The Perfect Pairings For A Cheese Platter

A cheese platter is a great option for entertaining, whether it's for a party, a holiday gathering, or a simple get-together with friends. The best thing about a cheese platter is its versatility – it can be as simple or as fancy as you like, and it's easy to adapt to different seasons and occasions. The key to a good cheese platter is variety – a mix of different cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, and accompaniments will ensure something for everyone.

When selecting cheeses, aim for a range of flavours and textures. Include a mix of soft, semi-soft, semi-firm, and firm cheeses, such as brie, camembert, gouda, gruyere, and cheddar. Consider adding a blue cheese like gorgonzola or stilton for something a little different. You can also add some cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo, and don't forget the crackers or bread!

To add some extra flavour and texture, include some accompaniments like olives, cornichons, nuts, and something sweet like honey or jam. Fresh or dried fruit is also a great addition – grapes, apples, and pears are always a good choice. Arrange everything on a large board or platter, and don't forget to let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for the best flavour.

Meats: Prosciutto, Salami, Chorizo, Prosciutto di Parma, Coppa, Hot Capicola, Pancetta, Parma Ham, Sopressata, Nduja, etc

Crackers and Bread: Baguette, Crostini, Crackers, Breadsticks, Crisps, etc

When it comes to crackers and bread, there are a few options to choose from. You can go for a classic baguette, sliced and served alongside whatever crackers you have on hand. A variety of crackers is always a good idea, so consider including a buttery cracker, a thin mild cracker, and a seeded, grainy cracker.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own crostini by slicing a baguette, drizzling it with olive oil, and baking it in the oven until lightly browned. Breadsticks and crisps are also great options to add texture and variety to your cheese platter.

When arranging your crackers and bread on the platter, fan them out along the edges of the cheese plate to make them easily accessible to your guests. You can also place them in small piles or groups to create an interesting visual effect.

Remember, the key to a great cheese platter is variety, so don't be afraid to mix and match different types of crackers and bread. You can even offer a few different types of bread to elevate your platter and give your guests plenty of options.

Fruits: Apples, Pears, Plums, Clementines, Pomegranate, Grapes, Berries, Figs, etc

Fruits are a fantastic addition to a cheese platter, offering a burst of sweetness and colour to complement the cheeses. Here are some tips for creating a fruit and cheese platter, with a focus on the fruits: apples, pears, plums, clementines, pomegranates, grapes, berries, and figs.

Firstly, consider the season when choosing your fruits. In winter, sliced persimmons, apples, pears, and pomegranate quarters are excellent choices, along with dried fruits like apricots or cherries. In summer, opt for berries and stone fruits like plums, cherries, or peaches. Avoid very juicy fruits like watermelon or peaches, which can make the platter soggy.

Now, let's dive into the specific fruits you mentioned:

• Apples: Thinly sliced apples are a great choice. Go for varieties like Envy, Pink Lady, Opal, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala. Apples pair well with almost any cheese, especially stronger flavours like Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or crumbly cheeses.
• Pears: Bosc, D'Anjou, Barlett, or Comice pears are excellent choices. They go well with most cheeses but are especially delicious with Brie and Gouda.
• Plums: Bold and sweet plums are a great way to add colour to your platter. They pair well with strong, salty cheeses like Manchego or Fontina, as well as Brie.
• Clementines: While not mentioned as frequently as other fruits, clementines can add a bright, citrusy note to your platter. They are a great choice for winter and can be segmented to create a beautiful presentation.
• Pomegranates: These sweet-tart jewels offer a burst of juice that pairs beautifully with goat cheese, feta, or Swiss. Segmenting the pomegranate makes for a stunning visual addition to the platter.
• Grapes: Juicy, crunchy grapes are a classic choice. Use both red and green seedless grapes for natural sweetness and crunch.
• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries add a burst of colour and a sweet-tart flavour. They are fantastic with feta, brie, or goat cheese.
• Figs: Fresh or dried figs are a wonderful addition. They pair well with Manchego cheese and create a stunning visual element on the platter.

When assembling your platter, start with the largest items. Place your cheese selections first, in different sections of the platter, and include cheese knives for easy serving. Then, add larger fruits like grapes, followed by smaller fruits, nuts, and extras. Fill any remaining gaps with berries or other small items. For a visually appealing platter, contrast colours and textures, such as pairing green pears with red grapes or using rectangular crackers with round cheeses.

Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Hazelnuts, etc

Nuts are a great addition to a cheese platter, providing texture and flavour. They are a perfect pairing with cheese, especially almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts.

Almonds are a great choice, especially when seasoned with rosemary and sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, garlic herb and olive oil, or black truffle. These flavours complement the cheeses well and add an extra depth of flavour to your platter.

Walnuts are another excellent option, adding a nice crunch to the platter. They pair well with softer cheeses, such as brie, and can be used to fill in any gaps on the board.

Pistachios are a less traditional option but can add a unique touch to your platter. Their bright green colour will make your cheese board pop, and their distinctive flavour will impress your guests.

Hazelnuts are also a wonderful choice, especially if you are looking for something a little different. They have a rich, buttery flavour that pairs well with stronger cheeses.

When adding nuts to your cheese platter, consider the overall composition. Nuts can be used to fill in gaps and add visual interest to the board. Place them in small piles or scatter them across the platter, ensuring they complement the other ingredients in terms of colour, texture, and flavour.

Remember, the key to a great cheese platter is variety, so don't be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts and cheeses to find your perfect combination!

Extras: Honey, Jam, Pickles, Olives, Artichokes, Roasted Peppers