Creating The Perfect Cheese Platter With Fruits

A fruit and cheese platter is a delightful treat for any occasion, be it a cosy get-together or a grand celebration. The key to a successful platter is to offer a variety of colours, textures and flavours that will delight your guests.

Apples, pears, and stone fruits

Apples, especially Green Apples, are a popular choice for cheese platters as they pair well with a variety of cheeses. Thinly sliced apples, such as Envy, Pink Lady, Opal, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala, complement almost any cheese, from Gruyere to sharp cheddar. Their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavour create a delightful contrast with creamy cheeses, and they also go well with crumbly cheeses.

Pears are another versatile fruit that can be paired with most cheeses. For a cheese platter, select firm, ripe pears such as Bosc, D'Anjou, Barlett, or Comice. Pears are especially delicious with Brie and Gouda, but they also pair well with softer cheeses like goat cheese or Camembert.

Stone fruits, including peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries, add a touch of summer freshness to your cheese platter. Their sweet, juicy flavours are a perfect match for salty, strong cheeses like Manchego or Fontina, as well as softer cheeses like goat cheese or Brie. When preparing stone fruits for your platter, consider slicing them to showcase their beautiful interiors.

When creating your cheese platter, remember to vary the textures and colours of your fruits and cheeses to make a visually appealing display. You can also add some dried apples, pears, or stone fruits, such as apricots or cherries, for a different texture and to extend the shelf life of your platter.

Berries

When creating a cheese platter, it's important to consider a balance of flavours and textures, and berries are a great way to add a juicy, sweet element. Some of the best berries to include are strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. These berries complement the creaminess of the cheese, especially when paired with a variety of cheeses with different flavour profiles.

For example, the sharpness of a goat cheese or the tanginess of a feta cheese can be a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of berries. Brie, with its mild, creamy texture, also pairs well with berries, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey can take this combination to the next level. If you're looking for a more unusual pairing, try a whipped honey ricotta with berries for a sweet and indulgent treat.

In addition to the types of berries and cheeses, consider adding some crunch to your platter with crackers and nuts. Marcona almonds are an elegant choice, as almonds pair particularly well with berries. You can also fill in any gaps on your platter with nuts, dried fruits, or even some chocolate-covered nuts or fruit to complement the sweetness of the berries.

Remember to use a variety of colours and textures when arranging your platter to make it visually appealing. Most importantly, have fun creating your berry cheese platter and enjoy the delicious combination of berries and cheese!

Tropical fruits

• Pineapple spears
• Papaya
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Dragon fruit
• Persimmon
• Clementines
• Honeydew melon
• Santa melon
• Oranges
• Limes

Cheese:

• Mascarpone
• Goat cheese
• Basket cheese
• Ricotta
• Basque cheese
• Brie
• Raclette
• Gruyère
• Cheddar

Extras:

• Honey
• Macadamia nuts
• Lime wedges

Tips:

• Squeeze lime juice over papaya to transform its flavour.
• Serve lime wedges on the platter for guests to add to their plate if desired.
• Macadamia nuts add a tropical, crunchy, and salty element to the platter.
• Avoid apples and pears as they will discolour when exposed to the air.
• Cut the fruit and cheese into cubes, slices, or quarters to make it easy for your guests to help themselves.

Dried fruits

Dried fruit is a great option to add to a cheese platter, especially if you want to avoid the mess of fresh, juicy fruit. Here are some ideas for dried fruits that you can include:

• Dried apricots: These are a wonderful option, known for their sweetness. They pair well with goat cheese and blue cheese.
• Dried cherries: Try these with brie, camembert, or goat cheese for a classic combination.
• Dates: Dates are very sweet and pair well with stronger-flavoured cheeses like goat cheese.
• Dried cranberries: These can be paired with herbed or berry goat cheese.
• Dried figs: Figs go well with Manchego cheese for a bold pairing.

When creating a cheese platter, it's a good idea to include a variety of textures, colours, strengths, and shapes. You can also add other elements like crackers, bread, nuts, olives, and dips like honey or jam to complement the dried fruit and cheese.

Nuts

• Choose roasted, salted and shelled nuts.
• Place the nuts in small bowls around the platter.
• Use a variety of nuts, such as cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts.
• If you're on a budget, skip the nuts as these can be expensive.
• If you're concerned about allergies, place the nuts in a bowl and let your guests know they are there.

Frequently asked questions