Randy Chandler
There are differing opinions on when to serve a cheese board. In the United States, cheese is often served before dinner, whereas in Europe, cheese is served after the main course and before dessert. In England, it is served after the main course and after dessert. Cheese boards can also be served in place of dessert, as cheese is a known digestive. When serving a cheese board, it is important to select a variety of cheeses, crackers, and breads, as well as fruits, nuts, and condiments to accompany the cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese board serving time | Before dinner, after the main course, instead of dessert, or after dinner |
| Cheese board accompaniments | Fruits, nuts, chutney, quince paste, dried fruits, grapes, apricots, dates, cranberries, pecans, almonds, walnuts, bread, crackers |
| Cheese board materials | Wood, slate, stone, marble, granite |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheese board as an appetiser
A cheese board can be a delightful appetiser, offering a range of flavours and textures to tantalise the taste buds and spark conversation among guests. The key to a successful cheese board as an appetiser is to keep it elegant and simple, ensuring it whets the appetite rather than satisfies it.
When considering the cheeses for your board, variety is essential. Aim for a selection of three to five cheeses with different flavours, textures, and milk types. For example, you could include a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, a pungent blue cheese, a nutty Swiss cheese, and a soft goat cheese. This diverse assortment will cater to a range of palates and provide a well-rounded sensory experience.
Complement your cheeses with a thoughtful selection of accompaniments. Fresh and dried fruits, such as grapes, apples, apricots, and dates, offer sweetness that balances the savoury notes of the cheese. Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, add a satisfying crunch. Chutneys and jams can provide a delightful contrast in texture and a burst of flavour. Don't forget the crackers or bread, which serve as the perfect base for your guests to create their ideal bite.
Presentation is key to a successful cheese board appetiser. Opt for a beautiful board made of wood, slate, marble, or granite. Arrange the cheeses with ample space between them, allowing guests to easily access and cut the cheese without disturbing the surrounding items. Garnish with fresh herbs for a touch of colour and added elegance.
When serving a cheese board as an appetiser, timing is crucial. Allow your guests to gather and offer them a refreshing aperitif. As they settle in, unveil your beautifully curated cheese board and invite them to indulge in the sensory delights it offers. This approach sets the tone for a delightful evening of good company and even better food.
Cheese Ravioli Companions: Delicious Side Dish Ideas
You may want to see also
Cheese board as a meal
A cheese board can be a wonderful meal in itself, and it is a great way to showcase cheese as the star of the show. It is a versatile option, perfect for a light meal with friends or as a centrepiece for a special occasion. The key to a successful cheese board meal is variety, ensuring there is something for everyone, and enough to satisfy hunger.
Firstly, the cheese itself. A good selection of cheeses is key, and it is worth considering a variety of different types, from soft and creamy to hard and mature, perhaps including a blue cheese for those who like something stronger. A mix of cow, goat, and sheep cheeses can also add interest. It is a good idea to have at least three or four different cheeses, and they should be served at room temperature to allow the flavours to shine.
Next, the accompaniments. A cheese board can be about more than just cheese, and the right accompaniments will elevate the cheeses and create a well-rounded meal. Fresh and dried fruits, such as grapes, apples, apricots, and dates, can add a welcome sweetness and a textural contrast to the cheeses. Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, can also be offered, either on the board or in a bowl on the side. Chutneys and jams are a great addition, again providing sweetness and a contrast to the salty cheeses.
Finally, the extras. A good bread or cracker is essential for any cheese board meal. A simple, plain cracker can be a great base for a slice of cheese, or a chunk of fresh, crusty bread. For something a little different, you could offer a bread with added nuts or dried fruits, or a sweeter option such as brioche. To finish, a knife and fork for each guest, and perhaps a glass of port or a rich red wine to round off this decadent meal.
A cheese board meal is a wonderful way to showcase a variety of cheeses and create a relaxed and scrumptious dining experience.
Delicious Sides to Serve with Frozen Cheese Ravioli
You may want to see also
Cheese board after the main course
There are differing opinions on when to serve a cheese board. In the United States, for instance, cheese is usually served with drinks before sitting down for dinner. In Italy, a large wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano may be offered during an aperitivo. In France, cheese is served after dessert—the saying goes, "sweet before salty".
