Patrick Oconnell
Whether it's a graduation party, a recital, or a simple get-together with friends, serving cheese at a reception is a great way to keep your guests happy and full. The first step to serving cheese is to take it out of the fridge at least an hour before serving, as cold cheese is tasteless. It is also important to ensure that each cheese has its own serving knife to avoid mixing flavours. When it comes to the types of cheese to serve, it is recommended to have at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and one blue cheese. In addition to cheese, you can serve crackers, fruits, nuts, cured meats, and chutney or mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, you can pair your cheese with beer or scotch instead of the classic wine.
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What You'll Learn
Take cheese out of the fridge an hour before serving
When it comes to serving cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your guests get the maximum cheese-enjoyment. One of the most important things to remember is to take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. This is because cold cheese can be quite tasteless. By allowing the cheese to come to room temperature, you enhance its flavour, aroma, and texture.
Of course, different cheeses have different requirements. Some cheeses don't need a full hour, while others can be left out for longer without any harm. It's also worth noting that if you're serving a large reception, it might be easier to have the cheese cut into pre-portioned slices, whereas for a smaller gathering, like a dinner party, you might prefer to have larger wedges for guests to cut themselves.
When it comes to the type of cheese, it's a good idea to offer a variety. You can choose from different shapes, like chunks, triangles, or sticks, and different flavours, such as herbs or smoked cheeses. Aim for at least three to four different varieties on your platter. A well-rounded cheese platter should include at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and one blue cheese. You can also add some charm to your board with details like little jars of peach pepper jelly that's made for cheese.
To complement the cheese, you'll want to provide crackers, fruits, nuts, and perhaps some cured meats. These can be arranged on the cheeseboard itself or served on the side. Don't forget to include some condiments like chutney or mustard, which pair well with certain cheeses. And if you're serving wine with your cheese, be sure to bring a corkscrew and enough glasses for your guests!
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Serve a variety of cheeses
When serving a variety of cheeses, it's important to consider the different types of cheese you will offer. A good rule of thumb is to have at at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and a blue cheese. This will ensure a delicious and varied selection for your guests. You can also add some unique flavours to your board, such as cheeses coated in herbs, smoked cheeses, or those with added truffle. If you want to be adventurous, you can pair your cheeses with different beverages like wine, beer, or even scotch.
When it comes to presentation, a cheese platter or board is a great way to display your cheeses. Choose at least three to four different varieties of cheese to create an appealing and varied platter. You can add contrast by serving the cheese on a dark background, such as a slate or wooden cheeseboard. To enhance the flavour, aroma, and texture of the cheese, it is recommended to serve it at room temperature. Take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving to ensure it's not too cold.
Accompaniments for the cheese can be arranged on the board or served on the side. Crackers are a must when serving a cheese platter, and it's nice to offer at least two types. Seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and cured meats also pair well with cheese. Chutney or mustard can complement certain cheeses, especially mature cheddar or triple-cream varieties. If you're serving a large group, it's easier to have the cheese pre-cut into slices, but for a smaller gathering, you may want to provide larger wedges and let your guests cut their own portions.
Finally, don't forget the serving utensils! Each cheese should have its own knife to avoid mixing flavours. You can use a spreader for soft cheeses and a sharp knife for hard cheeses. These simple tips will help you create a delightful and tasty cheese selection for your guests.
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Use different serving utensils for each cheese
When serving cheese at a reception, it is important to use different utensils for each type of cheese. This is because using the same knife for multiple cheeses will mix the flavours. The type of utensil you use will depend on the variety of cheese you are serving. For example, a spreader is best for soft cheeses, while a sharp knife is more suitable for hard cheeses. A typical cheese knife is sharp and has two prongs at the tip, which are used to spear a piece of cheese that has just been cut.
It is also important to consider the colour of the serving plate. Most cheeses are light-coloured, so a dark background will make them stand out. A classic option is a marble cheese-round, but other options include a wooden cheeseboard, a granite tile, a slate, or a footed cake plate. In general, any flat surface that fits the cheese will work.
