My tips and tricks for how to make a cheese platter that your party guests will love. Perfect for the holidays!
It’s the holiday season and if you’re tasked with the job of making or taking an appetizer for a holiday party or get-together, I can’t think of anything more fun nor crowd pleasing then a Cheese Platter for Entertaining!
Charcuterie Board for Entertaining
Different types of cheese accented with fruits, meats, and other goodies are perfect for nibbling on without interrupting conversation, sparking conversation, and hello, they all pair well with wine. I’m just saying.
That said, these are the same reasons why cheese platters work great for parties! Mix and mingle with guests while snagging a snack as you pass by the charcuterie board. Talk about which bites you like best, and be the hostess with the mostess while you refill everyone’s wine glasses in between tastes.
Best of all, cheese platters are a cinch to make. Forget the cook books, forget the oven – you can purchase all the supplies for a cheese platter at the regular grocery store then assemble them using my no-fail, 3x3x3 cheese platter formula in about 10 minutes. Moreover, cheese platters are FUN to assemble. I’m not very creative when it comes to design, but playing with food – especially when it’s simple, fresh, and colorful – is a blast!
I’m sharing eight of my best tips and tricks for assembling your own cheese platter for a holiday party, girlfriend get together, office potluck – whatever. Follow these tips for how to make a cheese platter for entertaining, and reap the cheesy rewards!
1. How much and what to buy
To figure out how much cheese you’ll need to buy, plan on 3-4oz of cheese per person.
No matter how many people you’ll be serving, include at least three different types of cheese on the platter. I like to include a soft cheese, like brie or camembert, a semi-hard cheese like an aged cheddar, fontina, or smoked gouda, and a hard cheese like parmigiano reggiano (make sure you’re getting real parmigiano reggiano – it should have the name stamped on the rind.)
Blue cheese is popular to include on a cheese platter but I find people either love it or hate it, and unless it’s a big party, or you know your guests love blue cheese, I personally wouldn’t spend the extra money.
Honestly, don’t get hung up on getting one cheese from each category – you simply want a variety of textures and flavors of cheese for your guests to choose from. Providing a few lighter options like wedges of The Laughing Cow Cheese to savor is always appreciated, too. Get a couple you know you like, then maybe one you want to try. It’ll be fabulous!
2. Follow the formula
For a well-rounded cheese platter, follow my 3x3x3 cheese platter formula: include at least three types of cheese on the platter, three savory extras, and three sweet extras – plus crackers, of course! Here are some of my favorites:
- Savory extras: marinated olives, raw nuts, smoked nuts, prosciutto, salami, bread sticks, artichoke hearts.
- Sweet extras: fruit (any kind but especially grapes, berries, apricots, and fresh figs,) dried fruit, jam (my favorite is fig jam,) honey.
3. Ask for help
New to the cheese world, or know what flavors you like but aren’t sure which cheese fits the bill? ASK FOR HELP. The people at the cheese counter at my grocery store love helping me pick out new cheeses. They’re the experts and can describe the flavor and texture profiles better than anyone. Furthermore, they can cut wedges of cheese from the big wheels in whatever size you want so you don’t buy too much for the crowd you’ll be serving.
Regular grocery stores have come a long way in their cheese offerings, and nowadays rival any specialty grocery store (at least around here.) A specialty cheese shop is a real treat to visit and shop from, but if your budget is important, check out your regular grocery store first.
4. Let the cheese rest
Let the cheeses rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes before serving as it tastes totally different at room temperature vs cold. Also think about letting guests slice their own semi-hard cheese vs pre-slicing it, as cheese slices can dry out around the edges if left to sit for too long.
Hard cheeses like parmesan are ok to crumble a bit to show guests how to enjoy it.
5. Raid your kitchen
Keep costs down by using what you’ve already got at home on your cheese platter. Raid your fridge and pantry for olives, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts.
6. Label everything
Make sure each cheese is labeled to indicate what kind it is, and include a separate knife for each cheese.
Blue cheese swirled with brie? No thanks. I found these cute chalkboard labels in the Target $1 aisle!
7. Simple is best
Don’t stress about having the perfect-looking cheese platter. I think the most inviting ones have casually-arranged ingredients on a clean, wooden or marble board.
You don’t have to put all the fruit in one corner and all the meats in another corner either. Separate items to fill in the cracks, and to make sure everyone can get a little bit of everything no matter where they’re standing around the board.
8. Have fun!
Call me crazy but thinking about making and serving a cheese platter literally puts a smile on my face. I just love that there’s something for everyone and it’s so fun to try new and different cheese. Furthermore, for me, it’s less stressful to assemble a fun and colorful cheese platter than cook or bake something for a holiday party when I don’t know about guests’ dietary restrictions, having to time cooking with their arrival, etc.
And, while cheese platters are a hit at holiday parties, they’re also great for dinner every once in awhile. Either way, you can’t lose!
Ingredients
- 3 assorted cheeses: soft cheese, semi-hard cheese, hard cheese
Savory extras:
- marinated olives, raw nuts, smoked nuts, prosciutto, salami, bread sticks, artichoke hearts. Check the olive bar and bulk bins for good deals on olives and nuts.
