Cheese Tray For Twenty: A Guide To Portion Sizing

what does a cheese tray for twenty look like

A cheese tray for twenty people is a great option for a party, offering something for everyone. It's a simple, yet effective, way to impress your guests. A cheese tray for twenty will likely be a large tray, piled high with a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and other treats. The tray will be abundant, with little space between the different elements, creating an inviting and indulgent display.

Characteristics Values
Number of people served 20
Weight 5-9 pounds
Cost $25-35
Diameter 16-18 inches
Number of cheese varieties 3-5
Cheese types Sharp Cheddar, port wine cheese, pepper jack cheese, Colby Longhorn, Havarti, Colby Jack, smoked cheddar, imported Swiss cheese, spreadable or soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, soft goat cheese), blue cheese (Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort), aged or hard cheese (Asiago, Parmesan, Reggiano), firm cheese (Aged Cheddar, Manchego, Swiss), etc.
Accompaniments Crackers, nuts, dried/seasonal fruits (apples, pears, grapes, etc.), olives, cornichons, honey, jam, etc.

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Walmart offers a 16-inch meat and cheese tray that serves 20-25 people for $20

The meat and cheese tray from Walmart is a convenient and affordable option for feeding a group. For just $20, you get a substantial amount of food that can satisfy a large number of guests. This tray is an excellent choice if you're looking for a simple and hassle-free way to cater to your event.

The tray includes a variety of meats, such as Virginia ham, roast beef, and smoked turkey breast. It also comes with a cup of olives and a garnish of cherry tomatoes, adding some freshness and colour to the platter. The cheese selection typically includes a variety of flavours and textures, with options like aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, Manchego, Brie, Camembert, soft goat cheese, and blue cheese.

To make the most of your meat and cheese tray, consider adding some complementary items. Walmart offers condiment trays with freshly sliced tomatoes, olives, lettuce, red onions, pickles, and sliced peppers, which can enhance the flavour of your sandwiches. You can also add some crackers, dried fruits, nuts, and jams to pair with the cheeses, creating a well-rounded and appetising spread.

The Walmart meat and cheese tray is a convenient and cost-effective solution for your next gathering, providing a generous amount of food for a group of 20-25 people. With a variety of options and the ability to customise your tray, it's an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity and value without compromising on taste and quality.

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A cheese tray for 20 should include 3-5 different types of cheese

A cheese tray for 20 people should include around 3 to 5 different types of cheese, totalling 3 pounds of cheese. This will ensure that there is enough cheese for everyone, with room for seconds.

When creating a cheese tray, it is important to consider a variety of flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to include a firm or semi-firm cheese, such as aged white cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère; a spreadable or soft cheese, like Brie or Camembert; and something funky, such as a strong blue cheese. If you know your guests are adventurous eaters, go for something like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. However, if you're unsure, it might be best to stick with milder options.

In addition to the cheese, you'll want to include some accompaniments. Start with crackers—you'll need around 160 crackers for 20 people. You can also add something sweet, like dried or fresh fruit, honey, or jam, to balance out the salty, funky cheeses. Nuts, olives, and cornichons are also great options for adding texture and flavour to your cheese tray.

When assembling your cheese tray, start with the largest items first. Place the bowls for dips or smaller items, then add the cheeses, and finally fill in the gaps with the remaining items. If you're using meats like prosciutto, simply hold each piece vertically and gently lower it onto the tray, twisting your hand a little to create some folds and save space. For sausages, cut them on a bias and fan out the pieces in a row.

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Cheese trays should include cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo

When preparing a cheese tray for twenty people, it is important to consider the variety of options you will provide. A good rule of thumb is to select 2-3 oz of cheese per person, with a mix of hard and soft cheeses made from different types of milk.

In addition to cured meats, a cheese tray for twenty should include a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and accompaniments. For the cheeses, consider options like brie, camembert, blue cheese, gouda, cheddar, and manchego. For fruits, select seasonal produce such as grapes, apples, or pears. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and candied pecans will add crunch and texture. Crackers and bread will also help to fill up space on the tray. Finally, accompaniments like olives, pickles, dips (hummus, guacamole, or herbed sour cream), and spreads (jam, honey, or mustard) will round out the tray and provide a variety of flavours for your guests to enjoy.

When assembling the tray, start by placing the larger items, like the meats and cheeses, first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments. Consider the visual appeal of the tray by using different heights, colours, and textures to create an attractive and cohesive display. You can also add bowls or small store-bought jars of dips or spreads like jam, honey, or pesto to break up the tray and make it more fun and interesting for your guests.

