A cheese platter is more than just a platter of nibbles; it’s an opportunity to come together, enjoy, and create memories. You want to treat your guests to a carefully curated selection of cheese that not only tantalizes their taste buds, but also perfectly complements the other delicacies. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of cheese that are ideal for your cheese platter. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for inspiration for your next gathering, we’ll help you make the right choices so you can create an unforgettable atmosphere for you and your guests. Let’s discover together which cheeses can take your cheese platter to the next level!
Popular Cheeses for the Snack Platter
A well-composed snack platter cannot do without a variety of cheeses. Below we discuss some of the most popular cheeses that are not only a feast for the eyes, but also a feast for the taste buds.
Hard Cheeses
Old Cheese
Old cheese, with its rich and intense flavour, is an excellent choice for a snack platter. This cheese often has a grainy texture and has been matured for at least 10 months. A popular option is the Crown Old Cheese, which is known for its powerful flavor with hints of caramel and nutty undertones.
Benefits of Old Cheese:
- Rich, complex flavors
- Good combination with nuts and dried fruit
- Ideal to combine with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon
Parmesan
Parmesan is another favorite, especially when cubed or shaving. This Italian cheese has a nutty, salty flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of appetizers. The Grana Padano is an excellent choice with a mild, creamy flavor that is versatile in pairing.
Benefits of Parmesan:
- Can be served as a snack on its own or in dishes
- Ideal for combination with olives and artichokes
- Pairs well with a fresh white wine such as a Pinot Grigio
Creamy Cheeses
Brie
Brie is a classic creamy cheese that enhances any snack platter. With its soft, creamy texture and mild, buttery flavour, Brie is a Brie de Meaux a popular choice. This cheese can be served cold or slightly warmed, which further enhances the aromas.
Benefits of Brie:
- Easy to combine with different types of fruit, such as strawberries and grapes
- Enhances the flavors of a light rosé or sparkling wine
- Tastes delicious with a little honey or fig jam
Camembert
Camembert is similar to Brie, but has a slightly stronger aroma and a more pronounced taste. The Camembert de Normandie is a must, with its creamy heart and earthy notes. This cheese can also be baked for a warm, creamy treat.
Benefits of Camembert:
- Ideal to combine with crispy baguette or crackers
- Wonderful addition to a selection of charcuterie
- Pairs well with a fruity white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc
Combinations and Pairing
Pairing different cheeses on your cheese platter can enrich the dining experience. Here is a look at some powerful combinations:
| Type of cheese | Recommended Pairing | Wine suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Old Cheese | Nuts, dried fruit | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Parmesan | Olives, artichokes | Pinot Grigio |
| Brie | Strawberries, honey | Rosé or sparkling wine |
| Camembert | Baguette, charcuterie | Sauvignon Blanc |
By combining the different flavors and textures of these popular cheeses, you can create an inviting and flavorful snack platter that will surprise and delight your guests.
Blue Cheese: A Strong Flavor Enhancer
Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton, are famous for their intense flavours and characteristic aromas. These cheeses are often made from sheep's, cow's or goat's milk and are characterised by the mould cultures added during the maturation process. The complexity of these cheeses can really take a snack platter to the next level.
How to Pair Blue Cheese
Blue cheeses pair well with several ingredients that can complement the flavor:
- Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are a great choice. They provide a crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavor that balances the tanginess of the blue cheese.
- Fruit: Sweet fruits like figs, pears or grapes are a great complement. Try blue cheese with fresh figs or a slice of pear.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey over the cheese can soften the strong flavors and provide a pleasant sweetness.
Practical Examples
- Roquefort: This French cheese is rich and creamy with a salty aftertaste. Serve it with grilled peaches and a handful of walnuts.
- Gorgonzola Dolce: This Italian variant is milder and creamier. It goes perfectly with a nut mix and a spoonful of honey.
Goat Cheese: A Fresh Alternative
Goat cheese is another excellent choice for a snack platter. With its fresh and slightly spicy flavor, goat cheese adds a unique twist to any combination. Varieties such as Chèvre and Crottin are particularly popular and can be enjoyed both fresh and matured.