However, in England, or in posh English settings, cheese is served after the main course and before dessert or pudding. This is because an after-dinner drink, such as port wine, pairs well with the cheese.
If you are serving a cheese board after the main course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure there is enough room on the board for guests to cut a piece of cheese without dislodging other items. Include a selection of fresh or dried fruit, such as grapes, apricots, dates, or cranberries, as the sweetness of fruit balances the texture and flavours of cheese. Quince paste, a Portuguese favourite, is also a great option and can be found at specialty delis and grocers. Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, can add a nice crunch. When serving, give each guest a dessert-size plate with a knife and a fork.
A cheese board can also be served in place of dessert, as part of a charcuterie board with meats, sauces, crackers, vegetables, and fruits.
The Perfect Nacho Cheese Setup
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese board with dessert
There are varying opinions on when to serve cheese. In Europe, cheese is served after dessert—in France, the saying goes, "sweet before salty". However, in England, it is served after the main course and before dessert. In the United States, cheese is often served with drinks before dinner, and in Italy, a large wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano may be offered during an aperitivo.
Regardless of when it is served, cheese is a delicious addition to any meal. When creating a cheese board with dessert, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, balance the flavours and textures of the cheeses with sweet accompaniments. Fresh, super-aged, and mountain cheeses have varying degrees of sweetness, with notes of caramel, burnt sugar, and sweet milk.
To create a stunning and colourful dessert cheese board, consider adding ingredients such as:
- Fresh fruits: raspberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, apricots, dates, cranberries, etc.
- Dried fruits: apricots, dates, etc.
- Nuts: walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, etc.
- Honey, jams, chutneys, or mostardas.
- Honeycomb: pairs well with blue cheese.
- Chocolate: dark chocolate with hazelnuts pairs well with Comté, while chocolate-covered strawberries and cherries are also a tasty treat.
- Cookies: Linzer cookies, thumbprint cookies, macarons, etc.
- Crackers: shortbread crackers, etc.
When arranging the cheese board, ensure there is enough room around the cheese for guests to cut without making a mess. Cut the cheeses into different shapes for a better visual effect. For instance, cut the Gouda into cubes, the Alpine-style cheese into slices, and the blue cheese into a wedge. Let the cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cheese in School Lunches: What's the Common Choice?
You may want to see also
Cheese board presentation
There are no hard and fast rules about when to serve a cheese board, and opinions vary across the world. In the US, for example, cheese is usually served with drinks before dinner. In Europe, cheese is typically served after the main course, followed by dessert. In England, it is common to serve cheese after the main course but before dessert or pudding. In France, the saying goes, "sweet before salty", but cheese can also be served as an appetizer.
Regardless of when you choose to serve your cheese board, there are several ways to ensure it looks and tastes delicious. Firstly, consider the material of your cheese board. Stone boards made of marble or granite offer natural beauty and refined elegance, and marble stays cool even in warm weather, making it ideal for outdoor serving. Wood and slate are also popular choices for cheese boards.
When assembling your cheese board, be mindful of spacing. While a cheese board packed with ingredients looks beautiful, it can be awkward and impractical for guests to navigate. Leave enough room around the cheese for guests to cut without dislodging other items. Include a knife and fork for each guest, and a small plate for them to place their cheese on.
Balance the texture and flavours of the cheese with sweet accompaniments such as fresh or dried fruit. Red grapes, dried apricots, dates, cranberries, and quince paste are all excellent choices. Chutney is another great option, especially in winter. Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a satisfying crunch, and any type of nut can be served on the board or in a bowl on the side.
Soft Cheese Pairing: The Perfect Sidekick
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on this. In the US, cheese is usually served with drinks before dinner. In Europe, it is served after the main course and before dessert. In England, it is served after the main course and before or after dessert.
It is good to select a variety of cheeses, from mild to strong and soft to hard. Select around two to five cheeses and serve them on two different cheese boards that can circulate the table.
You can serve crackers, bread, nuts, dried fruits, chutney, grapes, strawberries, and meats such as prosciutto and salami.
Cheese boards that are full of ingredients look beautiful but are awkward for guests to eat from. Make sure there is enough room for guests to cut a piece without displacing other items.
