How to make the perfect cheese platter or Cheese Board?
What You Will Need To Make The Perfect Cheese Board
- Find the perfect board or platter: Use a wood board, cutting board or even a large platter. ...
- Visualize how you are going to lay everything down first. ...
- Think of different textures, shapes and colors as you are assembling and lay or fold the charcuterie in different ways. ...
- Make it seasonal! ...
- Want to add something sweet? ...
How to make a cheese platter for entertaining?
- Begin preparing your cheese platter about an hour before planning to serve to allow the fruit and cheese to come to room temperature.
- Rinse all of the fresh fruit under cold running water. ...
- Arrange your two cheese platters, one on top of the other if using.
How to make an awesome Cheese Board in minutes?
- First, arrange the cheeses on the board. ...
- Roll the prosciutto, lay it out flat or make rosettes. ...
- Spread the crackers around. ...
- Place nuts, olives, sun dried tomatoes in small dishes. ...
- Fill in the gaps with plenty dried and fresh fruits, nuts, and other items!
- Dig in and enjoy your cheese board with some wine.
How to make a cheese platter with summer sausage?
summer sausage yellow cheese, cut into square slices white cheese, cut into slices black olives. Directions. Arrange summer sausage slices for Santa's hat and rosy cheeks and nose, yellow cheese slices for his face, white cheese slices for his beard, moustache , eyebrows and for the end of his hat on a large, round party platter.
How to serve cheese on a platter?
What to serve with cheese?
What are the steps to making a cheese plate?
What wine goes well with a cheese plate?
How to serve cheese at room temperature?
Where should the cheese rinds be on a cheese plate?
What to do if you don't have a serving platter?
See 4 more
About this website
What should be in a cheese platter?
Ingredients3–5 varieties of cheese, soft, semi firm, hard/aged.1–2 varieties of cured meats, salami, prosciutto.2–3 varieties of crackers (or crusty bread, baguette, crisps)Seasonal fruit or dried fruit.Nuts, such as Spicy Candied Walnuts.Pickled or marinated items, such as mini pickles (cornichons) or olives.More items...•
How many cheeses should be on a cheese board?
Three cheeses is usually enough, and the most we've ever done is five cheeses (that's a BIG cheese board). Charcuterie. Cured meats like prosciutto or salami—whatever kind you love.
How far in advance can I make a cheese platter?
Can the platter be made ahead of time? Yes, it can! You can make a charcuterie and cheese platter a few hours ahead of time just wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge and take it out 30-40 minutes before you're ready to serve it.
What crackers go best with cheese?
Here are my official top 10 picks for the best pairings!Garlic & Herb Gournay Cheese and Water Crackers. ... Cheddar Cheese and Pretzel Crackers. ... Brie and Crisps. ... Blue Cheese and Honey Graham Crackers. ... Canned Cheese and Woven Wheat Crackers. ... Manchego and Almond Flour Crackers. ... Goat Cheese and Rosemary Crackers.More items...•
How much cheese do you need for 100 people?
Chart of Food EstimatesFOODSERVE 25SERVE 100Cheese3/4 pound3 poundsCoffee3/4 pound3 poundsMilk1–1/2 gallons6 gallonsNuts3/4 pound3 pounds31 more rows
How much cheese do I need for 4 people?
If you're serving the cheese as a hors d'oeuvre, plan on 1 to 2 ounces of each cheese per person. If you're serving the cheese as an after-dinner cheese course, figure 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of each cheese per person.
How much cheese should you allow per person?
We would advise to allow 100g (3½) cheese per person if your cheeseboard is being served after a meal, or 150g (5oz) per person if you're serving as part of a cheese and wine evening.
How do you make a cheese board look more attractive?
Making a stunning cheese board is easier than you think!...And a little something fresh is always a good idea!fresh berries.grapes.sliced apples or pears.olives.cherry tomatoes.edamame or snow peas.baby carrots.cucumber slices.More items...•
How to Arrange a Cheese Platter - Food & Wine
First, Pick Out Your Cheeses . If you're making a cheese board, the star of the show is going to be the cheeses. The selection is the key to the whole board, but don't let it intimidate you.
How to serve cheese on a platter?
First, choose your platter. Be creative! You can use a large dinner plate, a wood cutting board, a serving platter, or a cheese dome. Unwrap each cheese and evenly space them on your serving plate, leaving a space in the middle of the plate for garnish. The cheese rinds should face the center of the plate, and the part of the cheese wedge that guests will cut into should face outward. Consider cutting off any side rinds and leave only one rind on the end of the cheese. This makes it easier for guests to cut into the cheese.
What to serve with cheese?
Olives and sliced meats are also a nice accompaniment to a cheese plate. Always serve crackers and/or a sliced baguette.
