Meat And Cheese Tray: Best Spreads To Elevate Your Platter

Meat and cheese trays are a great appetizer and are perfect for parties, potlucks, BBQs, or family gatherings. When preparing a meat and cheese tray, it is customary to choose three types of cheeses for your platter. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both smoked meats and most deli meats. Colby Jack is a milder option, making this a good choice for children. You can also add a more exciting cheese like Smoked Gouda or Pepper Jack.

For meats, summer sausage and peppered salami are great choices and pair well with the cheeses mentioned above. For a more budget-friendly option, consider deli meats such as Black Forest Ham, Smoked Turkey, or Roast Beef.

Don't forget to add crackers to your tray! Stone Wheat Crackers, Saltines, and Water Crackers are great options that won't overpower the flavour of the meats and cheeses.

You can also add extras like dips, spreads, and pickled relishes. A strong mustard blend pairs well with fatty meats, and red pepper jelly is a nice addition to crackers with a slice of cheese.

Meats: Salami, prosciutto, summer sausage, and peppered salami are popular choices

Salami, prosciutto, summer sausage, and peppered salami are all cured meats that are popular choices for a meat and cheese tray. Cured meats are seasoned and either cooked, smoked, or dried. Salami is a specific type of cured meat that is air-dried, smoked, salted, or left to age. It is usually made from pork, but other meats such as beef, wild boar, donkey, goat, and horse can be used.

When preparing a meat and cheese tray, it is important to slice the sausages thinly as they can be chewy. Salami and prosciutto are also best served thinly sliced. Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that can be served uncooked or cooked. It is often sliced very thin and has a sweet and fatty flavour. Salami, on the other hand, has a more pungent and spicy taste.

Summer sausage is another type of cured meat that is often served on a meat and cheese tray. It is a smoked and dried sausage that is typically made from pork and beef. It has a strong, savoury flavour and is also chewy, so it is important to slice it thinly.

Peppered salami is a type of salami that is seasoned with black pepper and other spices. It has a bold, spicy flavour and can be spreadable, depending on the recipe.

When creating a meat and cheese tray, it is recommended to include a variety of meats and cheeses to offer a range of flavours and textures for your guests. This may include other cured meats such as pepperoni, soppressata, or mortadella, as well as different types of salami and prosciutto. You can also add condiments such as mustard, dips, and relishes to enhance the flavours of the meats and cheeses.

Cheeses: Cheddar, gouda, brie, and blue cheese are common additions

When creating a meat and cheese tray, it is customary to select three types of cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, brie, and blue cheese are all popular choices that pair well with a variety of meats and accompaniments.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that goes well with both smoked and deli meats. It has a strong flavour that pairs well with sweeter fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. For a milder flavour, Colby Jack is a good alternative.

Gouda, specifically smoked gouda, is another semi-hard cheese with a creamy, sweet interior and a rich, unique flavour. It pairs well with apples, pears, and apricots.

Brie is a soft, mild cheese with a creamy texture. It is very versatile and goes well with almost any fruit, especially apples, pears, cherries, figs, and strawberries.

Blue cheese, also known as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton, is a strong-flavoured cheese that not everyone enjoys. However, it can pair well with apples, honey, pears, figs, and nuts.

When creating a meat and cheese tray, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses and meats. Odd numbers of cheeses, such as three, are visually appealing. It is also a good idea to provide a variety of accompaniments, such as crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, and dips.

Crackers: Water crackers, stone wheat crackers, and breadsticks are all good bases

Crackers are an essential component of a meat and cheese tray, providing a neutral base that allows the flavours of the meats and cheeses to shine through. When selecting crackers, opt for varieties that don't have a strong flavour of their own, such as water crackers, stone wheat crackers, or breadsticks. These options offer a pleasing contrast of textures without overwhelming the palate.

