How to Host a Cheese Tasting

Hosting a cheese tasting party is an ideal way to bring a group of food-loving friends together to learn about and experiment with the textures and flavors of different cheeses. With a few simple steps, anyone can host a cheese tasting in their own home.

Things You'll Need

• 5 varieties of cheese
• Serving trays
• Cheese plates
• Serving utensils
• Note cards
• Pens or pencils

Instructions

1. Invite 6 to 8 guests. Too many people will make it difficult to discuss the qualities of each cheese.

2. Visit a local cheese shop or the cheese counter at the grocery store. Most high-end and specialty stores will have a knowledgeable staff member working the cheese counter who will be happy to assist in choosing the appropriate selections for a tasting.

3. Purchase 5 cheeses for guests to sample. Choose cheeses with different textures and strengths of flavor. If unfamiliar with the categories of cheese to select, choose a chèvre (a soft goat’s milk cheese), a brie, a blue cheese, a washed rind cheese and a hard cheese. Purchase 4 to 6 oz. of cheese per guest (20 to 30 oz. total.)

4. Serve each cheese on a serving tray with the proper serving utensils and cheese plates for each guest or prepare a personal cheese plate for each guest with a sampling of each cheese variety.

5. Encourage guests to sample the cheeses in a specific order. Move from soft to hard, or from mild to strong in flavor. Be prepared to share facts about each cheese to encourage discussion.

6. Prepare a note card for each guest listing the types of cheeses to be sampled along with room for the guest to make notes about the cheese. Provide each guest with a pen or pencil and encourage them to take notes about each cheese.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider serving crackers, fresh bread or sliced apples and pears to accompany the cheeses.

• Pick one or two wines or beers to serve with the cheeses.

• Learn several facts about each cheese to share with guests and encourage discussion.