My love for cheese plates started a few years ago during my university days, I had a weekend job at the time waiting on some very rich people. lol. I always look forward to the desserts because there is always cheese platter on the menu. I also got to learn about different types of cheeses and ever since then I make mine from time to time.
Simple Cheese Plate
Cheese plates are very simple to make, a great crowd pleaser and are bound to steal the show at get-togethers, parties or any occasion where there would be mouths to feed. They can be made on a budget too, but you can splash out on the fancy stuff if you can afford to. This simple cheese platter is one of the basic skills to learn, truth be told, I can’t really call it a skill, but it is imperative to know what goes with what when making a cheeseboard. It is also important to have different choices so there would be something for everyone. Not everyone is built for eating blue cheese but I know the majority of people love some good ol’ cheddar cheese. Variety is key when making a cheese board or building one.
Wait do I need a party to make
a cheese plate
No, cheese platters are not for parties alone and that is why I am sharing this guide on how I make a simple perfect cheese platter for my family. It is a great snack idea that can replace your usual takeaway dessert. You can make it for 1 person to a group of people. Which brings me to the next question you might have
How much cheese to a person?
When making and serving a cheese plate for a crowd or group of people, allow at least 2 to 4oz of cheese per person, that is between 55g to 115g of cheese. As much as one can’t dictate how much a person can eat on a platter, this is just a guide, some people are cheese monsters and would try every bite on a cheeseboard.
To make a perfect cheese plate
you would need to the following
Choose your cheese boards: this could be an actual cheese board, baking tin and a popular choice is wooden chopping or cutting board. Let the size of your crowd guide you. Cheese: you will need at least 3 or more for varieties and also, no 2 types of cheese taste the same. Always have the options from soft, semi-hard to hard cheese, different texture, different colours, different flavours, down to the type of milk used in making the cheese; cow milk, goat milk or sheep milk. My go-to for my family is sharp cheddar cheese, soft brie and Wensleydale which is a crumbly cheese. Hard cheese types: Parmesan cheese, Pecorino, Asiago Semi-hard cheese type: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere to Gouda Soft cheese types: cream cheese, Brie, Camembert, soft goat cheese, mozzarella pearls Blue cheese or stinky cheese types: Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort Add some cured meats to the board: this is also known or called charcuterie. Fold them on the plate for a bit of finesse. The most popular options are chorizo, salami, pepperoni and prosciutto. You can find them in the deli section of your supermarket and they sometimes come in trio in a pack. I personally don’t find this as a make or break for a cheese platter as I can do without it but the aim of this is to be able to cater for all. That being said, my daughter loves salami with brie and would always request for it when I make a cheese plate. Although, I don’t eat it. Also, if you are catering for guests that don’t eat pork then consider other options. Nuts: you can add any type of nut to the platter, sweet or savoury your choices are endless here from almond to Brazilian nuts, pistachios, candied walnuts. I personally love candied cashew and peanut. Dips: this can include any homemade spread or shop-bought. Your options are endless, honey, marmalade, jam. Yes, you read that right jam! chutneys, cranberry cream cheese dip etc. Crackers: what is a cheese board without crackers? They just go hand in hand, you can make the best cheese platter with just cheese, crackers and fruits… All can be found in the biscuit aisle of your supermarket Bread: breadsticks, melba toast, sliced crostini, baguette slices or cheese twist Fruits: add any seasonal fruit like strawberries, cherries, blackberries or just stick with the basic green, red, or black grapes, apple or pear slices. Dried fruits are great options like dried cherries, apricot, figs etc Olives: Any would do green or black olives Herbs and vegetables: fresh herbs like spring of rosemary, some arugula leaves. You could also do with some cucumber sticks, carrot baton, cherry tomatoes or other pickled vegetables. Cheese knives: This is not a must if you don’t have but you can buy a set if you want to go all out to impress your guest.
How to make a cheese plate
This is how I make my very simple perfect cheese plate without breaking the bank. Remember there are no rules to how to assemble a cheese platter, so feel free to move things around to suit you. I usually start with my board, cleaned and ready to assemble the goodness on it. Get the cheeses out of the fridge about an hour before use so it is at a room temperature Cheeseboard can be arranged as desired, but I like to start with the cheeses or bowls I would be adding to the board, followed by the meat and crackers. I then fill the remaining gaps with fruits and greenery if using. Above all make it your own, create perfection with the board and with loads of delicious varieties.
Tips
Cut the hard and semi-hard cheeses into cubes or slices or crumble to bite-size chunks. If using cheese knives, use a knife per cheese to avoid mixing the flavours together.
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