If you are serving multiple cheeses, it is recommended to offer at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and one blue cheese. This will ensure a delicious and varied selection for your guests. It is also a good idea to provide accompaniments such as crackers, seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cured meats, chutney, or mustard. These can be arranged on the cheeseboard or served on the side.
To ensure the best flavour, aroma, and texture, it is recommended to take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. This allows the cheese to come to room temperature, enhancing its taste.
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Include accompaniments like crackers, fruits, cured meats, and nuts
When serving cheese at a reception, it's important to offer a variety of accompaniments to elevate the cheese course. Crackers, fruits, cured meats, and nuts can all enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish for your guests.
Let's start with crackers. The key consideration when pairing crackers with cheese is to avoid flavour clashes. As a general rule, strong-flavoured cheeses go well with mild crackers, while mild cheeses can stand up to more robust, flavourful crackers. For example, try pairing aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, or Manchego with multigrain or whole wheat crackers, seeded crackers, or flatbreads. On the other hand, mild, creamy cheeses like brie, camembert, and Comte are delicious with water crackers, fruited crackers, or crostini. For a creative twist, consider shaped crackers like breadsticks or crostini, or even themed crackers to add some fun to your reception.
Now, let's talk about fruits. Fruits bring a sweet and tangy element to the cheese plate, creating a delightful contrast in flavours and textures. Oranges and blood oranges, with their striking colour and sweet citrus flavour, pair beautifully with brie. You can also offer a variety of dips and spreads to accompany the fruit and cheese. Think mustard, honey or honeycomb, or unique jams like fig orange jam, sour cherry preserves, or even bacon jam. These additions will not only taste delicious but will also add visual appeal to your platter.
Cured meats are another essential accompaniment to cheese at a reception. Charcuterie, or cold cured meats, can be a delicious addition to your cheese platter. Offer a variety of meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or sopressata, and plan for about 2 ounces of meat per person. Cured meats add a savoury, salty element to the cheese course, creating a well-rounded dining experience for your guests.
Finally, nuts can provide a tasty crunch and earthy flavour to contrast the creaminess of the cheese. Walnuts, for example, pair well with aged cheeses like cheddar and sheep's milk cheeses. Pistachios lend a lovely greenish-purple colour to the plate and taste delicious with creamy, light-coloured cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, feta, and triple crème cheeses. Almonds are versatile and pair well with most cheeses, especially harder aged cheeses and slices of crisp apple.
Remember to be mindful of any nut allergies your guests may have, and always provide a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions.
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Pair with wine, beer, or other beverages
When it comes to serving cheese at a reception, there are a few things to consider when it comes to pairing it with wine, beer, or other beverages. Firstly, it is important to take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving, as cold cheese can be tasteless. This also allows the cheese to breathe, preserving its flavour, aroma, and texture.
When selecting wines, it is recommended to have a variety, including red, white, and rosé, and to provide different wine glasses for each type. If you are serving red wine, ensure it is not at room temperature. For a wine and cheese reception, it is also important to provide water, served in wine glasses to maintain the atmosphere, and to temper the alcohol and cleanse the palate.
In terms of the cheese, it is recommended to have at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and one blue cheese. Each cheese should have its own knife to avoid mixing flavours. You can also provide crackers, fruits, and nuts to accompany the cheese. If you are serving a full meal, the cheese course should come after the main course, either before or as dessert.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could try pairing your cheeses with beverages other than wine or beer. For example, cheddar pairs well with beef jerky and scotch.
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Frequently asked questions
Take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving to ensure maximum flavour. Provide a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts. Use a marble cheese board or a wooden cheese board to add contrast to the light-coloured cheese.
Wine and cheese are a classic combination. You can serve a bottle or two of red, white, or sparkling wine. If you're serving red wine, make sure it's not at room temperature. You can also serve beer with cheese.
It is recommended to serve each person one to two ounces of each type of cheese. Include at least one soft cheese, one hard or aged cheese, and one blue cheese.
