Randy Chandler
A cheese and cracker platter is a great appetizer for any occasion. It's easy to put together and offers a wide variety of flavours and textures. When creating a cheese platter, it's important to select a variety of cheeses, such as hard, soft, and blue cheeses, as well as different textures like soft, semi-firm, and hard or aged cheeses. It's also a good idea to include crackers, bread, and accompaniments such as fruits, nuts, meats, and spreads. The key to a successful cheese platter is to provide a range of options for your guests to mix and match, creating their perfect bite. With a little creativity and some simple tips, anyone can make a delicious and impressive cheese and cracker platter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 2-5 different types |
| Types of cheese | Hard, soft, blue, semi-soft, semi-firm |
| Cheese textures | Soft, semi-firm, hard/aged |
| Milk type | Cow, sheep, goat |
| Cheese display | Spears, wedges, cubes, whole, sliced, rolled |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bread, cured meats, fruits, vegetables, sauces, spreads, nuts |
| Cheese amount | 2-3 oz per person |
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What You'll Learn
Choose 3-5 different cheeses
When selecting the cheeses for your platter, it's best to choose a variety of 3-5 different types of cheese, as this will make the tasting experience more fun for your guests. Opt for a mix of soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, hard, and blue cheeses, with different textures and milk types (cow, sheep, and goat).
For soft cheeses, consider goat cheese, Camembert, chèvre, or Brie. You can dress these up by rolling them in fresh herbs, nuts, or spices. For semi-soft cheeses, include Fontina, Havarti, or Muenster. Familiar hard and semi-hard cheeses include Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère. Some blue cheese options are Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton.
When deciding how much of each cheese to include, consider the strength of its flavour. You will need smaller amounts of strong cheeses like goat and blue cheese, as guests tend to consume less per serving. Include larger amounts of mild cheeses like cheddar and Swiss, as their more popular and milder flavours will be enjoyed by most partygoers.
Display the cheeses in different ways, such as spears, wedges, cubes, or slices. Avoid pre-sliced cheese, as slicing it yourself will make it fresher, and allow you to control the thickness of the slices.
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Include crackers and/or bread
Crackers and bread are essential components of a cheese platter. They provide a crunchy texture and a neutral base to pair with the cheese. When selecting crackers, opt for a variety of types, such as thin croccantini crackers, pita crackers, mini toasts, or sliced baguette. Different shapes, sizes, and flavours will make the platter more interesting. For a small platter, using one type of cracker is also acceptable.
If you want to include bread, consider sliced baguette, crostini, or toasted bread. Bread slices can be placed on the platter, or you can provide a separate bowl of extra bread on the side. Fan out the crackers and bread along the edges of the platter to make them easily accessible to your guests. You can also fill in any gaps on the platter with crackers, adding them throughout the board.
Remember to consider the number of guests you are serving when choosing the quantity of crackers and bread. For example, you can estimate around 2-3 ounces of cheese per person and provide a similar amount of crackers and bread. If you have a large group, you may need multiple boards to ensure there is enough for everyone.
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Add cured meats
When creating a cheese and cracker platter, cured meats are a great addition to provide a savoury, fatty element. Aim for 2-3 ounces of meat per person, and select a few different cuts and types of cured meat. Good options include prosciutto, salami, Spanish chorizo, pepperoni, ham, and summer sausage. Fold the meat into quarters and place it in piles on your board, with crackers and cheese arranged around it.
If you want to elevate your platter to a full charcuterie board, you can add dips like hummus, guacamole, and herbed sour cream, as well as raw vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, and onions. You can also include pickled vegetables, mustard, and vinegar-based sauces like vinaigrette or hot sauce.
When selecting your meats, consider the cheeses you will be serving and choose complementary options. For example, Cheddar pairs well with any cured meats, while Gruyère goes well with salami or ham. If you're including Manchego, try pairing it with spicy or smoky meats like chorizo, and dried apricots.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! Add some colour to your platter with red apples, red and green grapes, strawberries, or other berries. You can also include nuts, dried fruit, and spreads like honey, mustard, or jam to fill any gaps on the board.
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Put on some fruit and/or vegetables
When making a cheese and cracker platter, it's a good idea to include some fruit and/or vegetables to add a pop of colour and a variety of textures. You can use any fruit or vegetables you have on hand, but some popular options include grapes, berries, apples, pears, and arugula. If you want to get a little fancier, you can try adding dried fruit such as apricots, figs, or raisins.
If you're looking for some more unique options, consider adding pickled vegetables like small pickles, pickled red onions, or pickled cauliflower. Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts can also add a nice salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try adding some fried chorizo with fresh lemon or honey.
When preparing your fruit and vegetables, keep in mind that it's a good idea to cut larger fruits like apples and pears into relatively small pieces. This makes it easier for your guests to grab and adds a nice visual appeal to your platter. You can also dress up your fruit with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice, or a sweet spread like honey or jam.
So, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! Adding some fruit and/or vegetables to your cheese and cracker platter is a great way to add colour, texture, and flavour.
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Nuts, dips and spreads
Nuts, dips, and spreads are essential components of a cheese and cracker platter, providing texture, flavour, and variety. Here are some ideas for each:
Nuts
Nuts add crunch and flavour to your cheese and cracker platter. Choose from a variety of nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, or spiced pumpkin seeds. You can also include nut-based spreads like peanut butter or almond butter. If you want to get creative, try candied or spiced nuts for an extra flavour boost.
Dips and Spreads
Dips and spreads add a creamy element to your platter and can be used as a base for crackers or a topping for cheeses. Go for classic options like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush. If you want something sweeter, try fruit jams, honey, or chocolate spreads. For a more savoury option, consider tapenades, pesto, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a more sophisticated touch.
When selecting nuts, dips, and spreads, consider the overall flavour profile of your platter. You can create interesting flavour combinations by pairing complementary or contrasting flavours. For example, a sharp cheddar might pair well with a sweet jam, while a mild goat cheese could be enhanced by a spicy nut mix. Experiment with different options and don't be afraid to get creative!
Remember to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have when choosing these items. By offering a variety of nuts, dips, and spreads, you can ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Lastly, presentation is key. Arrange your nuts, dips, and spreads in small bowls or directly on the platter, filling in any gaps between the cheeses and crackers. This will create a visually appealing display and make it easy for your guests to access all the delicious components of your cheese and cracker platter.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. However, if you're serving other snacks alongside the platter, you won't need as much.
It's a good idea to include a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures. Include at least one of each of the following: hard, soft, and blue. Some examples of hard and semi-hard cheeses include Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère. Soft cheeses include goat cheese, Camembert, chèvre, and Brie. Examples of blue cheese are Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton.
You can include crackers, bread, cured meats, fruits, vegetables, sauces, and spreads. Some popular additions include nuts, olives, dried fruit, honey, mustard, and jams.
Start with larger items like a bowl of crackers or a larger wheel of cheese, then fill in the gaps with smaller items. Group similar ingredients together in piles, mixing different shapes, sizes, and colours.
