Welcome to our blog post on how to create a delicious cheese platter! Whether you’re planning a cozy evening with friends or celebrating a special occasion, creating an appealing cheese platter can be a real challenge. Don’t worry, we understand the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the need for a simple, yet impressive solution. In this article, we’ll take you through the process step by step, so you can create your own cheese platter with confidence and enjoyment. Let’s discover together how to create a tasty cheese platter in five easy steps that your guests will surely love!
Step 1: Select your cheeses
When putting together a cheese board, the selection of cheeses is crucial. Choosing a varied mix of cheeses with different flavors and textures will enrich the dining experience. In this section, we will discuss the different types of cheeses to consider and provide practical examples of specific cheeses.
Various Types of Cheeses
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses are creamy and often have a mild flavor. They are perfect as a base for your cheese board. Examples of popular soft cheeses are:
- Brie de Meaux: This French cheese has a soft, creamy texture and a delicate flavour. It is ideal to serve with a piece of baguette.
- Camembert: Another French classic, this cheese has a slightly stronger flavor than Brie and is perfect for melting on a piece of toast.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses tend to have a stronger flavor and a firm texture. They are great for creating an interesting contrast on your cheese board. Some recommendations include:
- Old cheese (for example Mature or Extra Mature Gouda): This Dutch cheese has a rich, full flavour and is perfect as a snack or in combination with fruit.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: This Italian cheese has a nutty flavor and a grainy texture. It is delicious grated over salads or pasta.
Blue Cheeses
Blue cheeses have a strong, tangy flavor due to the mold cultures added during the aging process. They are an excellent choice for the adventurous eater. Consider these options:
- Gorgonzola: This Italian cheese has a creamy texture and an intense flavor. It is delicious in salads or on a piece of bread.
- Roquefort: This French cheese is known for its strong aroma and spicy taste. Perfect with a glass of red wine.
Mix of Local and International Cheeses
To create a diverse and interesting cheese board, it is advisable to combine both local and international cheeses. This not only provides variety in flavors and textures, but also a cultural experience. Here are some suggestions:
| Type of Cheese | Local Option | International Option |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Cream cheese from the local cheesemaker | Brie de Meaux |
| Hard | Mature Gouda | Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Blue | Blue goat cheese | Gorgonzola |
Tips for Choosing Cheeses
- Vary in Flavors: Make sure to choose cheeses with a variety of flavor profiles, from mild to strong.
- Pay attention to Texture: Combine soft, hard and blue cheeses to create an interesting textural experience.
- Think of the Season: Some cheeses are better suited to certain seasons. For example, a creamy brie is perfect for spring, while a strong aged cheese is delicious in winter.
- Try New Cheeses: Don't be afraid to try new and unfamiliar cheeses. This can lead to surprising and exciting combinations on your cheese board.
By carefully selecting and varying the cheeses you choose, you can create a cheese board that is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a visual spectacle.
Step 2: Add matching treats
A well-composed cheese board is not complete without a range of accompanying delicacies that complement the flavours of the cheeses. This not only provides variety, but also creates a harmonious whole. Below we discuss some excellent options to add to your cheese board.
Nuts
Nuts are a great complement to the rich and creamy flavors of cheese. They add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enriches the experience. Some popular choices include:
- Walnuts: These nuts have a strong, earthy flavor that pairs well with older cheeses such as aged Gouda or blue cheese.
- Almonds: These are delicious with mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert. Try the salted almonds from Mackintosh for an extra kick.
- Pistachios: The slightly sweet taste of pistachios goes perfectly with fresh cheeses such as feta or young goat's cheese.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit provides a sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors of cheese. It not only adds flavor, but also an interesting texture. Consider these options:
- Figs: The sweet, chewy texture of dried figs is perfect in combination with blue cheese, such as Roquefort. Choose organic dried figs from Terra.
- Apricots: Dried apricots are soft and sweet, and pair well with a firm cheese like Manchego. The apricots of BioBandits are an excellent choice.
- Raisins: Both white and black raisins are versatile and can be a sweet addition to almost any cheese. Try the organic raisins from Sun-Maid.
