Randy Chandler
When it comes to creating the perfect cheese platter, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. It's a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese, such as Gouda or Brie, to cater to less adventurous guests. You should also include a variety of textures and flavours, such as aged or hard cheese, which brings texture and boldness, and a soft and creamy option. You could also include something smoky or spicy, and a strong cheese like blue cheese, although this should be kept separate from the other cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | At least four |
| Familiarity | Include at least one familiar cheese, e.g. Gouda or Brie |
| Texture | Include a range of textures, such as firm, soft, creamy, and crumbly |
| Flavour | Include a range of flavours, from mild to strong |
| Type | Include at least one aged or hard cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Include a familiar cheese, like gouda or brie
When putting together a cheese platter, it's a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese, like gouda or brie. Not everyone is adventurous, and some guests may prefer to stick to what they know. Gouda is a firm cheese with a robust flavour, while brie is a soft and creamy option. Both are versatile cheeses that are likely to be enjoyed by most people.
Firm cheeses have less moisture than hard cheeses but more than creamy cheeses, which puts them right in the middle of the spectrum texture-wise. Gouda is a good example of a robust firm cheese, while Manchego and Swiss are milder options. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, tend to have a stronger flavour due to the chemical reactions that take place during the aging process, including lactic acid development, protein breakdown, and moisture loss.
If you want to include a blue cheese on your platter, be aware that some people may shy away from it due to the visible mold. However, it's perfectly safe to eat and pairs well with fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and dried fruits. If you do include blue cheese, be sure to keep it separate from the other cheeses, as its strong flavour can overwhelm the others.
In addition to gouda and brie, you could also consider including a smoky or spicy cheese to add some variety to your platter. By offering a range of different textures and flavours, you can create a well-rounded and inviting cheese board that will appeal to a variety of tastes.
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Choose a firm cheese, like aged cheddar or manchego
When creating a cheese platter, it's important to include a variety of textures and flavours. A firm cheese, like aged cheddar or manchego, is a great option to include. These cheeses have less moisture than hard cheeses but more than creamy cheeses, putting them right in the middle of the texture spectrum. Aged cheddar has a robust flavour, while manchego is milder. Both are versatile options that will appeal to a range of tastes.
Aged cheddar is a popular choice for cheese platters due to its distinctive flavour and texture. It has a sharp, tangy taste that becomes more pronounced as it ages. The texture is firm but slightly crumbly, making it easy to cut and serve. Aged cheddar pairs well with a variety of crackers, breads, and fruits.
Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese, offers a slightly different flavour profile. It has a nutty, buttery taste with a hint of sweetness. The texture is firm yet creamy, making it a delightful addition to any cheese platter. Manchego goes well with a variety of accompaniments, such as nuts, honey, and dried fruits.
When selecting a firm cheese for your platter, consider the other cheeses you plan to include. You want to create a balance of flavours and textures. Aged cheddar and manchego both pair well with softer, creamier cheeses like Brie or Camembert. They can also stand up to stronger cheeses like blue cheese, providing a nice contrast.
In addition to the cheese itself, consider the accompaniments you'll serve. Fresh and dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and breads can all enhance the flavour of firm cheeses. For example, the sweetness of dried apricots or honey can balance the sharpness of aged cheddar, while the nuttiness of manchego is accentuated by toasted almonds or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
By choosing a firm cheese like aged cheddar or manchego, you'll add depth and variety to your cheese platter. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and textures that will satisfy a diverse group of guests, from those who prefer milder options to those seeking more robust flavours.
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Add a soft, creamy option
When creating a cheese platter, it's important to include a variety of textures and flavours. One way to do this is to include a soft, creamy option. Brie is a good example of a soft, creamy cheese that most people will be familiar with. Camembert is another option, which has a similar texture and flavour to Brie.
Some soft cheeses, such as mascarpone, are even creamier and can be spread on crackers or bread. These cheeses often have a mild flavour, so they won't overwhelm the palate. Other soft, creamy cheeses include ricotta, cream cheese, and Boursin.
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you could try a soft blue cheese. Blue cheese gets its distinctive colour from the edible mould that grows on it during the ageing process. While some people shy away from blue cheese for this reason, it's perfectly safe to eat and pairs well with fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and dried fruits. Some varieties of blue cheese include Gorgonzola, Dolce, Valdeón, and Stilton.
When choosing a soft, creamy cheese for your platter, consider the other cheeses you're serving and select one that will complement their flavours and textures. For example, if you're serving a strong, aged cheddar, a soft, mild cheese like Brie or Camembert could provide a nice contrast.
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Include a strong blue cheese, like gorgonzola or stilton
When crafting a cheese platter, it's a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese, like gouda or brie, to cater to less adventurous guests. You should also include a firm cheese, a soft and creamy option, and something smoky or spicy.
Blue cheese is a strong cheese with a unique texture that can be either smooth or crumbly. It's a great choice for a cheese platter, as it adds variety and pairs well with apples, pears, grapes, and dried fruits. If you're including blue cheese, be sure to keep it separate from the other cheeses, as its strong flavour can easily overwhelm the other varieties.
Some popular blue cheeses include gorgonzola, stilton, dolce, and valdeón. These cheeses are characterised by the edible mould that grows on them during the aging process, which is where their distinctive blue colour comes from. While some people shy away from blue cheese because of this mould, it is perfectly safe to eat and adds a unique flavour to the cheese.
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Pick a smoky or spicy cheese
When creating a cheese platter, it's a good idea to include a variety of different textures and flavours. You should include at least one familiar cheese, such as Gouda or Brie, to cater to guests who prefer to stick to what they know. You should also include at least one aged or hard cheese, which will bring texture and boldness to your platter. These cheeses have a stronger flavour than soft or firm cheeses due to the chemical reactions that take place during the aging process, including lactic acid development, protein breakdown, and moisture loss.
Firm cheeses can be either robust or mild in flavour, depending on the variety. Gouda and Aged Cheddar are on the more robust end of the spectrum, while Manchego and Swiss are milder. Blue cheese is also a strong cheese, although its texture can vary from smooth to crumbly. Some people are put off by blue cheese because of the mould that grows on it during the aging process, but it is perfectly safe to eat and pairs well with apples, pears, grapes, and dried fruits.
If you want to include a smoky or spicy cheese, there are several options to choose from. Smoked Gouda is a popular choice, as its smoky flavour adds depth to the cheese. Other options include smoked Cheddar, smoked Mozzarella, and smoked Gruyère. If you're looking for something with a kick, there are several spicy cheeses to choose from, such as Pepper Jack, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Habanero Jack. These cheeses are infused with spicy peppers, giving them a unique flavour that is sure to stand out on your platter.
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Frequently asked questions
You should include a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Try including one firm cheese, a soft and creamy option, something smoky or spicy, and a strong cheese like blue cheese.
Gouda and aged cheddar are examples of firm cheeses that have a more robust flavour. Manchego and Swiss cheese are milder in flavour.
Blue cheese is a strong cheese with a unique texture that can be either smooth or crumbly. It is characterised by the edible mould that grows on it during the ageing process.
Yes, it is a good idea to include at least one familiar cheese, such as gouda or brie, as some guests may prefer to stick to what they know.