What are the steps to making a cheese plate?
Making a basic cheese plate involves four steps: buying the cheese, displaying the cheese, garnishing, and serving. This cheese plate includes three types of cheese that are sold in almost every cheese store or the cheese section of upscale grocery stores: Gruyere (cows' milk), Istara (sheep's' milk) and Humboldt Fog (goat's milk).
What wine goes well with a cheese plate?
A light Chardonnay will pair well with this cheese plate as will a Riesling. If you want to serve red wine, choose something light with nice fruit; perhaps a pinot noir. Always have plenty of sliced bread and/or crackers on hand. These items fill guests up, so they eat less cheese.
How to serve cheese at room temperature?
Serve. Cheese tastes best when served at room temperature. Set knives on or near the cheese plate, ideally one for each cheese. Cheese markers are a fun way to identify the types of cheese you are serving. Provide napkins and small plates.
Where should the cheese rinds be on a cheese plate?
The cheese rinds should face the center of the plate, and the part of the cheese wedge that guests will cut into should face outward. Consider cutting off any side rinds and leave only one rind on the end of the cheese. This makes it easier for guests to cut into the cheese. Cow's Milk: Gruyere has a hard texture.
What to do if you don't have a serving platter?
If you don't have a serving platter, a regular dinner plate can work just fine.
What are some good snacks to serve with cheese?
Snacks to Pair With Cheese. Artisan cracker crisps, such as Raincoast Crisps can be served with dips or a tapenade, olives such as kalamata, niçoise, picholine, gaeta, alongside mild cheeses. Crusty breads such as baguette, rustic multigrain, and artisan rye such as Storye pair well with a richer cheese. Cheese straws go well on their own ...
What to serve at wine and cheese parties?
Dips and jellies are a mainstay at wine-and-cheese parties. Be sure to have chutney, mustard, fruit compotes and jams. You might also seek out quince paste, guava paste, and varietal honey.
Why do you pair gourmet cheeses with accompaniments?
The goal of pairing gourmet cheeses with accompaniments is to offer up different tastes throughout the evening. That means anything too overpowering could spoil the palate. To avoid that go with simple accompaniments as the cheese is the star of the show.
What fruit goes well with cheese?
Fresh seasonal fruit goes well with cheese, but only if the flavors can balance out. Fruits like figs, grapes, peaches, and berries go with milk and creamy cheese. Save the hard and semi-hard cheeses for apples, melons, and pears. Dips and jellies are a mainstay at wine-and-cheese parties.
Can you serve artisan cheese with crackers?
If you're serving artisan cheese, skip the mass-produced crackers, and seek out accompaniments that were created with equal care. You can entertainment crackers or gourmet crackers, as these go well with unique cheeses and look good too, but there are also more elegant choices.
What is a cheese platter?
A cheese platter makes a great appetizer or dessert course. The key is to select cheeses of a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Serve them at room temperature to ensure they are at their full flavor. Creamy cheese like Brie should be served with crusty bread or simple crackers.
What cheese can be broken into bite sized chunks?
Hard, aged cheeses such as Parmesan can be broken into bite-sized chunks. Cheese such as feta or goat cheese can be crumbled with a fork or seasoned in olive oil and herbs and served with a spoon. Finish off the cheese board with an array of garnishes.
What do condiments do to cheese?
Condiments can elevate the flavor of a cheese by contrasting its saltiness with some sugar, bringing out unexpected notes like grassiness or nuttiness, and adding textural complexity to each mouthful. It can help cut a cheese's richness with acidity or spice, or balance its funk and earthiness with with a touch of sweetness.
Why do I eat cheese over dessert?
It's why I'd take a cheese plate over dessert any day. In part, that's because cheese isn't just delicious, it's stunningly diverse . To me, cheese has always been about discovery. Discovering new textures, new flavors, and new pairings. It's also one of the easiest ways to taste your way around the world in one sitting. Between a beautiful presentation, thoughtful condiment pairings, and a smattering of sliced fruit, nuts, and cornichons, a well-curated cheese plate can transform cheese into an experience.
What is American Spoon's sour cherry jam?
Made with sweet-tart Montmorency cherries from Michigan, American Spoon's sour cherry preserves are so packed with fruit, it's basically like spreading soft, cooked whole cherries onto your bread (held together with a tiny bit of cherry jam). Just the right amount of sweetness balances the mouth-puckering flavor of the cherries—perfect for cutting through creamy, buttery cheeses like brie or playing up the nuttiness of mild swiss. But if cherries aren't your thing, give their apple and onion jam a shot—it's a sweet-savory blend of Michigan Northern Spy apples and caramelized onions scented with thyme and balsamic vinegar. The tartness of the apples and balsamic slices through the richness of gooey cheeses like camembert, while the caramelized onions and thyme tease out the sweet fruitiness of swiss.