Goat Cheese Combinations
Goat cheese can be combined in different ways:
- Nuts: Almonds or hazelnuts go well with the creamy texture of goat cheese.
- Fruit: Try it with dried apricots or fresh raspberries for a fresh, tangy balance.
- Herbs: Goat cheese with a little fresh rosemary or thyme can add a wonderful flavor dimension.
Practical Examples
- Chèvre: This soft, fresh goat cheese is perfect on toast. Try it with dried figs and a little balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Crottin de Chavignol: This French goat cheese is ideal to combine with a fresh salad and roasted nuts.
Table of Combinations
| Cheese | Recommended Nuts | Recommended Fruit | Recommended Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roquefort | Walnuts | Figs | Honey |
| Gorgonzola Dolce | Pecans | Pear | Honey |
| Chèvre | Almonds | Apricots | Balsamic glaze |
| Crottin de Chavignol | Hazelnuts | Raspberries | Fresh herbs |
By playing with these special cheeses and their combinations, you can create a snack platter that is not only visually appealing, but also offers a range of flavors that will surely surprise your guests. Try different combinations and discover which flavors go best together.
Regional and Artisanal Cheeses for your Snack Platter
When composing a snack platter, the choice of cheeses is of great importance. Regional and artisanal cheeses not only offer a rich taste, but also a piece of culture and tradition. In this section, we discuss some excellent examples of cheeses from the Netherlands and other countries, as well as the benefits of choosing local products.
Examples of Regional Cheeses
Limburg Sour Meat Cheese
The Limburg sour meat cheese is an excellent choice for your snack platter. This cheese has a unique taste that comes from the use of sour meat, a typical Limburg dish. Brands such as South Limburg Cheese offer this cheese, often with a rich, spicy flavor that goes perfectly with a slice of sourdough bread.
Italian Pecorino
Pecorino is a traditional Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. This cheese comes in different varieties, such as Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Sardo. Pecorino Romano has a stronger, saltier flavor and is ideal for grating over pasta, while Pecorino Sardo a milder and creamier experience. Both cheeses can serve as flavourings on your snack platter.
Benefits of Local Cheeses
Choosing local and artisanal cheeses has several advantages:
- Freshness: Local cheeses are often fresher than imported varieties because they require less transportation time.
- Uniqueness: Local cheeses reflect the culture and tradition of the region, contributing to an authentic drinking experience.
- Sustainability: By choosing local products, you support the local economy and reduce the ecological footprint associated with transportation.
- Flavor variety: Regional cheeses offer a wide range of flavors and textures, making your cheese platter more interesting.
| Cheeses | Origin | Flavor Profile | Ideal Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limburg sour meat cheese | The Netherlands | Spicy, hearty | Sourdough bread, pickles |
| Pecorino Romano | Italy | Soft, salty | Pasta dishes, fig jam |
| Farmhouse cheese | The Netherlands | Full, creamy | Nuts, fruit |
| Manchego | Spain | Nutty, spicy | Olives, chorizo |
Practical Tips for Choosing Cheeses
When choosing cheeses for your cheese platter, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Variation in Texture: Provide a mix of hard, soft, and creamy cheeses to create an interesting experience. For example, combine the Limburg sour meat cheese with a soft Brie or a spicy Chèvre.
- Taste balance: Choose cheeses that have both mild and strong flavors. This will create a nice balance and prevent the flavors from overwhelming each other.
- Presentation: Think about presentation too. Cut the cheeses into different shapes and sizes and add garnishes such as nuts, dried fruit or chutney for extra colour and appeal.
By choosing regional and artisanal cheeses, you not only create a tasty snack platter, but you also support local producers and contribute to the sustainability of your food choices.
Conclusion: The perfect combination for a successful drinks platter
In conclusion, it is important to choose a diverse selection of cheeses when putting together your snack platter. By using a combination of popular, special and regional cheeses, you not only create an attractive presentation, but you also offer your guests an unforgettable taste experience. Don't forget to pay attention to the matching garnishes and drinks, so that your snack platter is taken care of down to the last detail. Enjoy putting together and sharing these culinary delights!
