Bushra Griffith
Whether you're serving cheese as an appetiser or a main course, there are several ways to ensure your guests get maximum enjoyment out of it. The first step is to take the cheese out of the fridge at least half an hour before serving, and up to an hour for larger quantities. This is because cheese is best served at room temperature, which allows for better flavour detection and texture. You should also avoid freezing cheese. When it comes to how much cheese to serve, 1-2 ounces per guest is a good rule of thumb for appetisers, while 4-5 ounces per person is more appropriate for a main course. In terms of variety, it's best to offer 3-5 different cheeses, including a mix of soft and hard cheeses, and cheeses made from different types of milk. You can also add accompaniments like cured meats, nuts, crackers, and fruit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Timing | Take out of the fridge 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving |
| Quantity | 2-3 oz. of cheese per person as an appetizer; 4-5 oz. per person for dinner |
| Variety | 3-5 types of cheese with varied textures, flavours, and sources |
| Presentation | Use bowls or jars of dips and small items to break up the cheese board; add height and round shapes |
| Cutting | Pre-cut hard cheeses into slices or cubes; include the rind |
| Accompaniments | Charcuterie, crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cured meats, mustard, chutney, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, dark chocolate |
| Drinks | Beer |
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What You'll Learn
Serve at room temperature
Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature. This is because we perceive flavours better at temperatures closer to our body temperature. As cheese softens, its fat-soluble flavour compounds become more accessible to our taste buds. Aromas are also more volatile at warmer temperatures, allowing us to smell and taste the cheese better. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to one hour before serving. This ensures that the cheese reaches an ambient temperature throughout, enhancing its flavour and texture.
When serving cheese at room temperature, it is essential to handle it properly to maintain its quality. Cheese is a living, perishable ingredient that requires careful attention to preserve its delectable flavours and desired texture. It is crucial to mimic prime storage conditions as much as possible, as cheese has a carefully composed moisture content. For example, fresh mozzarella should not be refrigerated if consumed on the same day, as it becomes firmer and less juicy. However, if stored for a more extended period, refrigeration is necessary.
To serve cheese at room temperature, there are several presentation options. One approach is to place small bowls or store-bought jars of dips, honey, roasted red peppers, or pesto around the cheese board. This adds visual interest and provides a variety of flavours for guests to enjoy. It is also essential to offer a range of cheeses, such as soft and hard cheeses with distinct flavours, to create a well-rounded cheese plate.
When serving hard cheeses, it is advisable to cut them into slices or cubes to make it easier for guests to consume. On the other hand, soft cheeses can be served as they are. Additionally, it is recommended to include the cheese rind on the plate, as it contributes significantly to the overall flavour experience. By following these suggestions, you can create a visually appealing and tasty cheese presentation that your guests will surely enjoy.
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Choose a variety of cheeses
When serving a cheese platter, it's important to offer your guests a variety of cheeses with distinct flavours and textures. Here are some tips to help you choose and prepare a selection of cheeses that will impress your guests:
Firstly, decide on the number of cheeses you want to offer. It is recommended to serve no less than three cheeses to provide a good variety, but not more than five, as too many options might overwhelm your guests and crowd your serving area.
Next, consider the types of cheese you want to include. Offer a mix of soft and hard cheeses, as well as cheeses with different milk types and animal sources. For example, you could serve goat cheese, which is soft, and pair it with aged Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard cheese made from cow's milk. Including cheeses from different geographic locations can also add interest and variety to your platter. For instance, you could focus on Italian cheeses or explore the offerings from the Loire Valley of France.
If you want to delve deeper into the nuances of cheeses, you could create a homogenous cheese plate featuring different styles of cheeses within the same family. For example, you could curate a selection of three to four varieties of Brie and Camembert, allowing your guests to explore the subtle differences between them.
When it comes to presentation, consider the shape and arrangement of your cheeses. Include cheeses of different shapes, such as wheels, triangles, and squares, to add visual interest to your platter. You can leave soft cheeses whole, but it is advisable to pre-cut hard cheeses into slices or cubes to make it easier for your guests to serve themselves.
Lastly, remember to take your cheeses out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to one hour before serving to allow them to come to room temperature. This is important because cheese is best appreciated at room temperature, as its flavours and aromas are more pronounced, providing a fuller sensory experience.
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Prepare a cheese plate
Preparing a cheese plate is a fun and delicious way to showcase a variety of cheeses and impress your guests. Here are some detailed steps to help you create a perfect cheese plate:
Choose the Right Cheeses:
Select a variety of cheeses with different textures, flavours, and milk sources. Include both soft and hard cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, cheddar, and parmesan. Consider using cheeses made from goat, sheep, and cow's milk to offer a diverse range of flavours. Aim for a balance of at least three to five cheeses, as too many options can overwhelm your guests.
Plan the Quantity:
Determine the amount of cheese per person, especially if serving as an appetizer. For appetizers, plan for 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams) per guest, or 2-3 ounces if serving with few accompaniments, and 4-5 ounces if serving as a dinner portion with fruits and vegetables. If you're worried about having too much cheese, cut your portions in half and replenish as needed.
