The Perfect Pairings For A Cheese Platter

A cheese platter is a great appetiser for any occasion, from a dinner party to a holiday get-together. The best thing about a cheese platter is that it is versatile and can be made fancy or simple. The key to a good cheese platter is variety. This includes a variety of flavours, textures and shapes, which creates visual interest and makes the platter more delicious.

A good rule of thumb is to include three different types of cheese: one hard, one soft and one blue cheese. You can also include something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk. In addition to cheese, you can add charcuterie, crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, pickles, preserves and something whimsical like chocolates or candies.

Cheeses:

The best cheese boards offer a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to include at least three different cheeses, but you can go up to five for a large cheese board. It's a good idea to include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one soft cheese, and one blue cheese. You could also add something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk. Here are some specific cheeses you might want to include:

• Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Chèvre (goat cheese), mozzarella, Boursin, Raclette, Fontina, Havarti
• Semi-soft cheeses: Gouda, Muenster
• Semi-firm cheeses: Manchego, Gruyère, Comté, Edam
• Firm cheeses: Aged cheddar, white cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Dubliner
• Blue cheese: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort, Danish blue

When selecting your cheeses, you can either pick a theme (e.g. goat's milk or Alpine-style) or go for high contrast by choosing very different cheeses. Consider your audience, too—if you're serving adventurous eaters, go for pungent, washed-rind cheeses or stinky blues. If you're serving a crowd with more mild tastes, go for crowd-pleasers like good-quality goat cheese, Gruyère, and mild, milky brie.

Remember to take your cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature. You can also slice the cheese into different shapes to add visual interest and make it easier to serve. Don't forget to add cheese knives just before serving!

Meats:

Meats are an essential component of a cheese platter, providing a savoury and salty contrast to the cheese. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting and preparing meats for your cheese platter:

Types of Meat:

When choosing meats for a cheese platter, cured meats are a popular choice and are considered the star of a traditional charcuterie board. Some examples of cured meats include:

• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Soppressata
• Mortadella
• Pepperoni
• Chorizo
• Peppered Salami
• Sopressata
• Dry-cured Salami
• Italian Dry-cured Ham

In addition to cured meats, you can also include other types of cooked or cured meats such as:

• Roasted Turkey
• Deli Meat
• Summer Sausage
• Pulled Pork
• Roasted or Fried Chicken
• Tuna Salad
• Smoked Salmon
• Turkey Legs

Amount and Presentation of Meat:

When creating a cheese platter, it is recommended to use an equal number of cheeses and meats. For example, if you use three types of cheese, select three types of meat. This ensures a balanced presentation. To make your platter look full, alternate the placement of cheese and meat, and fill any gaps with fruits, nuts, or other accompaniments.

If you are serving a large crowd, it is advisable to use small boards to ensure the platter looks plentiful. For a small group, a single large board can be used.

To make your meat more appetising, slice the meat thinly or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Rolling the meat into small "cigar" shapes is also an attractive presentation technique.

Storage and Temperature:

If you are preparing your cheese platter in advance, you can store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. However, it is recommended to remove the platter from the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to come to room temperature, as this enhances its flavour.

Crackers and Bread:

The type of crackers and bread you choose for your cheese platter is important. You want something that will complement the cheese without being too overwhelming. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Types of Crackers:

• Water crackers: These are a classic choice for cheese platters as they are mild and won't overpower the cheese. Look for plain, sesame, or black pepper varieties.
• Butter crackers: A classic choice that goes well with most cheeses.
• Multigrain crackers: For a bit of added texture and flavour.
• Flatbread crackers: Try olive oil or cheese-flavoured flatbreads for something a little different.
• Breadsticks: Sesame or olive oil breadsticks add a nice crunchy element to the platter.
• Crispbreads: These can be a nice alternative to crackers, and there are many different types to choose from.

Types of Bread:

• Baguette: Sliced baguette is a popular choice for cheese platters. Try a plain baguette or something more flavoursome like a French baguette.
• Crostini: Toasted baguette slices can be a nice alternative to regular bread. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for extra flavour.
• Focaccia: Try adding some strips of focaccia to your platter for something a little different.
• Breadsticks: Not just for dipping! Breadsticks can also be a fun addition to a cheese platter. Look for something crunchy and flavourful.

When choosing crackers and bread for your cheese platter, it's a good idea to offer a variety of options. This will give your guests plenty of choices and will ensure that there is something to suit everyone's taste. You can also get creative with the presentation by fanning out the crackers or bread, or stacking them in piles.

It's also important to consider the amount of crackers and bread you will need. These items can take up a lot of space on the platter, so you may want to offer them on a separate plate or bowl. You can easily restock these items as they deplete, so there is no need to overload your cheese platter.

Fruits and Nuts:

Fruits and nuts are essential components of a cheese platter, adding sweetness, crunch, and texture. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese platter:

• Fresh Fruits: Seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, and berries add a pop of colour and freshness to your platter. For winter, opt for sliced apples and pears, clementines, and pomegranates. In summer, go for fresh berries and grapes. You can also use dried fruits such as apricots, dried cherries, figs, or mango for a chewy texture.
• Nuts: Marcona almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheeses. For example, pair gorgonzola with almonds and pistachios, or serve Manchego with almonds.
• Dried Fruits: Dried apricots, figs, or cherries can also be added to the platter to provide a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
• Honey: A small bowl of honey can be drizzled over cheeses like brie or paired with strong cheeses like gorgonzola and blue cheese for a sweet contrast.
• Jam: Fig jam, apricot jam, or fruit preserves can be paired with cheeses like brie, camembert, or goat cheese.

When selecting fruits and nuts for your cheese platter, consider the season and the types of cheeses you are serving. Fresh, seasonal fruits will taste better and add a colourful touch to your platter. As for nuts, choose a variety that complements the cheeses and provides a contrasting texture.

Extras:

The fun part about creating a cheese platter is that you can get creative and add anything you like. Here are some ideas for extra items to include on your cheese platter:

• Something whimsical and fun: You can add a unique touch to your cheese platter by including unexpected items that reflect the season or theme of your gathering. For example, you could add mince pies or festive chocolates for Christmas, chocolate Easter eggs for Easter, or Halloween candy for a Halloween-themed platter.
• Artichokes, roasted peppers, and other pickled, marinated, or roasted vegetables: These can add a nice tangy or savoury element to your platter and provide a contrast to the other flavours.
• Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can bring a pop of colour and a touch of finesse to your platter. They can also add a nice aroma to the overall presentation.
• Dips and spreads: Including dips or spreads, such as hummus, pesto, high-quality salted butter, or tapenade, can provide a nice contrast to the cheeses and offer something different for your guests to enjoy.
• Honey: A small bowl of honey can be a wonderful addition to your cheese platter, especially if you have some stronger or saltier cheeses that would pair well with a touch of sweetness.
• Seasonal produce: Using seasonal fruits or vegetables can not only add a pop of colour but also tie your cheese platter to the time of year. For example, you could use fresh berries and grapes in the summer or figs, sliced apples, and pears in the winter.
• Nuts: Including nuts like Marcona almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans can add a nice crunchy texture and variety to your platter. They can also be a great pairing with some of the cheeses and meats.
• Dried fruit: Dried fruits like apricots, dried cherries, dried figs, or mango can be a nice alternative to fresh fruit and provide a sweet and acidic contrast to the rich and creamy cheeses.

Frequently asked questions