With the holidays just around the corner, it’s a challenge to create the right atmosphere for your Christmas party. You want to spoil your guests with a snack platter that is both visually appealing and tasteful. An essential part of that is the cheeses. In this blog post, we’ll help you choose the best cheeses for your Christmas party platter, so you can surprise your friends and family and offer them an unforgettable experience during this special time of year. Let’s discover together which cheeses perfectly complement the festive ambiance.
Types of cheeses for a Christmas drinks platter
A well-composed Christmas platter is not complete without a selection of delicious cheeses. The diversity of cheeses not only offers a variety of flavors and textures, but also a visually appealing presentation. Below we discuss the different types of cheeses that are perfect for a Christmas platter.
Hard cheeses
Hard cheeses are robust in taste and often have a strong, nutty or spicy undertone. They are ideal for dicing or slicing and can be combined perfectly with nuts and dried fruit.
Examples of hard cheeses:
- Parmesan (e.g. Parmigiano Reggiano): This Italian cheese is rich in umami and has a crumbly texture. Perfect for shaving over salads or serving with a nice glass of red wine.
- Gouda cheese (for example, Mature Gouda): This cheese has a mild flavour and is easy to combine with both sweet and savoury side dishes.
Soft cheeses
Soft cheeses are creamy and deliciously spreadable. They add a luxurious feel to the snack platter and are often a favorite among cheese lovers.
Examples of soft cheeses:
- Brie (e.g. Brie de Meaux): This French cheese has a light crust and a creamy interior. It is ideal to serve with crusty baguette and a spoonful of fig jam.
- Camembert: Similar to Brie, but with a slightly stronger flavour. Grilled Camembert is a delicious addition to the snack platter, especially in the winter months.
Blue cheeses
Blue cheeses are intensely flavoured and add a bold note to the snack platter. Their unique aromas can create a true explosion of flavours when combined with sweet or savoury additions.
Examples of blue cheeses:
- Roquefort: This French cheese is made from sheep's milk and has a strong, spicy flavour. It is delicious in combination with pear or dried figs.
- Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese that is milder than Roquefort but still has a strong flavor. It pairs well with nuts and honey.
Goat Cheeses
Goat cheeses tend to be lighter and fresher in taste than other cheeses, with a distinctive creamy texture. They are a great choice for those looking for something different.
Examples of goat cheeses:
- Chèvre: This soft goat cheese is perfect for a snack platter. Serve it with a little honey and walnuts for a delicious combination.
- Goat cheese with herbs: Variations such as goat cheese with thyme or rosemary add an extra dimension of flavour and are delicious on a piece of crostini.
Combinations and Presentation
When putting together your Christmas party platter, it is important to combine different types of cheeses for an optimal experience. Here are some tips for a successful presentation:
- Color and texture: Provide a mix of colors and textures. A combination of hard, soft, blue mold and goat cheeses makes for an attractive and flavorful board.
- Additional ingredients: Add nuts, olives, dried fruit and different types of bread to balance the flavors.
Below you will find a clear table with some important characteristics of the cheeses mentioned:
| Type of cheese | Example | Flavor Profile | Recommended combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano | Intense, nutty | Red wine, dried fruit |
| Soft cheese | Brie | Creamy, mild | Baguette, fig jam |
| Blue cheese | Roquefort | Spicy, powerful | Pear, dried figs |
| Goat Cheese | Chèvre | Fresh, light | Honey, walnuts |
By combining different types of cheese with complementary ingredients, you can create an unforgettable Christmas drinks platter that your guests will certainly enjoy.
Regional cheeses: a tasty choice
During the holidays, creating a Christmas platter is a special opportunity to treat your guests to delicious flavors. Regional cheeses are an excellent choice, not only because of their unique flavors, but also because they support the local economy. In this article, we explore some popular regional cheeses such as Gouda, Edam, and Leyden, discussing their unique characteristics and the benefits of choosing local products.
Gouda: the classic favourite
Gouda is perhaps the most famous Dutch cheese and originates from the city of Gouda. This cheese comes in different varieties, from young to old, and has a creamy texture with a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Types of Gouda:
- Young Gouda: Light in taste, creamy and mild. Perfect for on the snack board.
- Old Gouda: More intense flavour and hard texture. Ideal for cheese lovers.
- Aged Gouda: Has a complex, caramel-like flavour due to long maturation.
Recommended brands:
- Cheese farm De Ruyter: Offers an artisanal young Gouda with a fresh taste.
- Old Amsterdam: Known for its old Gouda with a rich, full flavour.
Edam: the versatile choice
Edam is another popular Dutch cheese, recognizable by its round shape and red wax layer. This cheese has a mild flavor that goes well with various side dishes.
- Flavor profile: Mild and slightly salty, with a firm texture.
- Ideal combinations: Goes well with fruits, nuts and various types of bread.
Recommended brands:
- FrieslandCampina: Offers an authentic Edam that is ideal for the drinks platter.
- Farmhouse cheese Edam: An organic variant that adds an extra dimension to your cheese board.
Leyden: the tough choice
Leyden is a cheese that originates from the Leiden region and is known for its spicy taste, often due to the addition of cumin seeds. This cheese is a real flavour enhancer on your snack board.
