Bushra Griffith
When serving hard cheese, it is important to remember that all cheeses should be served at room temperature. This is because cold mutes flavour, and serving cheese at room temperature allows you to fully enjoy the flavours, textures, and aromas of the cheese. Hard cheeses may need up to two hours to properly warm up and aerate. When serving hard cheese as an appetizer, pair it with savoury foods such as cured meats, nuts, crackers, and roasted red peppers. If serving hard cheese as an appetizer, plan on 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per person. If serving hard cheese as an after-dinner cheese course, serve 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of cheese per person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1-2 ounces per person if served as an hors d'oeuvre; 1-1.5 ounces per person if served as an after-dinner course |
| Number of cheeses | 3-5 or 6 cheeses |
| Type of cheese | Hard, semi-hard, semi-soft, and soft cheeses |
| Cheese origin | Choose a specific region or country, e.g., the US, Spain, Italy, or France |
| Temperature | Room temperature; remove from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before serving |
| Plating | Serve on a platter or individual plates; ensure sufficient space between different cheeses |
| Accompaniments | Cured meats, nuts, crackers, bread, olives, roasted red peppers, mustards, chutneys, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, dried fruit, honey, jams, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheese should be served at room temperature
Allowing hard cheese to reach room temperature allows its fat-soluble flavour compounds better access to our taste buds. Additionally, warmer temperatures make aromas more volatile, enhancing the overall taste experience. Therefore, it is recommended to remove hard cheeses from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving, and sometimes they may need two hours to properly warm up and aerate.
It is important to note that hard cheeses should not be left in a warm room, as this can cause them to melt. When serving hard cheese, it is also advisable to slice or break off chunks before serving, as guests may struggle to cut hard cheeses on their own. Serving hard cheese with accompaniments such as nuts, cured meats, crackers, and neutral-flavoured breads can enhance the overall tasting experience.
In summary, serving hard cheese at room temperature is essential to appreciate its full flavour and texture. By allowing the cheese to warm up, you can better enjoy its complex characteristics and provide your guests with a more sensory experience.
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Slice hard cheese before serving
When preparing to serve hard cheese, it is important to slice it correctly to ensure the best flavour and texture. Firstly, it is recommended to let the cheese reach room temperature before serving. This is because cheese is better perceived in terms of flavour and smell at temperatures closer to body temperature. Taking the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving will ensure it reaches room temperature.
When it comes to slicing hard cheese, there are a few methods to consider. One method is to use a wire cheese slicer or cutter. Place the block of cheese on its side and hold it in place with one hand. Set the wire part of the slicer over the edge of the cheese and gently push it through until you reach the bottom. This method works well with cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda cheeses. Another slicing option is to use a sharp knife. Cut the block of cheese horizontally first, and then cut vertically along the rind. After that, cut slices across the width of the cheese. This method can be used for semi-hard or hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Asiago, Goya, and Romano. The thickness of the slices can vary from thin to thicker versions, depending on your preference.
It is worth noting that the quantity and type of cheese served depend on the occasion. If serving cheese as an hors d'oeuvre, plan for 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per person. In contrast, if serving cheese as an after-dinner course, 1 to 1.5 ounces per person is sufficient. For after-dinner cheese, you can offer a single rich and creamy cheese, such as triple-crème St. Andre, or opt for full-flavoured cheeses like Manchego, cheddar, aged Gouda, or blue cheese.
To complement the cheese, you can serve it with various accompaniments. Before-dinner cheeses go well with savoury options like olives, prosciutto, nuts, and chutney. Meanwhile, after-dinner cheeses pair nicely with sweet treats such as jams, honey, dried fruit, and toasted nuts. Bread, butter, crackers, raw vegetables, cured meats, and fruits can also enhance the cheese-tasting experience.
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Nuts are a great accompaniment
When it comes to pairing nuts with hard cheese, consider both complementary and contrasting combinations. For example, the sweetness of almonds can beautifully complement the salty, sharp flavour of a mature Cheddar. On the other hand, the earthy flavour of walnuts can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, nutty flavour of Gruyère. Playing with these combinations will make for an intriguing and satisfying tasting experience.
Presentation-wise, there are a few ways to serve nuts with hard cheese. You can keep it simple by placing a small pile of nuts next to the cheese on a platter, allowing your guests to help themselves. Alternatively, get creative by arranging the nuts in clusters or lines, providing a visually appealing and elegant display. Another option is to crush or chop the nuts and sprinkle them on top of the cheese, adding a decorative and tasty finishing touch.
Finally, consider adding other accompaniments to further enhance the pairing. Dried fruits, such as apricots, raisins, or figs, can provide a lovely sweetness that bridges the gap between the cheese and nuts. Fresh fruits like apples, pears, or grapes also work well, adding a refreshing touch to the rich flavours of the cheese and nuts. With these tips in mind, you can easily elevate your hard cheese serving game and impress your guests with a delicious and well-thought-out spread.
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Hard cheese is ideal as an appetizer
When serving hard cheese as an appetizer, it's best to pre-cut it into wedges or cubes. This is so your guests don't struggle to slice the cheese themselves. Hard cheeses include varieties such as gouda, cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan. When serving hard cheese, it's recommended to pair it with savoury foods such as cured meats, nuts, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustard and chutney. Olives also make a good accompaniment, as do crackers and breads—just be sure to choose plain or neutral-flavoured varieties so as not to overwhelm the flavour of the cheese.
If you're serving cheese as an hors d'oeuvre, plan on 1 to 2 ounces of each cheese per person. It's best to serve a variety of three to five different cheeses, but not too many as to not overwhelm your guests. You can also develop a regional theme, choosing cheese from a specific geographic area, such as Italy or the Loire Valley in France.
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Hard cheese is suitable for a cheese platter
Hard cheese is a great option for a cheese platter, and there are a few things to consider when serving it. Firstly, always serve cheese at room temperature. This is because cold mutes flavour, and serving cheese at room temperature lets you fully enjoy its flavours, textures, and aromas. Harder cheeses may need up to two hours to properly warm up and aerate. You should also ensure that the cheese is not placed in a warm room, as this can cause it to melt.
When serving a cheese platter, it is ideal to serve three to five different cheeses. This ensures a variety of flavours without overwhelming your guests with too many choices. If you are serving the cheese as an appetizer, pair it with savoury foods such as cured meats, nuts, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustard and chutney. Hard cheeses go particularly well with nuts. If serving cheese after dinner, you can opt for one rich and creamy cheese, or a selection of full-flavoured cheeses.
When serving hard cheese, it is best to pre-cut it into wedges or cubes before serving. This ensures your guests do not struggle to cut slices themselves. You can also label the cheeses, so your guests know what they are eating. If you have leftover hard cheese, trim away the outermost quarter to half an inch to expose a fresher centre before storing it.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're serving the cheese as an hors d'oeuvre, plan on 1 to 2 ounces of each cheese per person. If you're serving it as an after-dinner cheese course, 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of each cheese per person will be enough.
Always serve hard cheese at room temperature. Take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving, and up to two hours for harder cheeses. Precut hard cheeses into wedges or cubes before serving, so your guests don't have to struggle to cut slices themselves.
Nuts are a great accompaniment for hard cheeses. You can also serve savory foods like cured meats, crackers, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustard and chutney. Avoid spicy foods, as the heat can overwhelm the flavor of the cheese.
