What to Eat With a Cheese Plate: A Comprehensive Guide to Perfect Pairings

A cheese plate is more than just a collection of cheeses; it’s an experience. It’s an invitation to savor diverse flavors, textures, and aromas. But cheese alone does not a great plate make. The accompaniments you choose are just as crucial, elevating the cheeses and creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. This guide explores the vast world of cheese plate pairings, providing you with the knowledge to craft a truly unforgettable culinary journey.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Accompaniments

Choosing the right accompaniments for your cheese plate is essential for several reasons. First, they provide contrast and balance. Creamy cheeses benefit from acidic or crunchy elements, while sharp cheeses are mellowed by sweet or fatty additions. Second, accompaniments complement the cheese’s flavors, enhancing its nuances and bringing out subtle notes you might otherwise miss. Finally, a well-curated selection of accompaniments adds visual appeal and textural diversity, making your cheese plate a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Bread and Crackers: The Foundation of Any Cheese Plate

Bread and crackers are the quintessential cheese plate base. They provide a neutral canvas upon which the cheese can shine, while also offering varying textures to contrast with the cheese’s creaminess or firmness.

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you choose will significantly impact the overall experience. Opt for a variety of options to cater to different preferences and cheese profiles.

Baguettes: A classic choice, baguettes offer a crisp crust and a soft interior, perfect for slicing and piling high with cheese. Their subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the cheese.
Sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough provides a delightful contrast to rich, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Whole Wheat Bread: Its nutty flavor and hearty texture pair well with sharper cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere.
Fruit and Nut Bread: This sweeter option complements blue cheeses and aged cheddars beautifully.

The Crackers That Complement

Crackers offer a different texture than bread, providing a satisfying crunch that can be particularly enjoyable with softer cheeses.

Water Crackers: These are the simplest and most neutral option, allowing the cheese’s flavor to take center stage.
Multigrain Crackers: These offer a more complex flavor and added texture, pairing well with a variety of cheeses.
Fig and Olive Crackers: These crackers offer a sweet and savory element that complements both hard and soft cheeses.
Gluten-Free Options: Ensure you have gluten-free crackers or bread available for guests with dietary restrictions.

Fruits: Adding Sweetness and Acidity

Fruits bring a refreshing sweetness and acidity to the cheese plate, cutting through richness and cleansing the palate. Fresh, dried, and preserved fruits all have their place.

Fresh Fruit Selections

The seasonality of fresh fruit adds a delightful touch to your cheese plate.

Apples and Pears: Their crisp texture and mild sweetness pair well with cheddar, Gruyere, and Brie.
Grapes: A classic choice, grapes provide a burst of sweetness that complements almost any cheese.
Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a vibrant color and a tartness that balances rich cheeses.
Figs: Their unique flavor and texture make them a sophisticated pairing for blue cheeses and goat cheese.

Dried and Preserved Fruits

Dried and preserved fruits offer a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that can enhance the cheese experience.

Dried Apricots: Their tangy-sweet flavor complements blue cheeses and aged cheddars.
Dried Figs: Similar to fresh figs, dried figs pair well with blue cheeses and goat cheese, offering a richer, more intense flavor.
Candied Ginger: The spicy-sweet flavor of candied ginger adds a unique twist to your cheese plate, pairing well with creamy cheeses.
Fruit Preserves and Jams: Fig jam, quince paste, and apple butter are excellent choices for adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Nuts: Adding Texture and Earthiness

Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and an earthy flavor that complements the richness of cheese. Choose a variety of nuts to offer different textures and flavor profiles.

Nutty Choices for Your Cheese Board

Consider the following nuts for your cheese board:

Walnuts: Their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with blue cheeses and aged cheddars.
Almonds: Their mild, slightly sweet flavor complements a variety of cheeses, including Brie and goat cheese.
Pecans: Their buttery flavor and crunchy texture make them a delicious pairing for creamy cheeses and blue cheeses.
Pistachios: Their vibrant green color and slightly sweet flavor add visual appeal and complement goat cheese and feta.
Marcona Almonds: These Spanish almonds are blanched and fried in olive oil, resulting in a crispy, savory snack that pairs well with Manchego and other Spanish cheeses.

Preparing Nuts for Optimal Flavor

To enhance the flavor of your nuts, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan or in the oven. This brings out their natural oils and aromas. You can also season them with a touch of salt or spices.

