Cheese Selection For An Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a great way to get the party started and is a perfect appetiser to stimulate your guests' taste buds before the main course. The term 'antipasto' translates to ''before the meal'' and traditionally includes cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. When it comes to cheeses, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of textures and flavours, such as soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses. Some popular choices include gorgonzola, fontina, pecorino romano, asiago, provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, and goat cheese. The key is to offer a range of light, protein-forward, and briny bites that will complement each other and excite your guests' palates.

Mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and pecorino Romano are some cheeses to consider

Mozzarella is a soft, mild, and creamy cheese that is perfect for melting. It is a classic choice for an antipasto platter and can be served fresh or marinated in olive oil, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Gorgonzola is a funky, bold, and pungent blue cheese with a sharp and tangy flavour. It adds a unique taste to the platter and pairs well with sweet accompaniments like honey or jam.

Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a nutty, buttery flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. It melts well and adds a delicious taste to the antipasto platter.

Pecorino Romano, also known as Pecorino, is a hard, nutty, and salty Italian cheese. It has a strong flavour and pairs well with fresh fruits like grapes and figs.

When building your antipasto platter, aim for a variety of textures and flavours. Include other cheeses, such as soft mozzarella, semi-hard pecorino, and blue gorgonzola, along with cured meats, marinated vegetables, fresh fruits, and crackers or bread. Get creative and make it your own!

Salami, prosciutto, and capicola are cured meats to include

When it comes to cheese, it's best to pick at least three with varying flavours and textures. Some classic choices are provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, and marinated fresh mozzarella balls. Other options include gorgonzola, fontina, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, burrata, and provolone.

In addition to the meats and cheeses, you'll want to include some marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted peppers. Olives are also a must-have, and you can choose from a variety of types such as Castelvetrano, Kalamata, Sicilian green, or oil-cured black.

To round out the platter, add some fresh fruits and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, grapes, figs, and sliced cucumbers. Dried fruit such as dates, apricots, and prunes also pair well with the salty cheeses. Finally, don't forget the crackers or bread! Grissini (Italian breadsticks) or crostini are excellent choices.

Marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts, olives, and peppers are essential

Marinated vegetables are a key component of any antipasto platter. They add a rich, tangy flavour to the dish and their juices can even act as a "dressing" for the meats and cheeses.

Artichoke hearts, olives, and peppers are classic choices for an antipasto platter. Artichoke hearts, with their slightly nutty taste, are often packed in water or marinated in oil. If you're using water-packed artichoke hearts, be sure to drain them well before adding them to your platter. You can also rinse and drain marinated artichoke hearts if you prefer a milder flavour.

When selecting olives for your antipasto platter, look for brine-cured or oil-packed varieties. Black and green olives are both excellent choices and can be used alone or in combination. Be sure to drain the olives before adding them to your platter to avoid excess liquid.

Roasted red, yellow, or bell peppers are also a delicious addition to an antipasto platter. You can roast your own peppers for the best flavour and texture, or use store-bought roasted peppers to save time. Cut the peppers into strips or cubes and toss them with the other ingredients, or arrange them in a pile on the platter for a visually appealing presentation.

In addition to these essential vegetables, you can also include other marinated options such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fennel. The key is to choose ingredients with different tastes and textures that complement each other and create a cohesive platter.

When assembling your antipasto platter, remember to be creative and have fun! There are no hard and fast rules, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables, cheeses, meats, and other pantry goodies.

Bread or crackers to accompany the cheeses

Bread and crackers are an important part of an antipasto platter as they provide a base for the various cheeses, meats, and spreads on offer.

When choosing the type of bread to serve, consider a crusty loaf such as French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough. Griddled or toasted slices of bread are ideal, and you can brush them with olive oil for added flavour. If you want to stick to the Italian theme, focaccia is a great option. For gluten-free options, serve lettuce spears or gluten-free crackers.

As for crackers, taralli, grissini (long Italian breadsticks), and breadsticks are all good choices. You can also offer a variety of crackers to cater to different tastes and textures.

When arranging the bread or crackers on the platter, it is recommended to keep them separate from the other ingredients to prevent them from getting soggy. Place them in a basket on the side or directly on the board, or you can even place them in a bowl. This way, your guests can enjoy the bread or crackers with the antipasto without them getting soft.

Salty and sweet flavours—combine cheeses with honey, jam, or fresh fruit

Salty and sweet flavours are a match made in heaven, and this combination works exceptionally well on an antipasto platter. Here are some tips and ideas to create a beautiful and delicious antipasto platter with salty and sweet flavours:

Cheeses

When selecting cheeses for your antipasto platter, aim for a variety of textures and flavours. Choose a combination of soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses. Here are some specific cheese suggestions:

• Gorgonzola: A soft, funky, and creamy blue cheese that pairs well with sweet accompaniments.
• Fontina: A semi-soft, creamy, and mildly nutty cheese.
• Pecorino Romano: A hard, nutty, and salty sheep's milk cheese.
• Provolone: A semi-hard, slightly tangy, and versatile cheese.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: A hard, granular, and savoury cheese that can be sliced or cubed.
• Marinated Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls marinated in herbs and olive oil add a creamy texture and a flavour boost.

Sweet Accompaniments

To complement the salty cheeses and create that sweet and savoury contrast, here are some sweet ingredients you can include:

• Honey: A classic pairing with cheese, especially a high-quality Greek honey, drizzled over cheeses or served alongside.
• Jam: Fig jam is a traditional accompaniment to cured meats and cheeses, but you can also experiment with other jams like cherry or apricot.
• Fresh Fruits: Grapes, especially red grapes, act as a palate cleanser and add a burst of sweetness. Fresh figs, apples, pears, and citrus fruits like mandarins also work well.
• Dried Fruits: Dried figs, apricots, and dates provide a sweet and chewy texture, making them perfect partners for bites of cheese.

Presentation Tips

Now that you have selected your cheeses and sweet accompaniments, here are some tips for presenting them on your antipasto platter:

• Centrepiece: Choose a large bowl of marinated mozzarella balls or another prominent item as your visual centrepiece.
• Stagger Small Bowls: Use small bowls to hold marinated items like olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. Space these bowls around the board to create a staggered effect.
• Arrange Cheeses: Place the soft cheeses whole and slice or cube the harder cheeses to make it easier for your guests to serve themselves.
• Fill Gaps: Use the sweet ingredients, such as fruits and dried fruits, to fill in any gaps on the board, creating a colourful and inviting display.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme add a final touch of colour and freshness to your antipasto platter.

Frequently asked questions