Cheese will always be the most crowd-pleasing appetizer. Regardless of how much effort went into the other hors d'oeuvres, the brie will always the first to go at the party. So give the people what they want!
You don't need to put a ton of thought into what kind you should get. Most likely any type of wheel or block you put out will get eaten. And skillfully arranging your selection to look like something from Pinterest is clearly going above and beyond. But is there anything quite as beautiful as a big butcher block or marble slab (our new preference) filled with charcuterie and cheese? We don't think so.
Do it the right whey (wink) and make a spread that has a little bit of everything for everyone. Our basic formula for cheese variety is broken down into four categories: Creamy, Stinky, Hard and Sharp. Below are some Delish favorites:
●Camembert Le Chatelain (Creamy): We love brie as much as the next person, but it's not the only buttery cheese with a bloomy rind. Camembert has a slightly stronger flavor.
●Cyrpress Grove Chevre Humboldt Fog (Stinky): Hate blue cheese? Don't panic. This isn't one. The thin blue line that runs through the center is "edible vegetable ash." Connoisseurs might argue Humboldt Fog shouldn't be called "stinky", but we think this goat cheese has a subtle tang that brings just the right amount of funk to the board.
●Grana Padano (Hard): This one is a lot like Parmigiano Reggiano—both in taste and texture. We like it slightly better though, mainly because it's just as delicious as the Parmesan but less expensive.
●Extra-Sharp Cheddar (Sharp): You need at least one safe choice on your cheeseboard. Everybody loves cheddar. Cut them into cute little cubes.
Pairings are important too! Here are some of our go-to sweet and salty accompaniments:
●Fresh Fruit: Grapes, strawberries and mandarins bring bright flavor to balance all the rich flavors
●Dry Fruit: Dried cranberries complement the earthy flavors.
●Nuts: Add a crunchy contrast to soft cheeses. Walnuts are our go-to, but Marcona almonds are worth a splurge if you can find them.
●Prosciutto: A cheese plate would feel incomplete without the salty meat. Roll the silky slices into flowers for that extra wow factor.
●Salami: You can't go wrong with cured sausage.
●Honey: This one is our favorite. Try drizzling honey on the Grana Padano or Camembert or even the Fog, and add a prosciutto rose while you're at it. BOOM!
●Olives: If the salty bites aren't on your board, someone will miss them.
●Grilled toasts: A fresh baguette works too, but we love the slightly smoky char on these slices with any cheese.
●Cranberry crisps: The real-deal Raincoast Crisps are a little pricey, but you'll understand why people freak out over them once you try them. Trader Joe's also has their own version which is pretty legit.
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