Kamil Perry
A cheese platter is a versatile dish that can be served at any gathering, from intimate dinner parties to large holiday gatherings. While there is nothing wrong with serving a cheese platter with the usual crackers, sliced apples, and grapes, there are many other foods that can be served with a cheese platter. This includes bread, meat, fruits, nuts, dried fruits, and condiments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crackers & Breads | Baguette, pita bread, naan flatbread, breadsticks, focaccia, bagels, bagel chips |
| Fruits | Apples, grapes, dates, pears, raspberries, figs, apricots, kiwis, passion fruit, pineapple, pomegranates, blackberries, strawberries, carrots |
| Condiments | Pesto, olive tapenade, apricot jam, marmalade, honey, quince paste, guava paste |
| Savories | Nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts), spiced nuts, candied nuts, popcorn, pumpkin seeds, olives |
| Cheeses | Goat's cheese, blue cheese, brie, camembert, cheddar, fondue, Picos de Europa, Sao Jorge, Mont d'Or, Comte d'Estive, Sinodun Hill, Sainte Maure de Touraine, Hampshire Tunworth, Rollright, Keens, Montgomery |
| Others | Pickles, artichoke hearts, peperoncini, peppadews, sweet drop peppers, feta cheese, meats, chips, wine |
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What You'll Learn
Crackers, bread, and bagels
When it comes to crackers, there are many options to choose from. You can select a flavour and texture that you love. For a fun option, especially for a breakfast or brunch board, consider bagels or bagel chips. Assorted crackers, water crackers, rice crackers, and wheat crackers are all great choices as well.
As for bread, a crusty baguette is a popular choice to pair with cheese. You can serve it sliced, either toasted or fresh. Warm pita bread, naan flatbread, and breadsticks are also excellent options. If you're looking for a richer bread, focaccia, with its high olive oil content, is a great choice. Serve it with an olive oil dipping sauce for an indulgent treat.
In addition to crackers and bread, you can also offer bread alternatives like bagels, toast, or crostini. These provide a similar function but with a slightly different texture and flavour profile.
When selecting crackers, bread, or bagels for your cheese platter, it's important to consider the type of cheese you'll be serving. Harder cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère tend to pair well with heartier breads like baguettes or focaccia. Softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert can be enjoyed with a variety of crackers or bread options.
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Fruits and berries
Berries are a fantastic addition to any cheese platter. Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries add colour and texture to the platter. They pair well with a variety of cheeses, especially feta and brie. Smaller berries like raspberries can be scattered in small piles throughout the tray, adding a decorative touch.
Grapes are another classic choice for a cheese platter. Red grapes, in particular, add a nice flavour and dimension to the platter. They can be easily grabbed off the platter and pair well with cheeses like Gouda.
Larger fruits like apples, pears, persimmons, and pomegranate segments are also great options for a cheese platter. Sliced apples, especially green apples, pair well with cheese and a drizzle of honey on a slice of baguette. Pears can be a juicy and fresh alternative to apples, and they go well with a slice of cheese and bread.
Dried fruits are also a great option for a cheese platter. Dried apricots, cherries, and figs add a chewy texture and a burst of flavour. Fresh apricots are also a wonderful choice during the summer. Apricots pair well with goat cheese and blue cheese. Plums are another stone fruit that goes well with strong, salty cheeses like Manchego or Fontina, as well as brie.
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Nuts and seeds
Firstly, it is important to consider the presentation. You can lay out the nuts and seeds in small bowls, ramekins or jars, acting as centrepieces for the platter. Alternatively, sprinkle nuts around the cheeses, or even on top of soft cheeses. If you are including pistachios, remember to include a bowl for the shells.
Now, onto the types of nuts and seeds to include. Firstly, almonds are a great choice, especially when paired with harder, aged cheeses and crisp apple slices. Marcona almonds, a Spanish variety, are especially popular, and can be roasted with spices like rosemary or curry. Pistachios are another tasty option, lending their unique colour and flavour to the platter. They pair well with creamy, light-coloured cheeses such as ricotta, goat cheese, feta and triple crème cheeses.
Walnuts are another nut with an earthy flavour and dry texture, making them a perfect match for aged cheeses like cheddar, as well as sheep's milk cheeses. For a sweeter option, pecans are a great choice, as their natural sweetness complements the saltiness of most cheeses. They can also be dressed up with a sweet or spicy coating, such as Cajun-spiced pecans.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with other nuts and seeds, such as cashews, hazelnuts, pine nuts and pumpkin seeds. Just remember to keep salted nuts separate from fruits to avoid unintentionally mixing flavours.
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Condiments and spreads
When it comes to cheese platters, condiments and spreads can add a lot of flavour and variety. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese platter:
- Pesto—Spread a little pesto on a baguette slice and top it with a mild or medium-flavoured cheese.
- Mixed Olive Tapenade—This salty spread goes well with crackers or bread and is readily available in stores, or you can quickly make it yourself.
- Apricot Jam—This pairs well with many cheeses, but you can also use raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, or your favourite jam instead.
- Marmalade—The hint of orange marmalade adds a unique twist to your cheese platter, pairing wonderfully with many cheeses.
- Honey—Drizzling honey over blue cheese or stilton is a classic combination.
- Fig Preserves—Especially delicious when spooned over brie, fig preserves are a great addition to your cheese platter.
- Peppadews—These large, bright red, round peppers are sweet and a little spicy. They can be eaten straight out of the container or paired with a sliver of salty feta cheese.
- Artichoke Hearts—Although not typical, artichoke hearts are great for an Italian-themed platter. They can be purchased marinated in olive oil with herbs and spices, or you can marinate canned artichoke hearts yourself.
- Membrillo (Quince Paste)—This fruit spread has a thick, sliceable consistency and a unique fragrance. It is often paired with cheese and can be found in stores or made at home with fresh quince.
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Meat and vegetables
When it comes to meat and vegetables, there are several options to consider for a cheese platter.
Meats such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, Parma ham, and summer sausage are popular choices. Folding or rolling the meats can add visual interest and make it easier for guests to pick them up. For thin meats like prosciutto, try folding them like a ribbon. You can also include cured meats like soppressata, capicola, or cured chorizo. If you're serving seafood as an entree, consider adding prosciutto and salami to the cheese platter.
For vegetables, blanched broccoli, bell peppers, cucumber slices or wedges, endive leaves, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes are all great options. Artichokes, roasted peppers, and other pickled, marinated, or roasted vegetables are also delicious choices. If you want to add a salty element to your platter, consider including Marcona almonds or other types of nuts. Olives are another savoury option that can add a touch of tartness to your platter.
To make your platter more substantial, consider serving meats and vegetables with crackers, bread, or both. These provide a neutral base for the other flavours and make it easier for guests to enjoy the items on the platter.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic foods to serve with a cheese platter include crackers, bread, meat, and fruit.
Some unique foods to serve with a cheese platter include popcorn, carrot chips, candied pecans, and spiced nuts.
Sweet foods to serve with a cheese platter include honey, jam, dried fruit, and chocolate.