What is a meat and cheese platter?
A carefully curated meat and cheese platter is an easy, yet elegant way to turn an otherwise not-so-exciting appetizer to a gourmet dish that is delicious and visually appealing. So next time you are entertaining, treat your guests with a combination of artisanal craftsmanship and global flavors all in the form of meat and cheese. And while you are at it, be sure to pick up a few bottles of Layer Cake wines to enrich the experience and wow your guests.
What is the best part about creating a meat and cheese platter with perfect wine pairings?
The Company: The best part about creating a Meat and Cheese platter with perfect wine pairings is sharing it with your friends, family, neighbors, etc. and equally good conversation.
How many ounces of cheese per person?
My rule of thumb when it comes to cheese and charcuterie tray is 2 ounces of meat and 2 ounces of cheese per person. Since it is usually served as an appetizer and other accompaniments like fruit, nuts, bread, crackers, etc. are also served, I think 2 ounces of each is a good starting point.
What is the most common name for a meat and cheese platter?
While they refer to it as “Meat and Cheese Platter” or “Meat Cheese Tray”, the most commonly used name is Charcuterie Board.
How to arrange meat and cheese board?
Instructions. To Arrange a meat and cheese board: Bring in a cutting board or a cheeseboard. Arrange the cheeses and charcuterie meat on top. I personally like to arrange it as one cheese and one cold cut followed by another cheese and another cold cut.
How to fill gaps in cheese platter?
When you are placing the cheese on the platter I recommend making sure to leave room on each side of the cheese so you alternate the cheese with meat and fill in the gaps using small fruit, nuts, and crackers to make it look full.
What cheeses are in supermarkets?
Lucky for us, nowadays most supermarkets have a section for a variety of cheeses that goes beyond your usual provolone, cottage, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. When it comes to picking the cheese for my meat and cheese tray, I think about 2 things:
What are some good pairings for hard cheese?
Try these pairings for hard and semi-hard cheeses: Butter-flavored crackers for single chunks of any hard cheese. Crackers that incorporate dried fruit for cheddar, Gouda or other Swiss cheeses and hard Manchego cheese. Spicy crackers with black pepper or paprika for cheddar cheese. Olive oil crackers for Parmesan cheese.
What is the best cracker to serve with blue cheese?
Blue cheeses, with their sharp, tangy flavor, are in a class by themselves when it comes to a cracker companion. Try sturdy oatcake crackers, crackers flavored with honey, crackers with walnuts or crackers with dried figs.
What kind of crackers go well with goat cheese?
Pepper-flavored crackers go especially well with goat cheese. Unsweetened, thick oat or wheat crackers give you a sturdy base for spreading any cheese. Woven wheat crackers go with all spreadable or soft cheeses. Advertisement.
What are some good substitutes for fontina cheese?
Crackers with walnuts for fontina cheese. Crackers with fennel or caraway seeds for havarti or Muenster cheese. Crackers with blends of spices and seeds for mild processed American cheese. Rice crackers for a crunchy contrast with any smooth semi-soft cheese. Advertisement.
Why do cheeses taste good at room temperature?
Because flavor comes through both your taste buds and the aroma of foods, serve all cheeses at room temperature so they taste full and rich.
Can you serve crackers with cheese?
If your budget allows, buy a few packages of crackers you might serve, and try them out with different cheeses before your event.
Do you need a large cracker for cheese?
Some cheeses have a tendency to crumble when you slice them, so you need a large cracker to contain all the tasty bits. Or use a small cracker with just one chunk of cheese that your guests can pop into their mouths in one bite.
What else goes on a fruit and cheese platter besides fruit and cheese?
Charcuterie meats : I like to include sliced salami, summer sausage, sliced pepperoni, or other Italian meats on my fruit and cheese platters. I like the salty, savory flavor they add and it makes them a little more of a substantial appetizer.
What cheeses go well with a cheese board?
You might want to try a bolder flavor like a white cheddar, which pairs beautifully with apples, grapes, pears, nuts, dates, and honey. But a mild cheddar is familiar to everybody and also pairs well with apples, pears, nuts, honey, grapes, and dates.
What Fruits go well with Cheese?
First, think seasonally! If it's winter, definitely go with sliced persimmons, pears, apples, and pomegranate quarters, along with dried fruits like dried apricots or dried cherries.
How to make a fruit and cheese platter?
How to Make the Best Fruit and Cheese Platter. When planning out a fruit and cheese platter, arrange larger items first, particularly anything in containers like bowls of olives, small jars of jam, or a ramekin of honey. Next, place the cheeses you have chosen near items they pair well with.