Sweet extras:
- fruit, any kind but especially grapes, berries, apricots, and fresh figs, dried fruit, jam (my favorite is fig jam,) honey.
Directions
How much and what to buy:
- Plan on 3-4oz of cheese per person. No matter how many people you'll be serving, include at least three different types of cheese on the platter. I like to include a soft cheese, like brie or camembert, a semi-hard cheese like an aged cheddar, fontina, or smoked gouda, and a hard cheese like parmigiano reggiano (make sure you're getting real parmigiano reggiano - it should have the name stamped on the rind.) Blue cheese is popular to include on a cheese platter but I find people either love it or hate it, and unless it's a big party, or you know your guests love blue cheese, I personally wouldn't spend the extra money.
Follow the formula:
- For a well-rounded cheese platter, follow my 3x3x3 cheese platter formula: include at least three types of cheese on the platter, three savory extras, and three sweet extras - plus crackers
Ask questions:
- If you're new to the cheese world, or know what flavors you like but aren't sure which cheese fits the bill? ASK FOR HELP. The people at the cheese counter at my grocery store love helping me pick out new cheeses. They're the experts and can describe the flavor and texture profiles better than anyone. Furthermore, they can cut wedges of cheese from the big wheels in whatever size you want so you don't buy too much for the crowd you'll be serving. A specialty cheese shop is a real treat to visit and shop from, but if your budget is important, check out your regular grocery store first.
Let the cheese rest:
- Let the cheeses rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes before serving as cheese tastes totally different at room temperature vs cold. Also think about letting guests slice their own semi-hard cheese vs pre-slicing it, as cheese slices can dry out around the edges if left to sit for too long. Hard cheeses like parmesan are ok to crumble a bit to show guests how to enjoy it.
Raid your kitchen:
- Keep costs down by using what you've already got at home on your cheese platter. Raid your fridge and pantry for olives, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts.
Label well:
- Make sure each cheese is labeled to indicate what kind it is, and include a separate knife for each cheese.
Simple is best:
- Don't stress about having the perfect-looking cheese platter. The most inviting ones have casually-arranged ingredients on a clean, wooden or marble board. You don't have to put all the fruit in one corner and all the meats in another corner either. Separate items to fill in the cracks, and to make sure everyone can get a little bit of everything no matter where they're standing around the board.
Loved the article. I always do a large Christmas party and am always looking for new ideas. I have done cheese but have not added all the things you suggested. Can’t wait to try it!
These are really lovely trays and you made it look Do-able *
Not true, not in my town!
Even though I work at Vivant Fine Cheese, if you are serving a cheese platter you should consider visiting a “Specialty Shop” they/we carry cheeses from around the world and the LOCAL cheeses, you can try before you buy. I grew up on cheap cheese, processed cheese, and am now working at a shop that offers cheeses from around the world….that you can try first! This is a very unique experience for newbies and in my experience an exciting one! When newbies experience cheeses both around the world and both local cheeses,, then and only then can they be completely equipt to choose and share FABULOUS cheeses that many don’t get to experience. And a cheese plate should be the Aww.. WOW…. NEVER HAD THAT moment. Once they experience that, then yes, they will venture out and pick their own cow, goat, and sheep cheeses that they are excited to share with friends and family.
Thank you, this is extremely helpful. I was raised on cheese platters but I’m making my first one by myself.
Kristin, Thanks for the wonderful cheese and meat tray ideas. I had my first GF guest attend Thanksgiving dinner this year. Your recipe for caramel apple crisp was also a total hit. You’ve given me confidence to try more GF recipes. It really made my guest feel welcome in our home. I appreciate your GF knowledge and your delightful blog.
I’m so glad to hear that, Suzy!! I’m sure your guest appreciated it a TON!
I wanted to buy my son a cheese board and enclose this idea along with it. About what size board did you use in your photos. I know he can use different size and adapt but what size did you use? Thanks for the easy directions
Hi Karen! I actually don’t have this board anymore but it was a fairly standard size cutting board that you can find at any kitchen store.
Hi! I’m new to the gluten-free world too, my son recently got diagnosed with Celiac. My sister told me about your blog and I am loving it! I’m wondering what your favorite gluten-free crackers are? I’m wanting to put together a cheese platter for pre-Thanksgiving and wondering what are some gluten-free crackers everyone will enjoy. Thanks!
I’m so sorry to hear about your son, Sarah, but am glad you found your way here! Right now I’m LOVING Simple Mills’ almond crackers. They are a bit pricey but totally worth it. Blue Diamond Nut Thins and Crunchmaster crackers are good all-purpose crackers – great for a cheese board – and if you want a cracker with lots of texture, Mary’s Gone Crackers has some great options! :)
How fun! Your guests will love it!
Thank you! I am following your recipe for my housewarming party next Saturday! You saved my goat ;)!
What kind of cheese slicers are these (for guests to cut their own)?
Best cheese platter post ever! Thank you!