wine, consider the following:
- Offer a variety of cheeses with different milk sources, such as cow, goat, and sheep cheeses, as they have distinct tastes and textures.
- Include a mix of soft, hard, and crumbly cheeses to provide a range of textures.
- Pair fresh fruit with fresh cheeses like ricotta or chèvre.
- Avoid pairing acidic wines with blue cheese, as it can make it taste soapy.
- Some recommended wine and cheese pairings include:
- White wine with soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese.
- Red wine with harder cheeses like Cheddar or Manchego.
Cocktails
Cheese and fruit can also be served as part of a cocktail hour. Here are some ideas:
- Create skewers or toothpicks with cheese cubes, grapes, and berries for a simple, elegant pairing.
- Offer a variety of crackers and breads, such as a French baguette, to accompany the cheese and fruit.
- For a summer cocktail party, try serving a light and refreshing fruit platter with cheeses and a refreshing cocktail.
Beer
When serving beer, consider heartier cheeses that can stand up to the flavour:
- Offer a strong, sharp cheddar or a pungent blue cheese.
- Provide hearty crackers or bread to accompany the cheese and fruit.
- Dried fruits like apricots or cranberries can also be a nice pairing with beer and cheese.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
For those who don't consume alcohol, pair cheese and fruit with non-alcoholic drinks:
- Offer a variety of fresh and dried fruits, such as apples, pears, and berries, which pair well with many cheeses.
- Include some sweet spreads like honey or jam to complement the cheese and fruit.
- Consider serving herbal tea or fruit-infused water to complement the flavours of the cheese and fruit.
The Art of Serving Gruyère Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. If the platter is your main appetizer, you can bump it up a little.
The key to a great platter is to make it look full. Try to add one item to each corner and fill in empty spaces with smaller items. Separate by colour and texture to add variety to the platter. You can also add some garnish, like fresh herbs and edible flowers.
Choose 3-4 different types of cheese. It is a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses from different milk sources, such as cow, goat and sheep. That being said, be sure to serve at least one cheese that most people will recognise.
Yes, you can prepare your platter in advance. You can add everything to the board and keep it covered until ready to serve, or assemble it 30 minutes before serving to let the cheese come to room temperature.