Meats: Adding Savory Depth

Cured meats add a savory depth to your cheese plate, providing a salty and flavorful contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Cured Meat Selections

Consider these cured meats for your cheese plate:

Prosciutto: Its delicate, slightly salty flavor pairs well with melon, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Salami: Its robust flavor and slightly spicy kick complement cheddar, Gruyere, and provolone.
Sopressata: A dry-cured salami with a coarser texture and a bolder flavor, pairing well with pecorino and other hard cheeses.
Chorizo: Its spicy, smoky flavor adds a kick to your cheese plate, pairing well with Manchego and other Spanish cheeses.

Serving Suggestions for Meats

Arrange the meats artfully on the cheese plate, either sliced thinly or rolled into bite-sized portions.

Vegetables: Adding Freshness and Crunch

Vegetables can add a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to your cheese plate. Pickled vegetables offer a tangy counterpoint to rich cheeses, while fresh vegetables provide a crisp, clean element.

Pickled Vegetable Options

Cornichons: These tiny pickles are a classic accompaniment to cheese, offering a tart and crunchy counterpoint to rich cheeses.
Pickled Onions: Their sweet and tangy flavor complements a variety of cheeses, especially cheddar and Gruyere.
Pickled Asparagus: A sophisticated addition, pickled asparagus pairs well with goat cheese and Brie.
Giardiniera: This Italian mix of pickled vegetables adds a spicy kick to your cheese plate, pairing well with provolone and other Italian cheeses.

Fresh Vegetable Choices

Cucumber: Its refreshing flavor and crunchy texture cleanse the palate between bites of cheese.
Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and color to your cheese plate.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweet and tangy flavor complements a variety of cheeses.
Radishes: Their peppery flavor adds a refreshing bite to your cheese plate, pairing well with goat cheese and Brie.

Other Condiments: Finishing Touches

A few well-chosen condiments can elevate your cheese plate from good to great. Honey, mustard, and olive oil are all excellent options.

Sweet Condiments

Honey: Its natural sweetness complements a variety of cheeses, especially blue cheeses and goat cheese. Drizzle honey over the cheese or serve it in a small bowl for dipping.
Maple Syrup: A richer, more complex sweetener that pairs well with aged cheddars and smoked cheeses.

Savory Condiments

Mustard: Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and honey mustard all add a tangy kick to your cheese plate. Pair them with cheddar, Gruyere, and other hard cheeses.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavor of many cheeses, especially goat cheese and feta.

Spreads and Dips

Pesto: Its herbaceous flavor and creamy texture complements mozzarella, burrata, and other fresh cheeses.
Hummus: The creamy texture of hummus and its nutty flavor pairs well with feta, halloumi, and other salty cheeses.

Building Your Perfect Cheese Plate

Now that you have a better understanding of the various accompaniments available, you can start building your perfect cheese plate.

Start with the Cheese: Choose 3-5 cheeses with varying textures and flavors. Consider a soft cheese (Brie), a semi-hard cheese (cheddar), a hard cheese (Parmesan), and a blue cheese (Gorgonzola).
Add the Base: Select a variety of bread and crackers to complement the cheeses.
Incorporate Sweetness: Include fresh, dried, or preserved fruits to add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Introduce Texture: Add nuts for crunch and earthiness.
Consider Savory Elements: Include cured meats and pickled vegetables to add depth and complexity.
Finish with Condiments: Offer honey, mustard, and olive oil to enhance the flavors of the cheeses.
Arrange Artfully: Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments on a platter or board in an appealing way. Consider color, texture, and shape when arranging the elements.

Tips for a Successful Cheese Plate

Serve Cheese at Room Temperature: Allow the cheese to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow its flavors to fully develop.
Provide Separate Knives: Offer separate knives for each cheese to prevent flavors from mixing.
Label the Cheeses: Label each cheese so that guests know what they are trying.
Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests may have and provide appropriate options.
Don’t Overcrowd the Plate: Leave some space between the cheeses and accompaniments to prevent the plate from looking cluttered.
Enjoy the Process: Building a cheese plate should be a fun and creative experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings and find what you enjoy most.

By following these guidelines, you can create a cheese plate that is not only delicious but also visually appealing and memorable. Remember, the key is to experiment with different pairings and find what you and your guests enjoy most. Bon appétit!

What are the best fruits to pair with a cheese plate?

