How to Make a Gorgeous Cheese Plate Recipe

ByLuna Ryder
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Introduction

A well-curated cheese plate is a delightful way to entertain or enjoy a sophisticated snack. Combining a variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruits creates a beautiful and flavorful spread that’s both simple to assemble and impressively delicious.

A large round wooden board holds a colorful charcuterie platter arranged in a balanced way. At the top left, thin slices of red cured meats lay folded next to beige breadsticks. Below, bright orange cheddar cheese cubes and a small bowl of shiny green olives create vibrant color spots. In the middle, a gray plate holds a round white cheese with a wedge cut out, surrounded by small purple grapes and cut open fresh figs revealing deep red centers. On the right side, there are several types of nuts scattered beside dried apricots and light green grapes. A piece of pale blue-veined cheese and slices of brown seeded crackers stack nearby. Long beige breadsticks cross over the crackers. The background is a white marbled surface, with drinking glasses and other small plates visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • Sharp Cheddar, broken into pieces
  • Wedge of Blue Cheese
  • Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam Triple Cream
  • Cypress Grove Creamery Humboldt Fog
  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Marcona Almonds
  • Roasted Pistachios
  • Fresh Figs
  • Grapes
  • Candied Walnuts
  • Castelvetrano Olives
  • Breadsticks
  • Rainforest Crisp Crackers and a few other varieties of crackers

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Select a large board or platter to provide ample space for arranging your ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Arrange each cheese in its own section, breaking the cheddar into bite-sized pieces to encourage easy sampling.
  3. Step 3: Add the cured meats, folding or rolling the prosciutto and salami for visual appeal and easy picking.
  4. Step 4: Place small piles of nuts like Marcona almonds and roasted pistachios around the cheeses and meats.
  5. Step 5: Intermingle fresh fruits such as figs and grapes to add freshness and color.
  6. Step 6: Include candied walnuts and olives to introduce sweet and savory contrasts.
  7. Step 7: Finish by adding breadsticks and a selection of crackers to the plate for texture and a vehicle for enjoying the toppings.
  8. Step 8: Keep the arrangement somewhat casual and clustered to create an inviting, “organized chaos” aesthetic that’s perfect for sharing and photographing.

Tips & Variations

  • Choose cheeses with varied textures and flavors, from creamy to crumbly and mild to bold, to keep the palate engaged.
  • Swap out fresh figs for dried apricots or dates depending on the season and availability.
  • Incorporate honey or fruit preserves as an additional sweet element that pairs exceptionally well with blue cheese and sharp cheddar.
  • Use artisanal crackers or homemade breadsticks to elevate the overall presentation and taste.
  • Keep all elements at room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Storage

Cheese plates are best enjoyed fresh but you can store leftover cheeses separately, wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Meats and nuts should also be refrigerated in airtight containers. Fresh fruits are best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat breadsticks or crackers, warm them briefly in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A large round wooden board filled with many layers of food arranged neatly: one layer of thin breadsticks crossing the board diagonally; on one side, orange cheese cubes, beside a pile of folded reddish cured meat, with scattered white almonds underneath; near the center, a bowl of shiny green olives; next to it, a block of soft white-rinded cheese and another blue-veined cheese, each topped with sliced green figs showing purple interiors; clusters of dark purple grapes surround a round white cheese wheel with a wedge cut out; dried apricots and brown glazed nuts fill spaces between the cheeses; several stacks of flat crackers, some plain off-white and others dark brown with seeds, lie along the edge; small green and purple fresh figs are placed for decoration; the whole board sits on a white marbled surface with a few glasses of water and wine nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare a cheese plate ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the plate just before serving to keep the fruits fresh and maintain the best textures.

What wines pair well with a cheese plate?

Wine pairing depends on your cheeses and accompaniments. Generally, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc complements soft cheeses, while a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with sharp cheddars and cured meats. Sparkling wines also make a versatile choice.

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How to Make a Gorgeous Cheese Plate Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 people as an appetizer
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Description

A cheese plate is an elegant and versatile appetizer featuring an assortment of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits, and crackers artfully arranged on a platter. This recipe guides you through assembling a visually appealing and delicious cheese board perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Cheeses

  • Sharp Cheddar, broken into pieces
  • Wedge of Blue Cheese
  • Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam Triple Cream
  • Cypress Grove Creamery Humboldt Fog

Meats

  • Salami
  • Prosciutto

Nuts and Olives

  • Marcona Almonds
  • Roasted Pistachios
  • Candied Walnuts
  • Castelvetrano Olives

Fruits

  • Fresh Figs
  • Grapes

Crackers and Bread

  • Breadsticks
  • Rainforest Crisp Crackers and a few other varieties of crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese: Break the sharp cheddar into bite-sized pieces and place wedges of blue cheese, Mt Tam Triple Cream, and Humboldt Fog on the platter.
  2. Add Meats: Neatly arrange slices of salami and prosciutto around the cheeses in small piles.
  3. Arrange Nuts and Olives: Place Marcona almonds, roasted pistachios, candied walnuts, and Castelvetrano olives in small bowls or piles evenly across the board.
  4. Add Fruits: Scatter fresh figs and grapes throughout the platter to add color, freshness, and sweetness.
  5. Include Crackers and Breadsticks: Arrange breadsticks and a variety of crackers, including Rainforest Crisp crackers, around the cheese and accompaniments for easy pairing.
  6. Final Presentation: Keep all components in organized chaotic piles to create a visually stunning, abundant, and instagram-worthy cheese plate ready for serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition will vary based on the types and amounts of cheese, meats, nuts, fruits, and crackers served as well as the number of guests.
  • Feel free to customize the cheese plate with your favorite cheeses and accompaniments.
  • Use a large wooden board or platter for the best presentation.
  • Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture of the cheeses.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheese plate, cheese platter, appetizer, party snack, charcuterie, cheese board, entertaining

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