Cheese Platter Recipe

Serves: 8-12 people as an appetizer, 6-8 as a light meal
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

The Cheese Selection (Choose 4-6 varieties)

Soft Cheeses:

• 8 oz Brie or Camembert (creamy, buttery)
• 6 oz fresh goat cheese (tangy, spreadable)
• 4 oz Burrata (rich, creamy center)

Semi-Hard Cheeses:

• 8 oz aged Cheddar (sharp, nutty)
• 6 oz Gruyère (complex, slightly sweet)
• 6 oz Manchego (firm, fruity)

Hard Cheeses:

• 6 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano (crystalline, savory)
• 4 oz aged Gouda (caramel notes, crunchy)

Blue Cheeses:

• 4 oz Roquefort or Stilton (bold, pungent)

Accompaniments

Fresh Fruits:

• 2 cups red and green grapes, small clusters
• 2 ripe pears, sliced just before serving
• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• 2 fresh figs, quartered (when in season)

Dried Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup dried apricots or dates
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
• 1/4 cup honey for drizzling

Spreads and Preserves:

• 1/4 cup fig jam or apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 1/4 cup honey or honeycomb

Crackers and Breads:

• 2 varieties of crackers (water crackers, seed crackers)
• 1 sliced baguette, toasted
• Artisanal flatbread or crostini

Preparation Steps

Planning Your Cheese Selection

Choose cheeses that offer variety in texture, flavor intensity, and milk type. Include at least one soft cheese, one hard cheese, and one with bold flavor like a blue cheese. Consider your guests’ preferences, but don’t be afraid to introduce them to something new. A good rule is to plan for 3-4 ounces of cheese per person if serving as an appetizer, or 6-8 ounces per person for a main course.

Proper Cheese Preparation

Remove all cheeses from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature. Cold cheese doesn’t release its full flavor potential and can taste muted or bland. Unwrap each cheese and place on separate small plates, covering lightly with clean kitchen towels to prevent drying while they warm up.

Preparing Fresh Elements

Wash and dry all fresh fruits thoroughly. Cut pears into thin wedges and brush lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning. Leave grape stems attached for easy handling and visual appeal. If using figs, quarter them to show off their beautiful interior. Prepare these items as close to serving time as possible to maintain freshness.

Selecting Your Serving Surface

Choose a large wooden board, marble slab, or several smaller plates that can accommodate all elements without crowding. The serving surface should be large enough that guests can easily access everything without bumping into each other. Clean the surface thoroughly and ensure it’s completely dry before beginning assembly.

Creating Visual Appeal

Start by placing your cheese selection on the board, spacing them evenly and leaving room for accompaniments between each cheese. Place soft cheeses like brie in small dishes or directly on the board with appropriate knives. Harder cheeses can be pre-sliced partially, leaving some whole for guests who prefer larger portions.

Arranging Accompaniments

Fill in spaces around the cheeses with small bowls containing preserves, mustard, and honey. Arrange crackers and bread in neat stacks or fan them out attractively. Scatter nuts and dried fruits in small piles throughout the board, using them to fill gaps and add color variety.

Adding Fresh Fruits

Place fresh fruits strategically around the board, using their natural colors to create visual balance. Grapes drape beautifully over edges, while berries can fill small spaces between other elements. The goal is to create an abundant, bountiful appearance that invites people to dive in.

Providing Proper Tools

Each cheese should have its own knife to prevent flavor mixing. Soft cheeses need spreaders or small spoons, while hard cheeses require sharp knives for cutting. Provide small spoons for jams and preserves, and consider small tongs for fruits and nuts to maintain hygiene.

Final Touches and Garnishes

Add fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme for aromatic appeal and natural beauty. These herbs also serve as natural decorative elements that complement the rustic, artisanal feel of a cheese platter. Drizzle honey over honeycomb or near the goat cheese for an Instagram-worthy finish.

Serving and Presentation

Present the completed platter at room temperature with all necessary serving utensils. Encourage guests to experiment with different combinations, such as pairing sharp cheddar with apple slices or spreading goat cheese on crackers topped with fig jam. The beauty of a cheese platter lies in these discovery moments.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

Consider offering wine pairings that complement your cheese selection. Light, crisp white wines pair beautifully with soft cheeses, while bold reds complement aged hard cheeses. Provide both options, along with sparkling water and perhaps a selection of craft beers for non-wine drinkers.

Storage and Leftovers

Wrap individual cheeses properly after the event, storing each type separately to prevent flavor transfer. Most cheeses will keep for several days when properly stored. Fresh fruits should be consumed quickly, while nuts and crackers can be stored in airtight containers for future use.

Seasonal Adaptations

Adapt your platter to seasonal availability and holidays. Summer platters might feature fresh berries and lighter cheeses, while winter presentations could include dried fruits, nuts, and heartier aged cheeses. Holiday platters can incorporate cranberry preserves or festive garnishes.

Budget-Friendly Tips

You don’t need expensive imported cheeses to create an impressive platter. Focus on quality over quantity, choosing fewer cheeses but ensuring each one is excellent. Local dairies often produce outstanding cheeses at reasonable prices, and grocery store cheese counters frequently offer samples to help you make informed choices.