Ever wondered which cheeses to choose for that perfect Italian cheese platter? In this blog post, we share our top picks to help you make an irresistible selection and perfect your cheese platter to perfection. Get inspired and surprise your guests with delicious flavors that are sure to spoil them.
The classics
Italy is known for its rich culinary heritage, and one of the most beloved aspects of that is the classic cheeses the country has to offer. When putting together a snack platter, these traditional cheeses are a must. Below, you’ll discover more about the flavor profiles of Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Pecorino, and how to best pair them with other ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese
- Flavor profile:
- Firm texture with a nutty and salty flavour.
- Matured in traditional conditions for a minimum of 12 months.
- Combinations:
- Perfect in combination with fresh fruit such as pear or grapes.
- Delicious shaved over pasta dishes or salads.
For this dish we recommend: Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months.
Mozzarella
- Flavor profile:
- Soft, creamy texture with subtle milk flavour.
- Usually made from buffalo milk or cow's milk.
- Combinations:
- Combines well with tomatoes, basil and a dash of olive oil.
- Ideal as a filling for caprese salads or on pizza.
For optimal taste: use Buffalo mozzarella from an Italian brand.
Pecorino
- Flavor profile:
- Sharp taste with salty undertones.
- Made from sheep's milk and usually matured for at least 8 months.
- Combinations:
- Delicious grated over pastas such as cacio e pepe.
- Pairs well with honey or figs for a sweet and salty balance.
For this cheese try: Pecorino Romano from a traditional producer.
By combining these classic Italian cheeses on your snack platter, you create a tasteful and authentic experience for yourself and your guests. Experiment with different combinations and discover the delicious flavors these cheeses have to offer. Buon appetito!
Enrich your drinks experience with these surprising cheeses
Discover new flavors
When putting together a snack platter, it is great to surprise with lesser-known cheeses. For example, try the following tasty options:
- Taleggio: An Italian cheese with a soft, creamy texture and a subtle spicy flavor.
- Gorgonzola Dolce: A mild variant of the well-known blue-veined cheese with a creamy and slightly sweet taste.
- Robiola: A delicious soft cheese from Piedmont with a delicate and creamy taste.
Serving tips
Here are some suggestions for serving and pairing these cheeses to make your cheese platter unique:
- Taleggio:
- Serve with crispy crackers and some grapes for a perfect balance of creamy and sweet.
- Combine with a light honey and some walnuts for extra flavor dimensions.
- Gorgonzola Dolce:
- Try pairing it with fresh figs and a little balsamic glaze for a surprisingly sweet and salty flavor.
- Delicious on a piece of baguette with some honey and a hint of thyme.
- Robiola:
- Combine with some fresh figs and a few sprigs of rosemary for a balanced and elegant taste.
- Serve with some crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet sophisticated experience.
Make your choice
By choosing these surprising cheeses you give a unique twist to your drinks experience. Experiment with different combinations and discover your favorite flavor combinations. Broaden your horizons and enjoy new flavors that make your drinks platter an unforgettable experience!
Combinations and tips
A tasteful snack platter is a real eye-catcher at any festive occasion. Discover here which combinations of cheeses, meats, fruits and nuts work best to take your Italian cheese platter to the next level. In addition, we share some handy tips for serving and presenting this delicious platter.
Combinations of cheeses
Parmigiano Reggiano
- A classic that should not be missing on your drinks platter.
- Combine with honey, figs and walnuts for a perfect flavour balance.
Gorgonzola
- A spicy blue cheese that goes perfectly with sweet pears and walnuts.
- Serve at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Meats and fruit
Prosciutto di Parma
- The salty taste of this Italian ham contrasts beautifully with sweet melon.
- Roll up the slices of prosciutto and present on the board for an elegant look.
Salami Milano
- A finely chopped dry salami that combines deliciously with fresh grapes and olives.
- Cut the salami into thin slices for optimal distribution on the board.
Nuts and additives
Almonds
- Toasted almonds are a crunchy addition that pairs well with soft cheeses.
- Sprinkle them casually over the board for a playful presentation.
Fig jam
- Sweet fig jam is a flavorful addition that takes the cheeses to the next level.
- Serve in a pretty bowl alongside the cheeses for a handy dip.
Tips for serving and presenting
- Provide variety in flavors, textures and colors on the shelf for an attractive appearance.
- Present the cheeses at different heights, for example by using plateaus or small steps.
- Don't forget to offer fresh baguettes or crispy crackers to accompany the cheeses and meats.