Water crackers are a classic choice for a meat and cheese tray, known for their crisp, light texture and subtle flavour. They provide a versatile base that pairs well with a variety of meats and cheeses. Stone wheat crackers, on the other hand, offer a slightly heartier option with a hint of nutty flavour. Their coarse texture and toasted wheat flavour make them a delightful complement to the smoothness of cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Breadsticks, either plain or flavoured, add a fun and crunchy element to the tray. They are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of variety in their texture and can be paired with dips or spreads.

When arranging your meat and cheese tray, consider placing the crackers last. Start with the bulkiest items, such as bowls of pickles or olives, then add the cheeses and meats. Finally, use the crackers to fill in any gaps, ensuring a well-rounded and aesthetically pleasing presentation. This way, your crackers won't get overwhelmed by the heavier ingredients, and they'll provide a nice neutral base for your guests to enjoy the flavours of the meats and cheeses.

Don't be afraid to offer a variety of crackers on your tray. An assortment of crackers not only adds visual appeal but also caters to different taste preferences. You can include different shapes, sizes, and flavours to create a well-rounded and enticing spread. Remember, the key is to let the crackers enhance the flavours of the meats and cheeses, creating a harmonious bite that your guests will rave about!

Condiments: Mustard, relish, and jam can add flavour

Condiments are a great way to elevate your meat and cheese tray, adding flavour and contrast to the dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Mustard

A strong mustard blend goes particularly well with fatty meats like salami and summer sausage. You can make your own by mixing together 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons of whole-grain mustard. Alternatively, you could use a stone-ground mustard or a grainy mustard.

Relish

Pickled vegetables like cucumbers, red onions, or pepperoncini add a tangy, sour kick to your tray. You could also include cornichons, dill pickles, or cocktail onions.

Jam

Sweet fruit jams like red pepper jelly or blackberry jam can complement the savoury flavours of the meats and cheeses. Try pairing the jam with a soft cheese like goat cheese or brie, or spreading it on a cracker with a slice of cheese.

When choosing your condiments, consider what meats and cheeses you will be using. For example, sharp cheeses pair well with sweet fruit jelly, while salty meats go well with mustard. You can also use condiments like mustard, relish, and jam to create different flavour combinations on the tray, allowing your guests to experiment with different tastes and textures.

Extras: Olives, pickles, grapes, and nuts can complete the tray

Olives, pickles, grapes, and nuts are a great way to add colour, texture, and flavour to your meat and cheese tray. Here are some tips on how to incorporate these extras:

Olives:

• Olives are a popular choice for meat and cheese trays, and can be purchased easily at most grocery stores.
• Offer a variety of olives, such as jumbo black olives, Castelvetrano, and olives stuffed with cheese, garlic, or jalapeño.
• Place the olives in small bowls or containers on your tray to prevent the brine from mixing with other foods.

Pickles:

• Pickles are another classic addition to meat and cheese trays and can be found in most pantries or refrigerators.
• Offer a variety of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles, sour dill pickles, and spicy garlicky pickles.
• If you want to get creative, try pickled vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, okra, or cauliflower.
• Like olives, pickles are best served in small containers to contain the brine.

Grapes:

• Grapes are a great choice for a meat and cheese tray as they are easy to eat and provide a burst of sweetness.
• Wash and prep the grapes by cutting them into small bunches, making them easy to grab without utensils.
• Grapes pair well with a variety of cheeses, such as soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese, or harder cheeses like cheddar.

Nuts:

• Nuts add a crunchy texture and can be a nice palate cleanser between bites of meat and cheese.
• Offer a variety of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans.
• You can also offer candied or spiced nuts for a sweet and savoury option.
• Nuts can be served in small bowls or scattered throughout the tray to fill in any gaps.

When arranging your meat and cheese tray, remember to place the bulkiest items first. This could include small bowls of pickles or olives. Then, add the cheeses, followed by the meats, and finally, use crackers or bread to fill in any remaining gaps. Get creative and enjoy putting together your meat and cheese tray!

Frequently asked questions