Cheese Platter Recipe
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Cheese Platter Recipe
This Cheese and Charcuterie Board is the ultimate entertaining appetizer, featuring a beautiful arrangement of cheeses, cured meats, and complementary accompaniments. It’s surprisingly simple to assemble in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for effortless holiday gatherings or impromptu get-togethers. The combination of textures and flavors ensures there’s something delicious for every guest to discover.
I love how a beautifully crafted board transforms any casual evening into a special occasion. My passion for collecting flavors from my travels inspires the selections, whether I’m using a sharp Manchego from Spain or a creamy local goat cheese. It’s my go to centerpiece when I host friends, especially when paired with warm, crusty cheesy garlic bliss bread or a simple, elegant olive oil bread dip.
The ritual of sharing small bites and stories around the board brings people together in the most wonderful way. I find it sets a relaxed, convivial tone for the rest of the meal, making it an ideal start before serving heartier dishes like a classic mac and cheese.
Four Reasons This Board Is a Crowd-Pleaser
- Effortless Elegance: It looks impressive but requires no cooking, just thoughtful assembly.
- Customizable for All: You can easily accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Prepare components ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- A True Conversation Starter: The variety encourages guests to mingle and try new flavor combinations.
What You’ll Need for Your Perfect Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Cheeses & Meats
- Soft cheese (Brie or goat cheese): Allow it to warm for a spreadable, flavorful texture.
- Semi-hard cheese (aged cheddar or Gouda): Offers a firm bite and robust flavor.
- Hard cheese (Parmesan or Manchego): Provides a salty, crystalline contrast to other cheeses.
- Prosciutto: Its delicate, salty flavor pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory items.
- Hard salami: Adds a spiced, firm texture that holds its shape well.
Accompaniments & Finishes
- Mixed olives and cornichons: Their briny acidity cuts through the richness of the cheeses and meats.
- Raw almonds or walnuts: Introduce a satisfying crunch and earthy depth.
- Dried apricots or figs: Offer a chewy, concentrated sweetness.
- Fresh grapes and apple slices: Provide a juicy, refreshing palate cleanser.
- Fig jam and honey: Sweet spreads that complement both sharp and creamy cheeses.
- Baguette or crackers: Serve as the essential vehicle for all the delicious toppings.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds fragrant aroma and a touch of greenery.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Learn how to create a stunning cheese and charcuterie board with our easy recipe. Perfect for entertaining with assorted cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts.
Equipment
- large serving board or platter
- knife
- cutting board
- small bowls
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 6 ounces soft cheese, such as Brie or goat cheese at room temperature
- 6 ounces semi-hard cheese, such as aged cheddar or Gouda at room temperature
- 6 ounces hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Manchego at room temperature
Cured Meats
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 4 ounces hard salami, pre-sliced or thinly sliced
Accompaniments
- 1 cup mixed olives drained
- 1/2 cup cornichons or small pickles drained
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried apricots or figs
- 1 cup fresh grapes in small clusters
- 1 medium apple or pear thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fig jam or fruit preserves
- 1 tablespoon honey for drizzling
- 1 baguette thinly sliced, or 6 ounces assorted crackers
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Remove all cheeses from their packaging and place them on a large serving board or platter. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 1 hour, before serving; this will significantly enhance their flavor and texture. Cut hard and semi-hard cheeses into bite-sized cubes, wedges, or slices, arranging them with distinct separation on the board. Leave soft cheeses like Brie whole for guests to spread, or cut a small wedge.
- Artfully drape the thinly sliced prosciutto onto the board, creating folds and ripples. Arrange the hard salami slices next to the cheeses and prosciutto. You can fan them out, fold them into quarters, or roll them into small cones for visual interest and easier grabbing.
- Place the drained mixed olives and cornichons into small bowls directly on the board, or arrange them in small, distinct piles in any available spaces. These briny items offer a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheeses and meats.
- Scatter the raw almonds or walnuts across the board, tucking them into crevices between other items. Distribute the dried apricots or figs in a similar fashion, ensuring they are easily accessible throughout the board. These add texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Slice the apple or pear into thin wedges just before serving to prevent browning. Arrange the fresh fruit, such as grape clusters and apple or pear slices, on the board to add vibrant color and fresh, juicy notes.
- Spoon the fig jam or fruit preserves into a small serving bowl and place it on the board, along with a small spoon. If using, drizzle the honey into another small bowl or directly onto a piece of hard cheese, offering a honey dipper. Arrange the thinly sliced baguette or assorted crackers around the edges of the board or in a separate basket nearby, ensuring there are plenty for everyone.
- Tuck a few fresh rosemary sprigs into various spots on the board. The herbaceous aroma and greenery will elevate the presentation. Present your beautiful cheese and charcuterie board to your guests with small cheese knives and serving utensils, allowing everyone to easily select their desired items.
Notes
Allow cheeses to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Board
- Mediterranean Twist: Include marinated artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and a bowl of olive oil dip.
- All American Board: Feature sharp cheddar, pepper jack, pretzels, grainy mustard, and pickled vegetables.
- Sweet Endings Board: Focus on blue cheese, dark chocolate, strawberries, and honeycomb for a dessert style presentation.
My Pro Tips for a Stunning Charcuterie Board
- Temperature is Key: Always let cheeses sit out for at least 30 minutes to unlock their full aroma and flavor.
- Create Visual Balance: Group items intentionally, but scatter a few nuts or fruits throughout to create a cohesive look.
- Vary Your Textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, chewy, and crisp elements in every section for interest. This principle also applies to sides like potato salad.
- Prep Savvily: Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, and have all components ready before you start assembling.
How to Store Your Leftover Cheese and Charcuterie Board
- Store: Separate components into airtight containers; cheeses and meats will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: It’s best not to freeze assembled items, as textures will change. Cheeses and meats can be frozen separately for up to 2 months if tightly wrapped.
- Reheat: No reheating is needed. Simply bring cheeses back to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving again.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can portion cheeses, wash fruits, and fill small bowls with olives and jams a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then assemble just before your guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can you make a charcuterie board?
You can prepare all the components 24 hours in advance. Keep cheeses, meats, and prepared fruits separately covered in the refrigerator. I recommend assembling the entire board no more than 1-2 hours before serving to ensure everything looks and tastes its freshest.
What are 3 good cheeses for a charcuterie board?
Three excellent choices are a soft cheese like Brie for creaminess, a semi hard cheese like aged Gouda for nutty flavor, and a hard cheese like Parmesan for a salty crunch. This variety ensures there’s a texture and flavor for every preference.
What is the 3-3-3-3 rule for charcuterie boards?
This is a helpful guideline for beginners: choose 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starchy items (like crackers and bread), and 3 accompaniments (like fruit, nuts, and olives). It simplifies shopping and creates a well balanced board, much like balancing flavors in a dish like sweet potato casserole.
Do you put cheese knives on a charcuterie board?
Yes, it’s a good practice to provide a separate knife for each type of cheese, especially for softer varieties. This prevents flavors from mingling and makes it easier for guests to serve themselves. Place them near the corresponding cheeses for intuitive use.
More Entertaining Appetizers You’ll Love
Make This Easy Cheese and Charcuterie Board Tonight
With its stunning presentation and customizable nature, this Cheese and Charcuterie Board is guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable gathering centered around great food and conversation. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
