Creating a cheeseboard can be as simple as using what you have on hand. Of course, visiting the local cheese shop to splurge on some special cheeses is always fun!
A traditional cheeseboard would include 4-5 different types of cheeses some soft cheese like goat cheese, Gorgonzola cheese, Blue cheese or an herbed spreadable cheese, as well as some hard cheeses like Gruyere, Aged Cheddar (a family favorite), Provolone and the list goes on and on. Paired with the cheese is usually some salty elements like a combination of olives, meats, an assortment of crackers, and pickles, along with some sweet elements like fruit and jams for spreading and making cracker, cheese and meat sandwiches. Sometimes sliced baked bread is served on a cheese platter too. Adding little knifes for your guests to cut the assortment of cheeses you are offering is a good idea, one for each cheese, and a tiny fork to pick up any meats. Matching bowls for pickles, dip, soft cheeses, and nuts are a good idea, so their is a seamless look. I like to create a cheeseboard with some healthy options and add some veggies.
In this platter I have some Provolone, Swiss and white cheddar but the list of cheese options is endless. Use whatever you like to eat! Combining fresh cut veggies like sugar snap peas, carrots, celery or any veggies you have on hand gives your guests some healthy options. Tomatoes on or off the vine are a nice addition and give this platter a pop of color! The harder veggies can be blanched first. Boil for a few minutes, then place in icy cold water and drain.
Everyone love hummus or white bean dip (store bought is fine) both are healthy alternatives to rich, heavy, creamy dips. Also, add all different shapes and textures of crackers like you see here! Some pepperoni or salami slices are great for the meat lovers in the crowd. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh greens like thyme or dill or use bright fruit like grapes, apples slices (squeeze lemon on so they don’t brown), pomegranates cut in half, strawberries, or kiwi. You can even do color themed platters ie; all green veggies and fruits and bright oranges cheeses. Here is an orange, green and red color themed cheeseboard. The combinations are limitless. Have fun with it! There are no rules. Do add a tiny knife for cutting each cheese to make it easy for your guests. Also, it’s nice to have matching bowls for dips, pickles, olives, nuts or whatever you are adding that need a bowl.
Here is another example of a cheeseboard with more meat options in this case: pepperoni, and turkey slices folded artfully. This is my very creamy, and dillish white bean dip served with carrots for dipping. Click on the link for the recipe. https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/white-bean-dip/
Another option for cheese is to use a spreadable cheese with a nice garlic and herb flavor. I also have a fig jam with a combination of salty crackers. This cheeseboard was made by my daughter who wanted a fun, and healthy lunch! What I love about this idea is it keeps you together and talking as you make and share different cracker/cheese/jam/turkey/pepperoni combos! Try it for a fun weekend lunch.
Serving a brunch for a big crowd? I have you covered with this gorgeous and delicious veggie and smoked salmon platter!
This was a fun platter to create. I chose a big white platter for the backdrop for this layout. I bought pre-sliced smoked salmon and then rolled each piece. Lots of salty olives and capers, radishes and salt to dip, and hard boiled eggs with sea salt and chives were included. Cucumber slices along with some sour cream and herbed cheese dip. There is a fabulous dip in my cookbook called Creamy Lemon & Dill dip! It’s a winner!
Tomatoes on the vine were a nice addition, and add that pop of color your guests will appreciate. Fresh herbs rounded out this platter. I like using Thyme leaves especially as they don’t wilt. We had a station for bagel cutting and toasting with a combo of cream cheese spreads available to the kids and adults. My nephew made homemade bagels, I guess the cooking gene runs in the family. This platter was a big hit!
This is a picture that I love from one of my food styling sessions. It’s a photo of my white bean dip with lots of added spices, and tiny bits of lemon all around. Creating a beautiful photo is a passion of mine as is creating and developing recipes. Remember we eat with our eyes too!!