Arrange cheese platter made easy
A beautiful and decoratively arranged cheese platter is not only a delight but also a visual eye-catcher. Whether for a party, a movie night with an aperitif or the crowning dessert, a cheese platter is always perfect. Below we show you how to create your own personal cheese platter in five simple steps.
Step 1: Which cheeses?
When choosing the types of cheese, note that the cheeses differ in texture (soft-hard) and in the type of milk (cow's, sheep's, goat's and buffalo's milk) so that the cheese platter is individualized. Of course, your cheese platter can also only consist of cheese from one type of milk. Depending on the occasion and how many guests the cheese platter is intended for, calculate one type of cheese per person up to 12 people. The cheese platter should therefore contain no more than 12 types of cheese. To whet your guests' appetite for something new, you should mix well-known and popular cheeses with unusual and exotic ones when designing your cheese platter. Also make sure that you choose high-quality and fresh cheeses. These not only stand out visually but also in terms of taste. Get the cheese from your trusted cheese dairy.
Step 2: What quantities of cheese?
When determining the quantity, it is important that you think about whether you want to serve the cheese as part of the menu, for example as a dessert, aperitif or main course. Depending on what you decide on, we recommend the following quantities:
Aperitif: 80-120 grams
Main course: 170-200 grams
Dessert: approx. 80 grams
Tip: Generally, it is better to calculate a little more cheese per person, as this will go down well with your guests. You'll be happy with the leftovers the next day, just to eat as is or to gratinate a gratin.
Step 3: How do I arrange the cheese?
Now that you have decided on the types and quantities of cheese, it's time to arrange them. The cheese timer will help you to arrange the cheese correctly. Start at 12 o'clock with the mildest of your cheeses and arrange the cheeses clockwise from mild to intense, so that blue cheeses are usually at the end of the chain. This way, guests can try all the cheeses without overlapping flavors.
In addition to wooden plates, marble, slate or chrome plates are also suitable. Opt for a platter that is too large rather than too small. The cheeses are shown to their best advantage on a larger cheese board and there is also enough space for cutting and decorating. To prevent the cheese flavors from overlapping, make sure that the cheeses are not too close together.
In addition to a platter, the right cutting tool is also important. Ideally, one for each type - a soft cheese knife for soft cheese, a cheese harp for blue cheese, a cheese knife for hard and semi-hard cheese and a cheese cutter for cheese crumbles.
Tip: To allow the cheese to develop its full aroma, take it out of the fridge an hour before eating.
Step 4: Which decoration do I use?
There are no limits when it comes to decorating your cheese platter. Basically, however, less is more so that the cheese is the focus of the platter and the decoration doesn't steal the show. However, the decorations not only enhance the appearance of your platter, but can also emphasize the taste of the cheese if you choose them correctly. Fruity and tangy flavors in particular, but also sweet flavors, contrast the cheese in a suitable way. We have put together some ideas for you below:
- fresh fruit: grapes, figs, pears, strawberries, blackberries
- Dried fruit: figs, apricots, plums, dates
- Fresh bread, for example baguette or ciabatta
- Crackers, grissini, pretzels
- Olives, cherry tomatoes
- Nuts: Walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds
- fresh herbs: rosemary, sage, basil, parsley
- Sauces: fig mustard, honey, jam, chutney, olive oil, balsamic vinegar
Step 5: How do I find the right wine?
A sip of wine is a must with a fine cheese. However, it is important to match the taste of wine and cheese. The wine should be based on the strongest cheese on your cheese platter. Wines with acidity are particularly suitable for creamy cheeses, noble sweet wines for salty varieties and hard cheeses harmonize particularly well with tannic wines. You can also serve a fine dessert wine with a cheese dessert. Are you not a wine connoisseur and want to play it safe? Opt for a mild, sweet white wine, as this harmonizes with almost all types of cheese. Tip: Choose a wine from the same region as your cheese.
Now nothing stands in the way of your perfect cheese evening. Important: Be creative and try out daring things. There is no right or wrong and, as we all know, tastes are very different. We are looking forward to your ideas. Share your cheese platter with us on social media and tag us @cheezy _kaeseboxen .
