Choosing the Best Cheese for Charcuterie Boards
Brian Lejeune
So, you're thinking of putting together a charcuterie board and need some ideas on different types of cheese to include? Wanting to impress your friends or new clients at a gathering?
Or maybe you're just curious and want to educate yourself. You've come to the right place! I'm going to introduce you to types of cheese for a charcuterie board that go above and beyond the standard cheddar!
The Number One Winner: Burrata Cheese
Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese, may be one of the most underrated and under-talked about cheeses in the world. Yet, it is the absolute best cheese for cheese board, and will definitely turn heads and invite "Whoa, what is that!" comments from your guests.
On a charcuterie cheese plate, it looks like a giant white cheese ball. Your guests will be wondering what it is....and they'll be mildly surprised when they cut into it and realize it's not your typical mozzarella cheese.
It is a combination of a mozzarella (on the outside) and creamed mozzarella cheese (on the inside). What's creamed mozzarella? It's basically mozzarella that's spreadable on a piece of toast or bread.
Just watch the magic happen:
What is a Charcuterie?
A charcuterie board, also known as a cheese platter, is an assortment of meats, cheeses, crackers, and other snacks. Charcuterie boards are often served as appetizers or main dishes. They can be made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers.How is Charcuterie Pronounced? (Charcuterie Pronunciation)
Charcuterie is a French word that refers to the art of preparing and cooking meats. The word is derived from the French verb "couper," which means "to cut." Charcuterie is typically pronounced as "shahr-koo-tuh-ree."
Why Is Charcuterie So Popular?
Charcuterie is a French word for smoked, cured, or otherwise prepared meats, and it has been gaining popularity in the United States in recent years. There are a number of reasons for this: first, the quality of charcuterie has improved as more American chefs have been trained in France; second, the rise of the locavore movement has led to a demand for artisanal products; and third, the increasing popularity of cheese boards and charcuterie boards has made people more aware of this type of food.
Charcuterie is typically served as an appetizer, on a cheese board or charcuterie board alongside other cheeses and meats. It can also be served on its own as a main course, or on a cheese plate or platter as part of a larger meal. Whatever the context, charcuterie is sure to please any meat-lover or cheese-lover.
Will Your Cheese Board Be Fancy or Simple?
Will your cheese board be fancy or simple? It all depends on what you're looking for. If you're just looking for a few different types of cheese and some crackers, then a simple board will do. But if you're looking for something more impressive, then you might want to consider a fancier board with more Olives, jams, and charcuterie. Cured meats are always a nice touch, too.
See also:
Shop Deli Meats for Charcuterie - shipped to your door!
What Goes Into a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a board of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other snacks. It is a popular party food and can be very impressive. Charcuterie boards can have many different types of cheese, cured meats, and other spreads. They are often served with crackers or bread.
See also: 5 Best Crackers for Charcuterie
What Kind of Cheese Do You Put on a Charcuterie Board?
There are many different types of cheese that can be used on a charcuterie board. Some of the most popular options include goat cheese, cheddar cheese, and brie cheese. There are also many other less common cheeses that can be used, such as gouda, blue cheese, feta, and camembert.
Ultimately, it is up to the person creating the charcuterie board to decide which cheeses to use. We believe a combination of fun cheeses (like the burrata in the video above), and more common cheeses, is best.
It is also best to combine some varieties of hard cheese (cheddar, gouda, parmesan) with varieties of soft ones such as brie or camembert.
Some guests like normalcy and things they recognize - that's what cheddar is for. Some guests like to be wowed. That's where the burrata comes in.
Throw in a few other type cheeses, for good measure. It also doesn't hurt to include one vegan choice (and label it with a toothpick and paper). Your vegan friends will appreciate that there's something for them.
Features to Keep in Mind When Buying Cheese
When buying cheese, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, consider what kind of cheese platter you want to create. Do you want a variety of textures, or just a few different types of cheese? Gouda is a great cheese for a cheese platter, as it has a variety of textures and flavors. Secondly, think about how much cheese you need. A cheese platter should have enough cheese to feed all your guests, so make sure to buy enough!
A Good Cheese Board Starts With Good Cheese.
