A surefire stunner for any gathering is an epic cheese board. Cheese is one of the most universally loved foods so when your guests come into your home and see a board filled with an assortment of goodies, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. The beauty of a cheese platter is that there are no limits, simply your imagination.
There is a formula to follow for the perfect combination on a platter and we’re going to help you master it.
Balancing the flavours however is an art, so it’s best to stick with some tried and tested combinations.
Pick 3 items from each category below and put together a beautiful cheeseboard at home.
Cheeses
● Mozzarella
● Brie
● Camembert
● Goat Cheese
● Monterey Jack
● Colby
● Gouda
● Cheddar
● Swiss
● Stilton
● Bleu
● Gorgonzola
● Muenster
Meat
● Soppressata
● Salami
● Prosciutto
● Ham
● Smoked sausage
● Smoked salmon
Accompaniments
● Crackers or baguette, 2-3 varieties
● Fresh vegetables and fruits
● Dried fruits
● Nuts
● Olives
● Pickles
● Jams
● Mustard
● Honey
● Fresh herbs
Method
● Prevent your screen from going dark
● Instructions
● Begin by arranging the cheese on the board. I usually try to have one in each corner.
● Add fresh fruits and vegetables and dried fruits.
● Next, add small bowls of jams, mustards, honey, etc.
● Add crackers and bread.
Expert Tips
● Don’t be afraid to fill the board: The goal is to completely cover the entire surface with cheese and other nibbles.
● Think about texture: Include a variety of soft, hard, chewy and crunchy options.
● Think about flavour: Choose options that will pair well together, like cheddar and apples.
● Assemble the cheeseboard where you are serving it: The last thing you want to do is try to move a completed cheeseboard to another location.
● Slice cheese on a separate cutting board: If you’re pre-slicing cheese, make sure you cut it on another cutting board so your serving platter stays neat.
● Visit the deli bar: Your grocery store’s deli bar may have some great nibbles to include on your cheeseboard. And, you can buy as much or little as you want.
● Add height: Include something with height to add dimension to your cheeseboard.