Frederic Melton
A cheese and cracker tray is a great option for easy entertaining. It's a simple, customisable, and elegant appetizer that works for any occasion. The key to a great cheese and cracker tray is variety. You'll want to include a range of cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments to create a beautiful and delicious spread.
When selecting cheeses, aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, as well as different textures and milk types (cow, goat, and sheep's cheese). Choose a few seasonal or speciality cheeses to add interest, and consider the amount of cheese per person, usually around 2-3 ounces.
For crackers, offer a variety of shapes and textures, such as butter crackers, multigrain crackers, and breadsticks. You can also include sliced baguette or toasted bread.
To elevate your cheese and cracker tray, add accompaniments like cured meats (salami, prosciutto), fresh or dried fruit (apples, pears, berries, grapes), nuts (almonds, walnuts), something sweet (jam, honey), and something pickled or marinated (olives, cornichons).
When assembling your tray, arrange the larger items first, such as bowls of olives or honey. Place the cheeses in different spots on the tray and provide a knife for each cheese. Add the crackers and meats, then fill in any gaps with fruits, nuts, and other small items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese types | 3-5 |
| Cheese textures | Soft, semi-soft, semi-firm, hard/aged |
| Cheese milk types | Cow, goat, sheep |
| Cheese display styles | Spears, wedges, cubes, whole, sliced, rolled |
| Accompaniments | Cured meats, crackers, bread, fruit, nuts, pickled/marinated items, sweet components |
| Meat styles | Folded, fanned, stacked |
| Fruit styles | Sliced, dried, fresh |
Cheese
Types of Cheese
It's recommended to include at least three to five different types of cheese to provide a diverse selection for your guests. A good rule of thumb is to offer at least one of each of the three basic types of cheese: hard, soft, and blue.
Hard Cheeses
Hard and semi-hard cheeses include Swiss, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère. These cheeses are easily recognisable and comfortable choices for guests who may not be adventurous eaters. When serving hard cheeses, it's a good idea to cut them into slices or cubes to make it easier for guests to pick them up and eat them without having to saw through the cheese.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses include goat cheese, Camembert, chèvre, and Brie. These cheeses are often spreadable and can be served as-is.
Blue Cheeses
Some blue cheeses to consider include Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton. These cheeses have a strong flavour, so a small amount will go a long way.
Amount of Cheese
When determining the amount of cheese to serve, consider the intensity of the flavours. Strong-flavoured cheeses like blue cheese and goat cheese will likely be consumed in smaller quantities, so you won't need as much of them. On the other hand, mild cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss are more popular and tend to be eaten in larger quantities, so stock up on these. If you're serving other appetizers in addition to the cheese and cracker tray, you won't need as much cheese either.
Presentation of Cheese
When arranging the cheese on the tray, it's best to let it come to room temperature before serving. Remove the cheese from the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time and let it rest. This will enhance the flavour and make it easier for your guests to enjoy.
You can get creative with the presentation by displaying the cheeses in different ways. Instead of pre-sliced cheese, try presenting them as spears, wedges, cubes, or rolls. For Brie cheese, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer paper layer.
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Crackers
Types of Crackers
When selecting crackers for your tray, variety is key. Choose two to four different types of crackers to provide a range of flavours and textures for your guests to enjoy. Here are some options to consider:
- Water crackers
- Butter crackers
- Wheat or multigrain crackers
- Whole wheat crackers
- Seedy crackers
- Buttery crackers
- Crispbreads
- Breadsticks
- Pretzels
- Baguette slices
- Crostini
Arranging Crackers on the Tray
When arranging your crackers on the tray, consider placing them in small piles or groups around the cheese and other toppings. This will create a visually appealing display and make it easy for your guests to access the crackers. You can also place crackers in bowls or small plates to save space on the tray.
Amount of Crackers
When determining how many crackers to include on your tray, consider the number of guests you are serving and the size of their appetites. As a general guideline, plan for two to three ounces of cheese per person and include a similar amount of crackers. If you are serving other appetisers or mains, you may want to reduce the amount of crackers and cheese.
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Fruits
- Apples: Thinly sliced Envy, Pink Lady, Opal, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji or Gala apples go well with almost any cheese, especially with a dollop of fig jam or a drizzle of honey. Apples also pair well with stronger cheeses like Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or crumbly cheeses.
- Pears: Bosc, D'Anjou, Bartlett or Comice pears are great with most cheeses, especially brie and Gouda.
- Persimmons: Fuyu persimmons have a sweet and mild flavour and a great texture. They go well with soft cheeses like goat cheese, Burrata, or Camembert, and add a beautiful pop of orange colour to the tray.
- Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries go with many cheeses, especially feta and brie.
- Grapes: Juicy, crunchy grapes are a classic choice and go well with Gouda.
