Choose Your Board:
- Consider the size of your party: Options include large wooden boards, slate platters, marble surfaces, or even simple baking sheets.
- The Right Knives: Soft cheeses need spreaders, while harder ones need sharper knives. Have a small knife for each cheese.
- Room Temperature is Key: Take cheeses out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Cheese Selection: The Heart of the Platter
Variety is King: Aim for 3-5 different cheeses for a good mix.
Texture Exploration:
- Soft: Brie, Camembert, goat cheese
- Semi-soft: Havarti, Gouda, Fontina
- Firm: Cheddar, aged Gouda, Parmesan
- Hard: Manchego, Pecorino Romano
- Blue: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort
Think Global: Include cheeses from different regions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) for a worldly selection.
How Much?: Plan on about 1-2 ounces of cheese per person.
Accompaniments: Create a Flavor Symphony
Cured Meats (Optional): Prosciutto, salami, sopressata, chorizo
Savory:
- Olives (variety of colors and flavors)
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Roasted nuts(almonds, cashews, pecans)
- Pickled vegetables (cornichons, peppers)
Sweet:
- Seasonal fresh fruit (grapes, berries, figs, pears, apples)
- Dried fruit (apricots, cranberries, dates)
- Jams and honey (fig jam pairs well with cheese)
Crackers & Bread:
- Variety of crackers (water crackers, nut-based, seed-based)
- Sliced baguette or rustic bread
Assembly: It’s Art Time!
- Anchor Points: Start with small bowls for jams, olives, or nuts. These create visual balance.
- Cheese Placement: Place pre-cut slices or wedges of cheese around the board, leaving space around each type.
- Fill the Gaps: Add piles of crackers, scatter cured meats, and arrange fruit in a visually pleasing way.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or edible flowers add a touch of elegance.
Additional Tips
- Labels: Small labels for each cheese help guests explore.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: Aim to have an equal mix of sweet and savory accompaniments.
- Make it Seasonal: Incorporate in-season fruits and garnishes.
- Leftovers?: Wrap leftover cheeses individually and return them to the fridge.
Example Platters
- The Classic: Brie, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, grapes, dried apricots, mixed nuts, water crackers.
- Italian Flair: Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, olives, prosciutto, dried figs, breadsticks.
- Adventurous Palate: Goat cheese, Manchego, aged Gouda, Marcona almonds, fig jam, honeycomb, and rosemary crackers.
Remember, cheese platters are meant to be fun! Experiment, personalize, and enjoy creating a delicious centerpiece for your gathering.