- Flavor profile: Savory, with a spicy note of cumin.
- Ideal combinations: Delicious with rye bread, pickles and a good glass of red wine.
Recommended brands:
- Cheese farm De Lande: Offers an authentic Leyden with a strong cumin flavour.
- Leyden cheese from the Cheese Shop: A local favorite with excellent quality.
The benefits of local products
Choosing regional cheeses during the holidays offers several advantages:
- Freshness: Local cheeses are often fresher than imported varieties, which leads to a better taste experience.
- Sustainability: By buying local products you support local farmers and reduce your ecological footprint through less transport.
- Cultural connection: Tasting regional cheeses connects you with local traditions and culinary history.
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Recommended brand | Ideal combinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gouda | Creamy, nutty | Cheese farm De Ruyter | Nuts, figs |
| Edam | Mild, slightly salty | FrieslandCampina | Fruit, different types of bread |
| Leyden | Spicy, spicy | Cheese farm De Lande | Rye bread, pickles |
By choosing regional cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and Leyden, you not only create a tasty snack platter, but you also contribute to supporting local producers. It is a festive way to celebrate the flavours of the Netherlands during the Christmas period.
Cheese combinations and matching treats
Cheese is a versatile product that comes in many different forms and flavors. Combining different cheeses can result in a delicious taste experience. In this section, we will discuss some tips for combining cheeses and selecting matching treats such as nuts, dried fruit, honey, and crackers.
Combining Cheeses
When putting together a cheese platter, it is important to create a balanced combination of flavors, textures and aromas. Here are some popular cheese combinations that go well together:
- Brie and Blue Cheese: The creamy texture of brie is a perfect match for the bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese. Try this Rochefort and Brie de Meaux for a refined combination.
- Cheddar and Gouda: The sharp, rich flavor of cheddar (like Mature Cheddar by Montgomery) can contrast nicely with the sweet, nutty notes of aged Gouda (such as Matured Gouda Cheese from Friesland Campina).
- Goat Cheese and Feta: For a fresh and slightly sour experience you can Crottin de Chavignol combine goat cheese with Feta from DodoniBoth cheeses have a spicy flavor that goes well with vegetables and bread.
Tips for the Perfect Combination
- Variation in Textures: Make sure to choose cheeses with different textures. For example, combine a soft cheese like Camembert with a hard cheese such as Parmesan.
- Balance of Flavors: Try to find a balance between mild and strong flavors. A mild cheese like Mascarpone can go well with a distinctive cheese such as Stilton.
Matching Treats
In addition to cheese, there are several delicacies that can enrich the taste experience. Here are some suggestions:
Nuts
Nuts add a delicious crunch and extra flavor to your cheese platter. Here are some nuts that go well with cheese:
- Walnuts: The earthy, bitter taste of walnuts (for example Bios Walnuts) goes well with soft cheeses such as brie or camembert.
- Almonds: Roasted almonds (such as Blue Diamond Almonds) are perfect with sharp cheeses such as cheddar.
- Pistachios: These nuts (for example Wonderful Pistachios) have a slightly sweet taste that goes well with goat cheese.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit offers a sweet counterpoint to salty cheeses. Consider these options:
- Dried Figs: The sweetness of dried figs (such as Sun-Maid Dried Figs) goes well with blue cheese.
- Dried Apricots: This fruity delicacy (for example Tropicana Dried Apricots) goes well with soft cheeses such as ricotta.
Honey and Jam
Honey and jam can beautifully accentuate the flavors of cheeses. Here are some recommendations:
- Acacia honey: This mild honey (like Dutch Gold Honey) is ideal with soft cheeses such as goat's cheese.
- Fruit jam: Try a fig jam (for example Bonne Maman Fig Jam) next to blue cheese for an irresistible combination.
Crackers
The choice of crackers can enhance the overall experience of your snack platter. Consider the following options:
- Rice cakes: These light and crispy crackers (such as Lundberg Family Farms Rice Cakes) are perfect for serving with cheese and spreads.
- Sea Salt Crackers: The salty taste of crackers (such as Triscuit Original) provides a nice balance with creamy cheeses.
- Whole Wheat Crackers: Healthy options such as Mary's Gone Crackers provide a solid base for cheese and other treats.
Presentation
A beautiful presentation of your snack platter is essential. Use wooden planks or marble platters to arrange the cheeses and treats. Use different heights and colors to create a visually appealing arrangement. Don’t forget to add small plates or spoons for honey and jam so guests can easily enjoy their combinations.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and inviting snack platter that's perfect for any occasion!
Conclusion: The ultimate cheese choice for a festive drinks platter
In this blog post, we’ve discussed some of the key factors in creating the perfect Christmas party platter, with a focus on cheese selection. We’ve highlighted a variety of cheeses, such as creamy brie, bold blue cheese, and tangy aged cheddar, each bringing their own unique character and flavor profiles. It’s important to offer variety so that you can cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of your guests.
Our recommendation is to select a mix of mild, strong and special cheeses, complemented with matching garnishes such as nuts, dried fruit and chutneys. In this way, you will not only create an attractive snack platter, but also provide a tasteful experience that your guests will certainly appreciate. Enjoy your Christmas party and the delicious cheeses you choose!