Prepare the Cheese Plate:
Take the cheeses out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to one hour before serving to allow them to reach room temperature. This enhances their flavour and texture. You can either place the cheeses on the counter and add them to the plate later, or cut and arrange them directly on the plate, covering them with beeswax or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
For hard cheeses, cut them into slices, cubes, or small pieces to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. Soft cheeses can be served as they are. Arrange the cheeses on a wooden or stone cutting board, adding visual interest with varying shapes and heights.
Accompaniments and Presentation:
Add small bowls or store-bought jars of dips, honey, roasted red peppers, pesto, or jams to your cheese plate. Include savoury accompaniments like cured meats (prosciutto, salami), nuts, crackers, crostini, and charcuterie. If serving as an appetizer, opt for lighter cheeses that won't fill up your guests, and consider pairing them with the main meal.
Storage and Serving Tips:
Always store leftover cheese in a drawer or lidded container in the fridge to prevent it from drying out. Avoid freezing fresh, high-moisture cheeses. When serving, ensure each portion has some rind, as it contributes to the overall flavour and enjoyment of the cheese.
Now you're ready to create a delightful cheese plate that your guests will surely enjoy!
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Pair with the right foods and drinks
When it comes to serving cheese, there are many ways to elevate the experience by pairing it with the right foods and drinks. Firstly, it is important to remember that cheese should be served at room temperature, as this allows for the best flavour and texture. Take the cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
A cheese plate should include a variety of cheeses, ideally three to five, with a mix of soft and hard cheeses with distinct flavours. You can also offer cheeses made from different types of milk, such as goat, sheep, and cow's milk. If you want to focus on a specific type of cheese, you can serve three or four different styles of that cheese, such as brie and camembert, allowing your guests to explore the subtle differences.
In addition to the cheese, you can pair it with savoury foods such as cured meats (prosciutto, salami), nuts, roasted red peppers, and sauces like mustard and chutney. Caramelised onions and artichoke hearts can also complement the cheese well. If you're serving a cheese plate as an appetizer, plan to have 1-2 ounces of cheese per person, and include accompaniments like crackers, crostini, fruits, and vegetables.
For drinks, you can offer a variety of beers that pair well with the cheeses. If you want to get creative, include some dessert cheeses, such as chocolate cherry, honey truffle, and strawberry spritz goat cheese varieties, which can be a unique way to end a meal.
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Don't freeze fresh, high-moisture cheeses
When it comes to serving old cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your cheese is tasty and safe to eat. Firstly, it is recommended that all cheeses be served at room temperature. This is because flavours are perceived better at temperatures closer to body temperature. As cheese softens at room temperature, its fat-soluble flavour compounds become more accessible to our taste buds. Additionally, warmer temperatures cause aromas to be more volatile, enhancing the smell and taste of the cheese. Therefore, it is best to remove the cheese from the fridge and let it rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Now, onto the topic of freezing fresh, high-moisture cheeses. Freezing is a method of food preservation that has been used for thousands of years, and it can be tempting to freeze cheese to extend its shelf life. However, it is important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Fresh, high-moisture cheeses, such as mozzarella, should not be frozen. This is because freezing can negatively affect the texture and quality of the cheese. High-moisture cheeses are more prone to forming ice crystals when frozen, resulting in a chunkier and crumblier texture upon thawing.
Additionally, the flavour of cheese can be diminished after freezing and thawing. This is especially true for soft cheeses with higher moisture content, as they are more susceptible to degradation during the freezing process. If you are concerned about maintaining the flavour and texture of your cheese, it is recommended to use fresh cheese whenever possible. However, if you do choose to freeze fresh, high-moisture cheese, there are a few guidelines to follow. Firstly, it is important to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before freezing. Then, allow the cheese to thaw slowly by transferring it to the refrigerator overnight or defrosting it in the microwave after removing any foil wrapping.
While freezing fresh, high-moisture cheese is not ideal, there are alternative methods to extend its shelf life. One option is to store the cheese in the refrigerator, ensuring it is wrapped or covered to prevent drying out. Additionally, consuming the cheese within a few days of purchasing it can help ensure freshness. Another option is to soak the cheese in a warm, salted milk bath before serving, which can help restore some of its moisture and texture. However, it is important to note that the cheese may not return to its original freshness, and it is always best to start with fresh cheese whenever possible to maximise flavour and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to let your cheese sit out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This will allow the cheese to reach room temperature, which will enhance its flavour and texture.
If serving cheese as an appetiser, plan to have 2-3 oz. of cheese per person. If serving a lot of accompaniments, like charcuterie, crackers, and fruit, your guests will likely eat less cheese. If serving cheese as the main dish, plan for 4-5 oz. of cheese per person.
It is recommended to serve a variety of cheeses with distinct flavours and textures. This can include soft and hard cheeses, cheeses made from different types of milk (goat, sheep, and cow), and cheeses from different geographic locations.
