Description
Create an impressive and delicious cheese platter perfect for entertaining that balances flavors and textures with a variety of cheeses, savory extras, and sweet accompaniments served with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Selection
- 1 soft cheese (Brie or Camembert), approximately 300-400g
- 1 semi-hard cheese (aged Cheddar, Fontina, or smoked Gouda), approximately 300-400g
- 1 hard cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), approximately 300-400g
Savory Extras
- Marinated olives, 100g
- Raw or roasted nuts, 100g
- Smoked nuts, 100g
- Prosciutto or salami, 100g
- Breadsticks, 1 small packet (about 100g)
- Artichoke hearts, 100g
Sweet Extras
- Fresh fruit (grapes, berries, apricots, fresh figs), 200g total
- Dried fruit, 100g
- Jam (fig jam recommended), 50g
- Honey, 50g
To Serve
- Crackers or sliced bread, about 200-250g
Instructions
- How Much and What to Buy: Plan for approximately 85–115 grams (3–4 ounces) of cheese per person to ensure plenty. Select three types of cheese to provide a balance of flavors and textures: one soft cheese like Brie or Camembert, one semi-hard cheese such as aged Cheddar, Fontina, or smoked Gouda, and one hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Follow a Simple Formula: Use the 3 × 3 × 3 rule by including three types of cheese, three savory accompaniments (like nuts, olives, and cured meats), and three sweet accompaniments (such as fresh fruit, dried fruit, and jams or honey). Adding crackers or sliced bread will complete the platter.
- Ask for Help: If unsure which cheeses to choose, consult your local cheesemonger who can recommend varieties based on your flavor preferences and portion cheeses to avoid waste.
- Let the Cheese Rest: Remove the cheeses from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving to bring out their full flavors. Serve semi-hard cheeses in large pieces to avoid drying out, and shave or crumble hard cheeses to make them easy to eat.
- Use What You Have: Check your pantry and fridge for additional items like nuts, olives, crackers, or dried fruits before purchasing extras to minimize waste.
- Label and Arrange: Label each cheese clearly and provide a separate knife for each type to prevent mixing flavors. Arrange all items casually on a wooden or marble board, filling gaps naturally to create an inviting and balanced presentation.
Notes
- Blue cheese is optional; include only if guests enjoy its strong flavor.
- Adjust quantities based on number of guests and appetites.
- Use a variety of textures and flavors to create an appealing contrast.
- Using separate knives for each cheese maintains the integrity of each flavor.
- Fresh fruits like figs and apricots are seasonal, so substitute with other fresh fruit if unavailable.