Olives
Olives bring a salty, savory flavor that beautifully contrasts the creaminess of the cheese. They are also a visually appealing addition to your cheese board. Some recommendations include:
- Green olives: These olives have a mild, fruity flavor and are delicious with soft cheeses such as Ricotta or Mascarpone. Try the Kalamata olives from Divine for an authentic Greek taste.
- Black olives: The rich, salty flavor of black olives pairs well with hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano. The marinated black olives of Crown Prince are an excellent choice here.
Crackers and Baguette
A cheese board without crackers or bread is unthinkable. These products provide a neutral base that allows the flavors of the cheeses to shine. Some suggestions are:
- Crackers: Choose crunchy crackers such as the Carr's Table Water Biscuits Whether the Ritz Crackers, which find a perfect balance between saltiness and a neutral taste.
- Baguette: Freshly baked baguettes are ideal for pairing with soft cheeses. Try an artisanal baguette from a local bakery or the La Brea Bakery for an authentic taste experience.
Summary of Recommendations
| Delicacy | Recommended Product | Suitable Cheeses |
|---|---|---|
| Walnuts | Mackintosh Walnuts | Old Gouda, Blue cheese |
| Dried Figs | Terra Dried Figs | Roquefort |
| Dried Apricots | BioBandits Apricots | Manchego |
| Green Olives | Divina Kalamata Olives | Ricotta, Mascarpone |
| Black Olives | Crown Prince Marinated Black Olives | Parmigiano-Reggiano |
| Crackers | Carr's Table Water Biscuits | All cheeses |
| Baguette | La Brea Bakery Baguette | Soft cheeses |
By adding these delicacies to your cheese board, you will not only create a visually appealing whole, but also a taste explosion that will surprise your guests.
Step 3: Create an attractive presentation
The presentation of your snack platter is crucial to the overall experience. A well-presented snack platter can not only satisfy hunger, but also please the eyes and create a festive atmosphere. Here are some key elements to consider when putting together your snack platter.
Choose the Right Plank
The foundation of your presentation begins with the right shelf. Consider using materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Some popular choices include:
- Wooden planks: These give a rustic look and are ideal for an informal drink. Brands such as BambooMN offer durable and stylish wooden planks.
- Marble planks: These add a luxurious look to your presentation. Marble planks of Kähler are an excellent choice for an elegant setting.
Arrangement of the Ingredients
An attractive presentation is all about the right arrangement of ingredients. Here are some tips to brighten up your snack board:
- Vary in Height: Use different heights to make the board more dynamic. For example, place a tall cheese top on one part of the board, while placing other cheeses in flat dishes.
- Color contrasts: Make sure you have a colorful mix of ingredients. For example, use a combination of:
- Cheeses: Brie, Gorgonzola, and Cheddar.
- Treats: Olives, nuts (such as Pistachios from Røros) and dried fruit.
- Side dishes: Hummus, tapenade, and a selection of crackers (for example Ritz Original).
- Filling Empty Spaces: Fill empty spaces with smaller items such as almonds or cherry tomatoes. This will create a full and inviting look.
The Use of Tableware and Decoration
In addition to the board itself, using beautiful tableware and decorative elements can take your presentation to the next level. Think of:
- Small bowls: Use nice ceramic or glass bowls for dips, such as Pesto from Sacla or Hummus from Hummus Bros.
- Decorative elements: Add sprigs of rosemary or other herbs to give the board a fresh look.
Example of an Attractive Snack Board
Here's an example of how to put together an attractive drinks platter:
| Ingredient | Brand/Product | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | President Brie | In the middle |
| Gorgonzola | castle | Left of the Brie |
| Cheddar | Mature Cheddar | Right of the Brie |
| Olives | Kalamata Olives | Small bowls |
| Nuts | Røros Pistachios | Around the cheeses |
| Hummus | Hummus Bros | Small bowls |
| Crackers | Ritz Original | On the side |
| Cherry tomatoes | – | Fill empty spaces |
By combining these elements, you create a snack board that is not only delicious, but also inviting and appealing to the eye. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process of putting together your snack board!
Conclusion: Enjoy your perfect snack platter!
In summary, you can create a delicious and attractive cheese platter with these five simple steps. By choosing the right cheeses and side dishes, and by varying the drinks, you can create a unique experience for yourself and your guests. Don't forget to experiment with different flavors and combinations to create your ideal cheese platter. Enjoy the process and let your creativity run wild!