How much cheese should I serve at room temperature?
Cheese is more flavorful when served at room temperature. Remove cheeses from the fridge half an hour before serving. Plan for 2 ounces of cheese per person for a fruit and cheese platter. If including charcuterie (cold, cured meats) on your tray, I would plan on 2 ounces of various meats per person as well.
What cheese goes well with apricots?
Apricots pair well with goat cheese and supposedly bleu cheese, although I wouldn’t know because I can’t stand the stuff – sorry! Plums: Bold, sweet plums go well with strong, salty cheeses like Manchego or Fontina. Or brie, of course.
What cheese is good with pears?
It’s a soft, mild cheese with a creamy texture. Brie usually comes in wedges or rounds of varying size with a white, edible rind and I always think of it as a dessert cheese. Brie is great with almost any fruit and nuts, but especially apples, pears, cherries, figs, strawberries, and dates.
How to serve cheeses at dinner?
Serve the cheeses either on a platter (or more than one if needed) or plate the cheeses individually. The latter method works particularly well if you're serving cheeses after dinner. Each person gets their own plate, and best of all you get to prepare the cheese course before your guests arrive, leaving one less last-minute thing for you to do. (The plates can sit at room temperature, lightly covered, for a couple of hours without any harm to the cheese unless your kitchen is particularly warm. In that case, keep them refrigerated until an hour before serving time).
What to serve with baguette?
Serve slices of baguette or crackers in a separate basket or bowl. Choose plain (sourdough or French) bread or neutral crackers. Flavored breads such as those with sesame seeds or garlic and herbed crackers tend to overwhelm the flavors of the cheeses. The exception is breads containing walnuts, dried fruit or olives.
What cheeses are soft and creamy?
Choose cheeses with different textures. Go for a soft and creamy cheese such as Brie (or a similar artisan-style cheese made in your area); a firmer style cheese such as cheddar (preferably farmhouse), gouda or Gruyère; and a hard grating-style cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano.
What are some examples of soft ripened cheeses?
Examples of this would be three or four styles of soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie and Camembert and any other cheeses that have a similar white downy-like rind. Or, you can select a few distinct styles of blue cheese. Doing this is a great way to learn how similar cheeses differ in flavor.
How long to wait to serve cheese?
Be sure to serve cheese at room temperature. To do this, take the cheeses out of the fridge at least one hour ahead of time .
What type of milk is used in cheese?
Choose one cheese made with each type of milk — cow, goat, and sheep's milk.
Is cheese a conversation piece?
Not only is cheese wildly popular these days, it has also become a conversation piece. Think about it. Whenever there's a platter of really good cheeses, most people dig in with gusto and share their opinions about their favorites. But while creating a cheese platter is simple, having a few simple tips in your back pocket will ensure ...
How to serve cheese on a platter?
First, choose your platter. Be creative! You can use a large dinner plate, a wood cutting board, a serving platter, or a cheese dome. Unwrap each cheese and evenly space them on your serving plate, leaving a space in the middle of the plate for garnish. The cheese rinds should face the center of the plate, and the part of the cheese wedge that guests will cut into should face outward. Consider cutting off any side rinds and leave only one rind on the end of the cheese. This makes it easier for guests to cut into the cheese.
What to serve with cheese?
Olives and sliced meats are also a nice accompaniment to a cheese plate. Always serve crackers and/or a sliced baguette.
What are the steps to making a cheese plate?
Making a basic cheese plate involves four steps: buying the cheese, displaying the cheese, garnishing, and serving. This cheese plate includes three types of cheese that are sold in almost every cheese store or the cheese section of upscale grocery stores: Gruyere (cows' milk), Istara (sheep's' milk) and Humboldt Fog (goat's milk).
What wine goes well with a cheese plate?
A light Chardonnay will pair well with this cheese plate as will a Riesling. If you want to serve red wine, choose something light with nice fruit; perhaps a pinot noir. Always have plenty of sliced bread and/or crackers on hand. These items fill guests up, so they eat less cheese.
How to serve cheese at room temperature?
Serve. Cheese tastes best when served at room temperature. Set knives on or near the cheese plate, ideally one for each cheese. Cheese markers are a fun way to identify the types of cheese you are serving. Provide napkins and small plates.
Where should the cheese rinds be on a cheese plate?
The cheese rinds should face the center of the plate, and the part of the cheese wedge that guests will cut into should face outward. Consider cutting off any side rinds and leave only one rind on the end of the cheese. This makes it easier for guests to cut into the cheese. Cow's Milk: Gruyere has a hard texture.
What to do if you don't have a serving platter?
If you don't have a serving platter, a regular dinner plate can work just fine.