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A variety of textures is important, so include crackers, bread, and fruit

When preparing a cheese tray, it's important to offer a variety of textures and flavours to your guests. A good rule of thumb is to choose at least one item from each of the following categories:

  • Something sweet: Include a jar of honey or tart cherry or fig jam. Dried and fresh fruits are also a great choice—try grapes, apples, pears, or mango.
  • Something crunchy: Nuts, crispy chickpeas, and crackers are perfect pairings with cheese.
  • Something salty: Olives or cornichons will do the trick.
  • A pop of colour: Seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or grapes are always a good idea.

Now, let's apply these categories to a cheese tray for twenty people.

First, select a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. For a group of twenty, consider offering at least three types of cheese. You can choose from firm or semi-firm cheeses such as aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, or Manchego. Spreadable or soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or soft goat cheese are also excellent options. If you're feeling adventurous, add a strong blue cheese like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. Remember, even if you pick two cheeses from the same category, ensure they still contrast in flavour or texture.

Next, let's add the crackers, bread, and fruit to create a variety of textures. For the crackers, choose classic butter crackers, water crackers, wheat crackers, or multi-grain crackers. You can also offer bread, such as a French baguette or crunchy thin breadsticks.

For the fruit, select a mix of fresh and dried options. Fresh fruits like grapes, apples and pears are always a hit. You can also include more exotic choices like mango or dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, dates, or cranberries.

Arrange the cheese, crackers, bread, and fruit on a large platter or board. Start by placing the larger items, such as the cheeses and crackers, first. Then, fill in the gaps with the fruit. Continue adding more cheese, crackers, and fruit to create a full and abundant platter. Don't forget to add some small bowls with honey, jams, or other dips to enhance the flavours.

Finally, don't forget to provide serving utensils like spoons, tongs, a cheese knife, or toothpicks. Your guests will appreciate the variety of textures and flavours on your cheese tray!

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Add some colour with fruit like apples, pears, or grapes

When creating a cheese tray for twenty people, it's important to consider variety, colour, and texture. Here are some tips to add colour and variety to your cheese tray with fruits like apples, pears, or grapes:

Choose Seasonal Fruits:

Select fruits that are in season, such as apples, pears, or grapes. Seasonal fruits are typically more flavourful and can add a touch of freshness to your cheese tray.

Add a Pop of Colour:

Fruits like apples, pears, and grapes offer a vibrant pop of colour to your cheese tray. Slice the apples and pears ahead of time to make it easier for your guests to enjoy. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on the sliced fruits to prevent browning.

Create Balance:

Arrange the fruits strategically to create a balanced composition. For example, place grapes on either side of the cheese plate to give it a symmetrical look and make it easily accessible for your guests.

Pair with Other Ingredients:

Fruits go exceptionally well with certain types of cheeses. For instance, try pairing a slice of baguette with cheese, apple, and a drizzle of honey. Brie, a soft cheese, also pairs beautifully with fruits and toasted bread.

Fill in Gaps:

Use fruits to fill in any empty spaces on your cheese tray. Cut the fruits into relatively small pieces and scatter them across the tray. This helps to create a full and abundant look, ensuring there is something for everyone.

By incorporating these ideas, you can create a visually appealing and tasty cheese tray for twenty people, showcasing a variety of flavours, textures, and colours.

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Frequently asked questions

A cheese tray for twenty people should be large and abundant, with a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and other accompaniments. It should be presented on a large board or platter, with cheeses taking up the most space. A 16-inch tray with five pounds of meat and cheese or a larger 18-inch tray with seven pounds of food can serve twenty people.

A good variety of cheeses is essential, with a mix of firm or semi-firm, soft, and spreadable cheeses. Some popular options include aged cheddar, Gruyère, Brie, Blue Cheese, and Goat Cheese.

In addition to the cheeses, cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo can be included. Crackers, bread, and breadsticks provide texture and something to pair with the cheeses. For sweetness, honey, jams, and dried or fresh fruits like grapes or apples can be added. Olives, pickles, and nuts will also enhance the tray.

The cheeses can be cubed, sliced, or left whole, with some variety in shapes and sizes for visual interest. Bowls of dips, jams, or honey can be placed on the tray, and any bare spots can be filled with nuts, fruits, or crackers. Meats like prosciutto can be folded or casually placed, while salami can be fanned out.

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