How to Make a Beginners Cheese Platter

Cheese platters are an easy and impressive before dinner appetizer or a party snack. There are as many varieties of cheese platters as there are types of cheeses. For your first cheese platter it is a good idea to start with some of the traditional favorites. As you learn the different types and what goes well with what, you can expand your choices. This one will be a simple four cheese platter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick your cheeses.
   
   If you have access to a specialty cheese store you will more than likely be able to get good advice from your local Cheesemonger (an expert in different cheeses). If you are shopping in a supermarket cheese section your basic cheese plate should represent each of the different milk types:cow, sheep and goat. Try to get one sharp, one mild, one light and one darker. Research the different flavors before you shop. Arrange the cheese on a plate from mildest to strongest. Remember, the cheese with the stinkiest smell is usually the strongest in flavor! Try to have one knife for each cheese.

2. Garnish the cheese platter:
   
   A lovely cheese platter usually has a centerpiece. A nice cluster of grapes is perfect. Different colored olives in little bowls is a nice touch. Also, dried fruits and nuts of various kinds look nice. Just remember that the cheese is the star of the platter so nothing too fancy.

3. Select the Accompaniments:
   
   Serve crackers that are on the bland side to show off the flavor of the cheese.
   Crusty plain bread in thin slices goes well.
   Sliced apples, pears and figs also go well with cheeses.

Tips & Warnings

• Cheese should be set out for at least one half hour before serving. Cheese is best at room temperature.
• Don't forget the small serving plates.

[kittycooks]

on 11/20/2009 Nice idea to have the garnish of grapes or nuts. Thanks for the tips.

[kittycooks]

on 11/20/2009 Nice idea to have the garnish of grapes or nuts. Thanks for the tips.

[riefderrico]

on 11/18/2009 Great tips for those holiday parties!

[wesellforu]

on 11/16/2009 Very easy to make cheese platter. Thanks for sharing this great idea. 5*

[alltrails]

on 11/11/2009 Nice article on how to prepare a beginner's cheese platter. I would love to have this at my holiday gathering! Thanks for the information!