Andy Montoya
A cheese platter is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the year and can be adapted to suit all occasions. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the different types of cheese, fruits, and fillers that will be included. The most popular types of cheese include brie, camembert, blue cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Fruits such as grapes, apples, berries, and peaches are commonly added to a cheese platter, providing a burst of colour and sweetness. Fillers such as crackers, nuts, and breadsticks are also incorporated to add texture and variety. The presentation of a cheese platter is equally important, with attention given to the arrangement, colour contrast, and visual appeal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Grapes, apples, berries, pears, peaches, plums, cantaloupe, mandarin oranges, cherries, figs, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, watermelon, kiwi, pineapple, mango, apricots |
| Cheese | Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, mozzarella, burrata, cheddar, colby jack, swiss, Babybel, gorgonzola, saint agure, roquefort, stilton, parmesan, pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano, feta, chevin |
| Other additions | Crackers, bread, nuts, honey, jam, chutney, cured meat (salami, prosciutto, parma ham, black forest ham, chorizo, mortadella) |
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What You'll Learn
- Fruits to avoid: pineapple and watermelon can make bread soggy
- Fruits to include: grapes, apples, berries, peaches, plums, cherries, figs
- Soft cheeses: brie, camembert, goat cheese, mozzarella, burrata
- Hard cheeses: parmesan, pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano
- Sweet extras: dark chocolate, honey, jams, chutneys
Fruits to avoid: pineapple and watermelon can make bread soggy
A fruit and cheese platter is a delightful treat, offering a burst of flavours, colours, and textures. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the type of cheese, the fruits, and the overall presentation. While there are many fruits that complement cheese, some fruits should be avoided, such as pineapple and watermelon, as they can make the bread soggy.
Pineapple is a juicy and sweet-tart fruit that is often considered one of the best fruits for a platter. Its bright yellow colour adds vibrancy, and it pairs well with other sweeter fruits. However, pineapple should be avoided when creating a cheese platter that includes bread. This is because pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein by cutting amino acid chains. When pineapple comes into contact with bread, it can cause the bread to become soggy and damp, affecting both the texture and taste.
Watermelon is another fruit that should be avoided on a cheese platter with bread. While it provides a juicy and refreshing taste, its high water content can make bread soggy and damp. The soft texture of watermelon can also make it challenging to create a neat presentation, especially when sliced thinly. Instead of including watermelon on the same platter as bread, consider serving it on a separate platter or as a refreshing side dish.
To avoid sogginess, opt for fruits that have a drier texture or those that are not overly juicy. Apples, for example, provide a crisp texture and pair well with cheeses like cheddar. Pears also offer a similar crunch and can add a touch of sweetness to the platter. Grapes are another excellent choice, as they provide a juicy burst without releasing excess liquid that could dampen the bread.
When creating a cheese platter, it is also important to consider the colour and arrangement of the fruits. Aim for a variety of colours, such as red grapes, green pears, or yellow apples, to create a visually appealing display. Arrange the fruits in an aesthetically pleasing manner, using odd numbers and geometric shapes to add interest. Remember, the presentation of the platter is just as important as the flavours, so take the time to thoughtfully place each element.
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Fruits to include: grapes, apples, berries, peaches, plums, cherries, figs
When creating a cheese platter, it's important to consider the seasonality of fruits. In the summer, berries and stone fruits like plums and cherries are a good choice. In winter, apples, persimmons, pears, and pomegranate quarters pair well with dried fruits like apricots or cherries.
Grapes are a popular choice for cheese platters as they are healthy, festive, and pair well with most cheeses. Red and black grapes complement rich cheeses with tiny crystals, while green grapes tend to go well with creamy cheeses. Grapes and Gouda are a particularly good combination.
Apples and cheese are a classic combination, offering the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury. Apples are a versatile fruit that can be paired with most cheeses, except flavoured cheeses—apples are best paired with cheese in its simplest form.
Berries are another versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries all go well with cheese, especially feta and brie.
Peaches are a versatile fruit that can be grilled, marinated, baked, or served fresh with cheese. They pair well with goat's milk cheese and blue cheese. Pickling peaches in cinnamon and red pepper adds a savoury element to a cheese platter.
Cherries can be used fresh or dried and are a classic combination with brie, camembert, or goat cheese.
Figs are another fruit that can be used fresh or dried. Fresh figs, cut in half, are a visually stunning addition to a cheese platter and pair well with Manchego cheese. Dried fig slices also go well with honey goat cheese.