With these delicious combinations and handy tips, you can create an irresistible Italian cheese board that your guests will definitely appreciate. Enjoy! 🧀🍇🥖
Wine and cheese
If you enjoy a delicious cheese platter with Italian cheeses, choosing the right wine is essential to perfectly match the flavors. Discover below which wines go best with different Italian cheeses and how to create a harmonious wine-cheese combination.
Soft cheeses, such as Mozzarella and Burrata
- Wine advice:
- Prosecco: The fresh bubbles of Prosecco are an excellent match with the creamy softness of Mozzarella.
- Pinot Grigio: the light and fruity taste of Pinot Grigio enhances the refined notes of Burrata.
Hard cheeses, such as Pecorino and Parmesan
- Wine advice:
- Chianti: The full body and spicy notes of Chianti perfectly complement the salty flavour of Pecorino.
- Barolo: The complex aromas of Barolo emphasize the nutty and spicy taste of Parmesan cheese.
Blue veined cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort
- Wine advice:
- Sauternes: the sweet and intense taste of Sauternes forms a surprising combination with the salty and spicy notes of Gorgonzola.
- Port: The rich, fruity flavour of Port is complemented by the creamy texture of Roquefort.
Tips for a successful wine and cheese combination
- Make sure you have a good balance of sweet and sour so that the wine complements the flavor of the cheese.
- Try different combinations to discover which flavor combinations you prefer.
- Experiment with regional wines and cheeses to create unique and surprising combinations.
By choosing the right wine with your favorite Italian cheeses, every snack platter will become a culinary adventure where the harmony between wine and cheese is central. Be surprised by the perfect combinations and enjoy a tasteful experience!
Taste the flavours of Italy with this cheese selection
After reading this blog post, you are ready to create your own Italian cheese platter with delicious cheeses. Don't forget to experiment and add your own personal touch to the selection. Let yourself be surprised by the flavors and enjoy the coziness that a well-composed cheese platter brings!
Frequently asked questions about Italian snack platters
Yes, there are indeed certain rules and traditions that you should follow when putting together an Italian cheese platter. First of all, it is customary to select a good mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino and parmigiano-reggiano. Also make sure to have a variety of flavors, such as mild and spicy cheeses. It is also important to serve the cheeses at room temperature, so that the flavors come into their own. In addition, you can combine the cheese with matching cold cuts, such as salami or prosciutto, and different types of fresh fruit, nuts and olives. This way you create an authentic Italian cheese platter that is sure to be a hit!
Italian cheeses can generally be kept on a cheese board for up to 2 hours before they start to lose their flavor. The longer they are out of the refrigerator, the less texture and flavor they can lose. So it is best to remove them from the refrigerator at the last minute for optimal flavor.
For a delicious Italian snack platter, it is best to choose cheeses such as Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola and Taleggio. These cheeses all have a unique taste and texture that go perfectly with other Italian antipasti on your snack platter. Buon appetito!
To create the best taste experience when combining different Italian cheeses on a cheese platter, it is best to take the following tips into account:
- Vary your flavors: choose a mix of mild, spicy, and creamy cheeses to create a balanced taste experience.
- Pair with bread and fruit: serve the cheeses with fresh baguette, crackers, grapes, figs or nuts to complement the flavours.
- Store the cheeses at the right temperature: make sure the cheeses are served at room temperature so that the flavours come into their own.
- Presentation: arrange the cheeses on the cheese platter in an attractive and inviting way, so that they not only look appetizing, but are also inviting to taste.
By following these tips, you can optimally enjoy the different Italian cheeses on your snack board! Enjoy!
Of course! Some popular Italian wines that go well with cheeses on a snack platter include Chianti, Barolo and Prosecco. Chianti is a red wine that goes well with hard cheeses such as Parmesan. Barolo, a powerful red wine, goes well with spicy cheeses such as Pecorino. Prosecco, a sparkling white wine, makes a light and festive combination with soft cheeses such as Brie. Cheers to a delicious snack!
Various accompaniments go very well with Italian cheeses on a snack platter. You can think of fresh fruit such as grapes or figs, nuts such as walnuts or almonds, honey, olives, and various types of bread such as ciabatta or grissini. These combinations enhance the flavors of the cheeses and ensure a delicious snack experience. Have fun putting together your snack platter!
Yes, there are definitely specific regional Italian cheeses that you should not miss on an Italian snack platter. Some classics are Parmesan (from Emilia-Romagna), Pecorino (from Tuscany or Sardinia) and Gorgonzola (from Lombardy). These cheeses are characteristic for their taste and are often served with Italian dishes. Adding these cheeses to your snack platter will definitely contribute to the authentic Italian taste experience. Buon appetito!