A good cheese board starts with good cheese. Brie, cheddar, and goat cheese are some of my favorite cheeses. Semi-soft cheeses like gouda and manchego are also great choices for a cheese board. Finally, nothing gets attention like the burrata cheese. Don't be surprised when heads turn as you bring the cheeseboard out. What is that big white cheese ball?
Goat cheese can be a fun addition
Goat cheese is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It is a white, spreadable cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Goat cheese can be a fun addition to your cheese board or used in place of other cheeses in recipes.
Regional cheeses can spotlight your local farmers
Cheeses from different regions can be a great way to showcase your local farmers. Soft cheeses, hard cheeses, and spreadable cheeses can all be made from local ingredients and highlight the flavors of the area. Cheese can be a great addition to any meal, and it's a great way to support your local farmers.
Add an accessible hard cheese everyone will like
Adding an accessible hard cheese to your charcuterie board will make it more enjoyable for everyone. Cheddar is a great option that most people are familiar with and enjoy. It pairs well with a variety of meats and other cheeses, making it a versatile option for your next gathering.
Offer your vegan (and non-vegan) guests a non-dairy cheese
Offer your vegan and non-vegan guests a non-dairy cheese plate with gouda, charcuterie, and other cheeses. This will allow everyone to enjoy a delicious cheese course without having to worry about dairy allergies or preferences. We recommend labeling it with a toothpick and piece of paper taped to it - get as fancy as you would like here.
Holland Delta Pepper Baby Gouda
Holland's Delta Pepper Baby Gouda is a delicious gouda cheese that is perfect for pairing with charcuterie or enjoying on its own. This cheese has a lovely balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of spice from the peppers. It is absolutely divine when eaten with a truffle, making it the perfect addition to any cheese board.
Tip #1 – Choose different varieties of cheeses
There are many different types of cheese, and each one has its own distinct flavor. Cheddar is a sharp, tangy cheese, while blue cheese is rich and creamy. Brie is a soft, mild cheese, while goat cheese is tangy and slightly acidic. Havarti is a sweet, buttery cheese, while gouda is nutty and earthy.
Tip #2 – Bring the cheeses to room temperature
One tip for getting the most out of your cheese is to bring it to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and results in a more enjoyable experience. Simply take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to serve it.
Fill In Spaces With Dried Fruit, Nuts and Jams
One way to fill in spaces on a cheese board is with dried fruit, nuts and jams. This not only looks attractive, but also provides a variety of flavors and textures for your guests to enjoy. Choose a variety of fruits, nuts and jams that will complement the cheeses you are serving. For example, if you are serving brie cheese, you could pair it with a fig jam and some sliced almonds.
What kind of platter should I use?
There are many different types of cheese boards and platters to choose from. If you're looking for a cheese board to serve at a party or event, you'll want to choose one that is large enough to accommodate all of your guests. A charcuterie board or a cheese board served on a dark wood board - such as walnut or cherry - is a perfect option for entertaining (see our entire collection of cheese boards here).
They come in various sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your needs. If you prefer having a handle, or hosting an event where the cheese board is likely to be carried around alot, definitely opt for a wood tray with handle instead (like this one)
Related article: See this article on choosing the perfect serving platter for cheeseboards.
What kind of meat do you put on a cheese tray?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best meat for a cheese tray will depend on the specific cheeses being served. However, some general guidelines can be followed. Salami and other cured meats are a classic pairing with cheese, as are charcuterie items such as ham and prosciutto. For a more eclectic cheese board, you could also include smoked meats such as chicken or turkey.
What else goes on a cheese board?
Other than cheese, grapes are a common sight on cheese boards. They can be used as decoration or as a way to add some sweetness to the board. Flowers are also sometimes used as decoration on cheese boards. Granola is another common addition to cheese boards. It can add some crunch and texture to the board.
Ultimately, there are no hard rules at all, just do your best, and don't be afraid to get creative!
And of course, add jams, spreads, and dips to your charcuterie! See our article on Dips, Spreads, and Sauces for Charcuterie.
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And while you're at it, why not browse our collection of charcuterie boards? Or check out D'artagnan, a company that ships curated hard-to-find deli meats to your door!
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