Cheese Platter Recipe

A cheese platter is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining, gatherings, or casual snacking. With a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and spreads, you can easily create a visually stunning and delicious spread that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a fun snack, this cheese platter recipe offers the perfect balance of textures, flavors, and colors.

Ingredients

Cheeses:

• 2-3 types of cheese (suggestions):
  • Soft: Brie, Camembert, or Goat Cheese
  • Semi-soft: Havarti, Gruyère, or Gouda
  • Hard: Aged Cheddar, Manchego, or Parmesan
  • Blue: Roquefort or Gorgonzola

Accompaniments:

• Fresh fruits: Grapes, apple slices, pear slices, or figs
• Dried fruits: Apricots, cranberries, or raisins
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans
• Crackers or bread: Crostini, baguette slices, or assorted crackers
• Spreads: Honey, fig jam, or mustard
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or edible flowers (optional)

Equipment

• Large wooden board, platter, or serving tray
• Cheese knives (for soft and hard cheeses)
• Small bowls for spreads and dips
• Small tongs or serving utensils

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheeses:
   Remove the cheeses from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to reach room temperature. This enhances their flavor and texture. Cut some cheeses into wedges or cubes for easy serving, and leave others whole so guests can cut their own pieces.
2. Arrange the platter:
   Start by placing the cheeses on the platter, leaving space between each variety. You can arrange them in a circular or linear pattern for a visually appealing look.
3. Add the accompaniments:
   Place the fresh and dried fruits around the cheeses, ensuring there’s a good mix of colors and textures. Add small bowls of spreads like honey, fig jam, or mustard near the cheeses.
4. Add nuts and crackers:
   Fill the remaining spaces with a selection of nuts and crackers or bread. Try to balance the textures, with crunchy nuts and crackers to contrast the creamy cheeses.
5. Garnish and serve:
   Garnish the platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Provide small cheese knives or spreaders for guests to serve themselves.

Tips

• Variety is key: Choose a range of cheese textures and flavors (creamy, crumbly, nutty, sharp) to appeal to all palates.
• Seasonal fruits: Add fruits that are in season for the freshest flavors (berries in the summer, apples and pears in the fall).
• Customize: Add other favorites like olives, pickles, or charcuterie (prosciutto, salami) for a more extensive spread.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the cheese platter up to 1-2 hours before serving. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

A well-curated cheese platter is a delightful addition to any occasion, offering a variety of textures and flavors that will please every guest. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, part of a grazing table, or just as a fun snack, this cheese platter recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance. Enjoy it with your favorite wines or cocktails for the perfect pairing!