- Apricots: Fresh apricots are wonderful in the summer, while dried apricots are a great option for the rest of the year. Apricots pair well with goat cheese and supposedly blue cheese.
- Plums: Bold, sweet plums pair well with strong, salty cheeses like Manchego or Fontina, or brie.
- Pomegranates: These sweet-tart fruits have bursts of juice that go well with goat cheese, feta, or Swiss cheese.
- Dates: Dates are super sweet and intense, so they pair well with stronger cheeses like goat cheese.
- Fresh or dried cherries: These go well with brie, camembert, or goat cheese.
- Fresh or dried figs: Figs go well with Manchego cheese, or with brie and walnuts for a bolder pairing.
- Oranges and Blood Oranges: Blood oranges are a striking addition to the tray and taste great with brie.
When creating a fruit and cheese tray, it is a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses with different textures and made from different types of milk. Aim for three different cheeses, including something wedge-shaped, something circular, and something cubed or sliced. This will provide visual variety and appeal to a range of tastes. It is also a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese that most people will recognise and enjoy.
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Meats
Meat is an essential component of a cheese and cracker tray, providing a savoury contrast to the other elements. Here are some tips for selecting and preparing the meat for your tray:
Types of Meat
Cured meats are a popular choice for cheese and cracker trays, as they pair well with a variety of cheeses and crackers. Some common options include:
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Pepperoni
- Summer sausage
- Soppressata
- Chorizo
- Peppered salami
- Black Forest ham
- Smoked turkey
- Roast beef
For a more unique option, consider 'nduja, a spicy, spreadable fermented pork sausage from Italy. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, deli meats such as ham, turkey, or roast beef are a great choice.
Amount and Presentation
As a general rule, it is recommended to choose 2-3 types of meat for your tray. This will provide a good variety of flavours and textures for your guests to enjoy. When preparing the meat, consider rolling or folding the slices for added artistic flair. For thin meats like prosciutto, you can fold them into a light and airy ribbon. For meats that will be used for sandwiches, the folding method is better as it makes it easier to pick up and place on the bread. When placing the meat on the tray, create stacks of folded or rolled slices, arranging them in a pyramid shape. This adds visual interest and makes it easier for guests to take a serving.
Pairing with Cheese and Crackers
When selecting meats for your tray, consider how they will pair with the cheeses and crackers you've chosen. Cheddar, for example, pairs well with both smoked meats and most deli meats. Colby Jack is a milder option that goes well with a variety of meats and is especially good for kids. Smoked gouda and pepper jack add a bit of flavour without being too overpowering. For the crackers, choose options that don't have a strong flavour, as you want the taste of the meats and cheeses to shine through.
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Extras
Fruits
Fruits add a burst of colour and flavour to your tray. Some great options include apples, pears, berries, grapes, apricots, persimmons, oranges, and dates. You can also use dried fruits like dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries.
Meats
Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or summer sausage add a savoury and salty touch to your tray. You can fold or roll the meats for a fancier presentation.
Nuts
Roasted and salted nuts are a great addition to your tray. Some popular choices include almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
Olives & Pickles
Olives and pickles provide a briny contrast to the other elements on your tray. Go for classics like pimento-stuffed green olives or kalamata olives, or try something different like cornichons (tiny pickles).
Dips, Sauces, or Spreads
Small amounts of dips, sauces, or spreads can add interest to your tray. Try mustard, honey or honeycomb, or unique jams like fig jam or bacon jam.
Bread and Crackers
Of course, you'll need something to eat all the delicious cheese with! Bread and crackers are a must-have for your tray. Choose a variety of shapes and textures, such as buttery crackers, seedy crackers, or breadsticks. A French baguette sliced into thin slices is also a good choice.
Dark Chocolate
A little dark chocolate can be a surprising and indulgent addition to your cheese and cracker tray. It pairs well with many fruits and cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to provide a few different varieties since your guests' tastes can vary. Include a mix of soft, semi-firm, and hard/aged cheeses, and vary the type of milk used, such as cow, sheep, and goat's cheese.
Display the cheeses in different ways, such as spears, wedges, cubes, or slices. Stay away from pre-sliced cheese, as slicing it yourself is fresher, and you have more control over how you want to cut the cheese.
There is no limit to what you can pair with your cheese. Think about variety, colour, and texture, and what will elevate the flavour of the cheese. You can include cured meats, crackers, crusty bread, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, pickled or marinated items, and something sweet, such as jam or honey.
If serving a cheese plate as an appetizer, plan to have 2-3 oz. of cheese per person. If serving a lot of accompaniments, people will eat less cheese. If serving fewer accompaniments, plan for people to eat a little more.
First, arrange your cheese and meats on the platter. Then, add the crackers around the cheese and meats. Add some fresh fruit and fill in any empty spots with nuts and more fruit. Group everything in piles and mix different shapes, sizes, and colours.
