Bushra Griffith
If you're looking to make canapes with cheese from the Bay Area, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a classic option, you can try the Berkeley Bowl or Cheeseboard in Berkeley, which offers a wide variety of cheeses and has been a community favorite for over 15 years. If you're looking for something more specific, San Francisco's first urban cheesemaker, Daily Driver, offers a range of ooey-gooey, nutty, and creamy cheeses. For those interested in sustainable agriculture, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company has been crafting sustainable and award-winning cheeses since 2000. The Bay Area is also home to the well-known Cowgirl Creamery, which offers fresh, organic, and seasonal creations. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect cheese for your canapes!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of appetizer | Hor d’oeuvre |
| Base | Bread, puff pastry, or cracker |
| Bread type | French bread or baguette |
| Cheese | Cream, neufchâtel, mascarpone, brie, ricotta, or any variety you enjoy |
| Toppings | Radishes, cucumbers, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, fresh herbs, smoked salmon, quail eggs, dill, honey, peaches, blood orange |
| Preparation time | No more than 90 minutes in advance to ensure freshness |
| Bay Area cheese shops | Trader Joe's, Cheeseboard, Berkeley Bowl, Oakland's Farmstead Cheese and Wines, Whole Foods, Costco, Rainbow co-op, Drager’s market, Bianchini's market, Duckhorn |
| Bay Area cheesemakers | Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Cowgirl Creamery, Daily Driver, Nicasio Valley Cheese Co., Laura Chenel |
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What You'll Learn
Canapé preparation tips
Canapés are a delightful treat, perfect for impressing guests at a party or celebration. They are a type of hor d'oeuvre (appetizer) and are usually small bites served on bread, puff pastry, or a cracker. Here are some tips to help you prepare delicious canapés:
Choose the Right Ingredients:
Select a good-quality bread as the base for your canapés. French bread or a par-baked baguette are excellent choices—crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. You can also use puff pastry or crackers as an alternative. For the spread, opt for a creamy cheese such as ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, or brie. These cheeses pair well with various toppings and provide a delicious base flavour.
Prepare in Advance:
Canapés are best when fresh, so prepare the individual components in advance and assemble them just before serving. Slice your baguette, and if desired, brush with olive oil and toast in the oven at 400°F for a few minutes until crispy. You can also find par-baked baguettes that you can finish off in the oven for a super-fresh taste. Boil and cut eggs, slice radishes, and wash and prepare fruits and herbs. Store these toppings in sealed containers until you're ready to assemble.
Experiment with Toppings:
Have fun and experiment with fresh ingredients and toppings that you enjoy. Try combining smoked salmon with thin slices of radish and fresh dill, or spread ricotta cheese on your bread base and top with grilled peaches drizzled with honey. You can also use cream cheese with salmon, or simply brush your bread with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs. Be creative and find unique combinations that delight your taste buds!
Size and Presentation:
Make sure your canapés are easy to eat by keeping them in mouth-sized portions. Canapés should also be visually appealing. Garnish with herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. You can also serve them with an accompanying dipping sauce for added elegance.
Sturdiness:
Ensure your canapés have a sturdy base to avoid messiness. If your canapé has a messy topping, consider serving it with cocktail sticks and providing extra napkins for your guests.
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a canapé connoisseur! Enjoy the process of creating these delectable bites and impress your guests with your culinary prowess.
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Cheesemongers in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is home to several cheesemongers, offering a wide variety of cheeses. Here is a guide to some of the best places to find cheese in the Bay Area:
Cheese Board in Berkeley
Cheese Board has been a long-time favourite of locals, offering a huge selection of cheeses, with some claiming there are hundreds to choose from. They also serve vegetarian pizzas, with the option to par-bake at home.
Oakland's Farmstead Cheese and Wines
This cheesemonger offers a unique selection of cheeses and a vast array of fine wines.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods stocks Marin French Cheese, which has been producing French-style bries in the Bay Area for over 150 years. Their cheeses are rich and elegant, including traditional brie, triple creme, and camembert.
Daily Driver
San Francisco's first urban cheesemaker, Daily Driver, is a more recent addition to the Bay Area's cheese scene. They offer a range of ooey-gooey, nutty, and creamy cheeses, including an aged sheep-and-goat's milk Atika cheese.
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
This cheesemaker has been a model of sustainable agriculture since 2000, crafting their cheeses from the milk of their herd of Holstein cows. Their Original Blue cheese took gold at the 2019 California State Fair, and their semi-hard Toma is a buttery table cheese with a grassy tang.
Cowgirl Creamery
Based in Point Reyes Station, Cowgirl Creamery is the Bay Area's most recognised cheesemaker. They are known for their fresh, organic, and seasonal creations, including the award-winning triple cream Mt. Tam.
In addition to these specialty cheesemongers, some grocery stores in the Bay Area, such as Trader Joe's, Rainbow Co-op, and Costco, also offer a good selection of cheeses.
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Cheeses for canapés
Canapés are a great way to showcase a variety of cheeses, and with their small size, they can feature stronger flavours and richer ingredients. Here are some ideas for cheeses to use in your canapés:
Goat's Cheese
A popular choice for canapés, goat's cheese has a tangy and creamy flavour that pairs well with sweet and savoury ingredients. Try coating goat's cheese logs in honey and walnuts for a festive treat, or spread on crackers with fig for a touch of sweetness. For a summery twist, pair goat's cheese with peaches and basil or strawberries and mint.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a versatile option that can be used as a base for a variety of toppings. It works well with smoked salmon and radishes, or spread on a baguette with olive oil and fresh herbs.
