Entertaining 101: The Perfect Cheese Platter
Serving up a great cheese platter is an art. For most, it’s a skill that is cultivated and learned with time and multiple tastings… Though for you, it will be as easy as reading this blog! Here’s what you need to know when selecting cheeses for a cheese platter:
- Variety is key! I like to make sure I include at least one of each of the four main flavor categories of cheese: aged, soft, firm, and blue.
- Mix textures. Like a good outfit, playing with texture is important for a flavorfully flattering cheese platter. Soft, dry, creamy, or hard…just be sure to keep your selections diverse.
- Include at least one familiar cheese. This is important because everyone might not be as adventurous as you (or they might be just the opposite). Plus it’s nice to include a cheese that your guest can easily identify. Cheddar or Swiss are usually a good bet.
- Garnish! The garnish is just as important as your cheese selection. Be sure to compliment your spread with something sweet (such as fig compote or fresh grapes) as well as something salty (like cured meats or pistachios).
- Offer the perfect pairing. Place the cheese platter beside crackers, pita bread, crostini, or bite-sized breads so your guests can pair the cheese with something starchy.
- For an extra touch, it’s never a bad idea to label the cheeses so your guests know exactly what they are getting themselves into... One of my favorite ways to do this is by using a chalkboard serving dish. Learn how to make your own with my video tutorial by clicking here.
Also, here’s a mini crash course in cheese…
4 Cheese-Plate Friendly Cheese Categories
- Aged: Aged Cheddar, Comté, Gouda
- Soft: Camembert, Boursin, Brie, Goat
- Firm: Manchego, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Monterey Jack, Provolone
- Blue: Gogonzola, Stilton , Roquefort
I think it’s safe to say that now we’re all cheese experts, no?
Do you have an Entertaining 101 question? Leave it in the comments below…
(Writing this blog has me craving—you guessed it—cheese and crackers!)
XO Lauren
Photo: Christopher Patey for LaurenConrad.com
Sources: Gardemanager.com, Ehow.com
51 comments
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I always attend our yearly Food and Wine Festival and without fail will sign up to the cheese masterclass. Apart from learning about chees/wine pairings, I get to sample some of the yummiest cheeses with delicious wines and always walk away with a new favourite cheese!! Thankg god Im not lactose intolerant!! :-)
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I heart cheese!!!!
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You said right that Serving up a great cheese platter is an art and if we are expert in doing that such nice thing then no doubt it will make enjoy for us.
http://drsnooze.com -
Great tips. I am a CHEESE-O-HOLIC. I like to do a country themed cheese platter like all Italian or French cheeses and accompaniments or all Spanish like this one: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2011/11/trick-or-cheese.html -
I will really try your this cheese. Last time my girlfriend did it very nice.
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I am LOVIN' the new feature of pinning the picture when you scroll over the pic!!! Great ideas with cheese platter! Thanks! -
this is making me wish i had volunteered to bring the cheese platter instead of the veggie tray to my in-laws. my question would be: what's your take on the best way to serve drinks at a party? one pre-made beverage, or a bar with customizable drinks?
http://hooleywithaz.wordpress.com -
I love this post! Usually I just go order my cheese platter but I'm going to make my own this year :) -
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I love holiday trest like cheese! My fave is Elf! For more fashion and beauty advice, please check out my blog: http://myfashavenue.blogspot.ca/ Today's post: Look Of The Day: Holiday Glam...
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xo
Deanne -
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Great work at all
All tips are very useful and i would like to add it on my food chart.
I would also like to share your video.
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