Fruits offer a delightful contrast to the richness and savoriness of cheese. Opt for fruits with varying sweetness and acidity to complement a diverse cheese selection. Some excellent choices include grapes (both red and green), apples (such as Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness), pears (Bosc and Anjou are good options), and figs (fresh or dried). Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries also add a vibrant pop of flavor and color.

For a more exotic touch, consider adding slices of melon, such as cantaloupe or honeydew. Dried fruits like apricots, dates, and cranberries provide a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with aged cheeses. Remember to wash and prepare the fruits for easy enjoyment, and consider offering a variety to suit different palates.

What types of bread and crackers work best with cheese?

The ideal bread and cracker selection offers a neutral base that complements, not overwhelms, the flavor of the cheese. Opt for a mix of textures and flavors to cater to different cheese profiles. Baguettes, sliced artisan breads, and rustic loaves provide a sturdy foundation for soft and creamy cheeses, while their crusty exterior adds a textural element.

For firmer cheeses, consider offering a selection of crackers, such as water crackers, sourdough crackers, or whole-wheat crackers. Avoid crackers that are overly flavored, as they can clash with the subtle nuances of the cheese. Gluten-free options like rice crackers or seed crackers are also thoughtful additions for guests with dietary restrictions.

What nuts pair well with different types of cheese?

Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy textures of cheese. The best pairings often depend on the cheese’s intensity and flavor profile. Walnuts, with their slightly bitter and earthy notes, pair wonderfully with aged cheddar, Gruyere, and blue cheeses. Almonds, both roasted and plain, provide a subtle sweetness and complement softer cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

Pecans, with their buttery flavor, are a delightful match for goat cheese and other tangy cheeses. For a richer pairing, consider offering toasted hazelnuts alongside a creamy Havarti or Swiss cheese. Remember to offer a variety of nuts to cater to different preferences and cheese selections.

What about cured meats? What are good choices to include?

Cured meats add a savory and salty element that balances the richness of cheese, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Prosciutto, with its delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is a classic pairing with soft cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta. Salami, with its bolder flavor and slightly spicy kick, complements firmer cheeses like cheddar and Gruyere.

For a more rustic touch, consider adding chorizo or soppressata, which offer a robust and flavorful counterpoint to creamy cheeses. Bresaola, air-dried beef, provides a leaner alternative with a slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. When arranging your cheese plate, slice the cured meats thinly for easy enjoyment and visual appeal.

What dips or spreads can enhance a cheese board?

Adding dips and spreads to a cheese board elevates the tasting experience by providing additional layers of flavor and texture. Honey, with its natural sweetness, is a versatile pairing that complements both creamy and sharp cheeses. Fig jam offers a rich and fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with blue cheese, goat cheese, and Brie.

For a savory option, consider offering a tapenade made with olives, capers, and anchovies, which adds a salty and briny element to the board. A balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint to rich cheeses like Parmesan and aged cheddar. Remember to provide small spoons or knives for serving the dips and spreads, and consider offering a variety to suit different preferences.

Are there any beverages that pair particularly well with cheese plates?

The right beverage can enhance the flavors of the cheese and other accompaniments on your plate. Wine is a classic pairing, with different varietals complementing different cheese profiles. White wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, pair well with lighter cheeses like goat cheese and mozzarella, while red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complement stronger cheeses like cheddar and Gruyere.

Beyond wine, consider offering craft beer, cider, or even sparkling water. Light and refreshing beers like lagers and pilsners pair well with mild cheeses, while bolder beers like stouts and IPAs can stand up to more pungent cheeses. Cider, with its fruity and slightly acidic notes, is a versatile pairing for a variety of cheeses. Offering a selection of beverages ensures that your guests can find the perfect accompaniment to their cheese plate experience.

How can I arrange a cheese plate for visual appeal?

Creating a visually appealing cheese plate is just as important as selecting the right pairings. Start by selecting a platter or board that is large enough to accommodate all the elements without feeling crowded. Arrange the cheeses in a visually balanced way, placing them around the board and varying their heights and textures.

Group similar items together, such as the fruits, nuts, and cured meats, to create distinct sections on the board. Use small bowls or ramekins to hold dips, spreads, and olives. Add garnishes like fresh herbs, edible flowers, or sprigs of rosemary to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of freshness. Remember to leave some empty space on the board to prevent it from looking cluttered and overwhelming.