Ricotta
Fresh ricotta is a great choice for canapés, as it complements many different flavours. Try it with blueberries and honey, or with grilled peaches for a summer dessert option.
Brie
A classic choice for cheese plates, brie can also be used in canapés. Spread it on a baguette with olive oil or pair it with sweet ingredients like honey.
Blue Cheese
For something a little stronger, blue cheese can be a great option. Try it with crackers and fig, or seek out local varieties like Point Reyes Blue from the Bay Area.
When creating cheese canapés, the key is to experiment and find flavour combinations that work well together. As for where to buy cheese in the Bay Area, there are several options:
- Cheeseboard in Berkeley: Offers a great selection of cheeses, including unique options like "crack in cheese form".
- Oakland's Farmstead Cheese and Wines: Features a wide range of unique cheeses and fine wines.
- Whole Foods, Costco, and high-end grocery stores like Drager’s market and Bianchinis market: These stores often have a good selection of cheeses at varying price points.
- Daily Driver: San Francisco's first urban cheesemaker, located in Dogpatch and the Ferry Building, offers a range of creamy, nutty, and gooey cheeses.
- Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company: A sustainable cheesemaker with a herd of Holstein cows, crafting prized blues and semi-hard cheeses.
- Cowgirl Creamery: The Bay Area's most recognised cheesemaker, based in Point Reyes Station, offering fresh, organic, and seasonal creations.
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Bay Area cheese classes
The Bay Area is home to several cheese classes, offering a range of educational and fun experiences for cheese enthusiasts. One notable institution is the Cheese School of San Francisco, which offers a variety of classes, events, and catering services. With a focus on education and appreciation of all things cheese, they offer private classes, team-building activities, and even farm tours. Their classes cover a range of topics, including cheese and wine pairings, Italian cheeses and wines, pizza-making, and Mac n' Cheese evenings. The school also provides catering services, featuring artisanal platters and fully hosted events.
In addition to the Cheese School of San Francisco, there are other notable cheese class providers in the Bay Area. It's Not You, It's Brie offers a range of cheese-making and tasting classes led by cheese and wine expert Kirstin Jackson. Participants can learn how to make fresh burrata and mozzarella, explore cheese and beer pairings, or delve into the art of pairing wine and cheese. Kirstin also teaches students how to make ricotta, queso fresco, and cultured butter, providing a beginner-friendly and informative experience.
The Epicurean Connection is another renowned cheese class provider in the Bay Area. They offer in-person and virtual cheese classes taught by award-winning cheesemakers and wine educators, Sheana Davis and Ben Sessions. Their classes focus on cheesemaking and wine pairing, with a diverse menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Whether it's a wine-pairing dinner, artisan cheese plates, or a large-scale event, The Epicurean Connection tailors their offerings to meet the needs of their clients.
With these various options, cheese enthusiasts in the Bay Area can explore and expand their knowledge of cheese through interactive and educational classes. These experiences not only provide an opportunity to learn but also offer a unique and enjoyable way to bond with friends, family, or colleagues.
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Bay Area cheese tours
The Bay Area is home to a plethora of cheesemakers, offering everything from hands-on cheesemaking classes to farm tours, and, of course, plenty of cheese to taste. Here is a guide to some of the best Bay Area cheese tours and experiences:
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company has been a model of sustainable agriculture in cheesemaking since 2000. The company tends to their herd of Holstein cows on the foggy pastures of Giacomini Ranch, overlooking Tomales Bay. They offer a range of experiences, including a $25 tour of the farm, a $105 hands-on class, and a $75-$85 dinner or brunch where you can indulge in their delectable dairy creations. Their cheeses can also be found at markets around the Bay Area.
Cowgirl Creamery
Cowgirl Creamery, located in Point Reyes Station, is the Bay Area's most recognized cheesemaker. They are known for their fresh, organic, and seasonal creations that are rich, pungent, nutty, and creamy. A visit to their retail space in the Ferry Building allows you to sample their full range of varieties. To see the cheesemaking process firsthand, take a day trip to the Point Reyes National Seashore, where you can enjoy a $5 tasting and enroll in their popular Cheese 101 class on Fridays.
Ramini Mozzarella
Founded by Silicon Valley power couple Audrey Hitchcock and Craig Ramini, Ramini Mozzarella is located on a picturesque farm near Tomales Bay. Here, a herd of water buffalo powers the first successful mozzarella di bufala production in the United States. You can book a tour to try your hand at milking one of the sweet-tempered buffalo and learn about their cheesemaking process.
Daily Driver
Daily Driver is San Francisco's first urban cheesemaker, located in a 7,000-square-foot space in Dogpatch. They also have a pop-up location in the Ferry Building. While they are known for their bagels, it is their creamery side that has everyone talking.
The California Cheese Trail
For those looking to explore a variety of cheesemakers and experiences across the Bay Area and beyond, the California Cheese Trail offers an online map and guide to artisan cheesemakers and events. Follow the map to discover innovative creameries, old-fashioned farms, cheesemaking classes, and, of course, plenty of cheese tastings.
So, whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to try something new, the Bay Area cheese tours and experiences offer something for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh ingredients like radishes, cucumbers, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries are great toppings for canapés. You can also use fresh herbs like mint, dill, and chives.
Fresh ricotta, cream cheese, neufchâtel cheese, mascarpone, and brie are all great options for canapés.
Some places to find a variety of cheese in the Bay Area include Cheeseboard in Berkeley, Oakland's Farmstead Cheese and Wines, Rainbow co-op, Whole Foods, and Costco.
Some notable cheesemakers in the Bay Area include Daily Driver, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, and Cowgirl Creamery.