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Soft cheeses: brie, camembert, goat cheese, mozzarella, burrata
Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, goat cheese, mozzarella, and burrata are versatile and pair well with a variety of fruits. Here are some ideas for each type of cheese:
Brie
Brie is a popular choice for cheese platters and goes well with many fruits. Try pairing it with apples, cherries, strawberries, oranges, or apricots for a classic combination. Drizzle some honey on top for added sweetness, or serve it with dates, figs, or pistachios for a more unique pairing.
Camembert
Camembert is similar to brie in texture and flavor, so it will go well with many of the same fruits. In addition to the suggestions for brie, consider pairing camembert with fresh or dried cherries or blood oranges for a striking presentation.
Goat Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft cheese with a distinct flavor. It pairs well with a variety of fruits, including apricots, green apples, cherries, pears, figs, strawberries, oranges, and even olives. Like brie and camembert, goat cheese also goes well with honey.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that is mild in flavor and pairs well with sweet fruits. Try it with peaches, figs, or berries such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Marinated mozzarella with olive oil, salt, and chilli flakes can also be a great addition to your platter.
Burrata
Burrata is an unusual cheese with a super soft texture. It pairs well with fruits that have some sweetness, such as peaches, figs, and strawberries. Like mozzarella, burrata also goes well with prosciutto and other Italian cured meats.
When creating your cheese platter, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses and fruits. Remember to include a variety of textures and flavors to make your platter interesting and appealing to your guests.
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Hard cheeses: parmesan, pecorino romano, asiago, grana padano
Parmesan, pecorino romano, asiago, and grana padano are all hard cheeses with distinct, strong flavours. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the flavours and textures that will complement these cheeses.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a salty, sharp, and nutty cheese. It pairs well with fruits such as figs, pears, and dates, as well as walnuts, grapes, and honey. A wide knife should be provided for guests to cut off slivers or chunks of this hard cheese.
Pecorino Romano is a hard, dry, and salty sheep's milk cheese that is traditionally made in Italy. It has a tangy, full-bodied flavour and is very versatile. While it is commonly used in cooking, it can also be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter. Pecorino Romano pairs well with fruits, nuts, and toasted bread. Its salty flavour also goes well with pancetta and broad beans when it has not been aged for long.
When creating a cheese platter with Asiago, consider pairing it with tart, crisp apples, plums, or grapes. Asiago is a very hard cheese with a strong flavour that is similar to a cross between Parmesan and sharp cheddar.
Grana Padano is a hard cheese made from partially skimmed raw cow's milk in the Pianura Padana region of Northern Italy. It has a nutty, sweet, and savory flavour that pairs well with fruits such as papaya. It can be served with Marcona almonds, fresh basil, local honey, and rose wine for a delightful combination of flavours.
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Sweet extras: dark chocolate, honey, jams, chutneys
Honey, jams, chutneys, and chocolate are all great additions to a cheese platter, providing a contrast of flavours and textures.
Honey
Honeycomb platters are a great way to serve honey and cheese. Raw honeycomb can be served with a variety of cheeses, including nutty gruyere, blue cheese, and goat's feta. It is recommended to serve the honeycomb with a baguette, pears, and apples. Honey can also be drizzled over the cheese just before serving or served on the side for guests to add themselves.
Jams
Jams are a classic pairing with cheeses, especially in Italian culture. The basic rule is that mature and savoury cheeses should be paired with sweeter jams. Famous pairings include jams made with pears, plums, or cherries, and cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort. Fresh cheeses like ricotta, Camembert, and mascarpone go well with sour jams like tangerine, lemon, and orange. Fig jam, with its spicy taste, can be paired with goat's cheeses like Camembert and Brie.
Chutneys
Chutney is another great addition to a cheese platter, with strong flavours that complement the cheese. Popular pairings include caramelised onion chutney with a strong, mature cheddar, and chilli jam with Cheddar Crunch.
Chocolate
Chocolate has flavour notes that are nutty, creamy, and tangy, which complement cheeses. Dark chocolate with hazelnuts pairs well with Comté, an aged cow's milk cheese from the Alpine region of France. Blue cheese can be paired with dark chocolate truffles, with the rich chocolate cutting through the intensity of the cheese. Triple-crème Brie, a rich and creamy cheese, goes well with 60%-70% dark-chocolate-covered cherries.
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Frequently asked questions
Apples, pears, berries, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries, figs, and oranges are all great options to add to a cheese platter.
Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Burrata are some examples of soft cheeses.
Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, and Grana Padano are examples of hard cheeses.
You can add cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. You can also add crackers, nuts, bread, and condiments like honey, jams, and chutneys.
Yes, you can add all the ingredients to the board, cover it, and keep it ready to serve. You can also assemble the platter 30 minutes before serving to let the cheese come to room temperature.
