That's What Cheese Said : A Charcuterie Board Cheese Guide
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Time to read 3 min
Charcuterie boards have become a beloved culinary trend, and it's no wonder why. These artful arrangements of meats, cheeses, fruits, and more are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Among the stars of any charcuterie board, cheese plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and aesthetics. In this blog, we'll dive into the world of cheese and explore the different types you can use to create a charcuterie board that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Brie: Soft and Creamy
Image By Castello Cheese
Great boards often start with the ever-popular Brie. This soft, creamy, and slightly nutty cheese hails from France and is known for its luxurious texture and mild flavor. Its edible, velvety white rind provides a beautiful contrast to the meats and other items on your board. Pair it with slices of baguette or crackers, and perhaps a drizzle of honey for an elegant and harmonious taste.
Brie is also fun to bake. If you're looking to add an interesting element to your Teton Platters Charcuterie Board, go ahead and bake the brie, then top it with something seasonal or festive, like caramelized onions or your favorite jam.
Cheddar: The Charcuterie Board Classic
Cheddar cheese is a versatile crowd-pleaser, available in various forms, from mild to extra sharp. Its sharpness adds a bold punch to your charcuterie board, cutting through the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Opt for aged cheddar for a more intense flavor, and consider adding apple slices or caramelized onions to complement its taste.
A quick stop at your local grocery store cheese counter and you'll find that there are more varieties of cheddar than you'd probably imagined. If you're looking to be adventurous on your charcuterie board, try one of the flavored cheddars.
Gouda: A Dutch Delight
On our last trip to Holland, finding some good Gouda was the first thing on our list. We visited a dozen cheese shops, sampling this buttery, nutty cheese at every stop.
Gouda cheese, originating from the Netherlands, is loved for its creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty profile. It pairs exceptionally well with dried fruits, such as apricots and figs, or salty nuts like almonds. The caramelized notes of aged Gouda can add depth and complexity to your charcuterie board.
If you're new to Gouda, start slow. Don't commit to a full wheel for your charcuterie board, instead, try a wedge and go from there.
Blue Cheese: Bring on the Bold
Image By Castello Cheese
If you're looking to introduce some unique pungency and intensity to your charcuterie board, blue cheese is the way to go. Varieties like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton offer a spectrum of blue-veined, creamy textures and complex flavors.
Balance the strong taste with fresh grapes, pears, or candied walnuts. Some blue cheese fans even enjoy a drizzle of honey to mellow the sharpness.
If blue cheese in your charcuterie board or platter feels like a big step, start with Gorgonzola or Danish Blue. Both of these cheeses, while still in the blue cheese family are of a milder variety.
Manchego: A Spanish Surprise
Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese, is recognized by its distinctive crisscross pattern on the rind. It's a semi-firm cheese with a nutty and slightly tangy flavor. Pair it with some Spanish chorizo or serrano ham for a delightful Iberian twist to your charcuterie board.
When you're styling a charcuterie board, Manchego is a must-have. You can cut this firm cheese into triangles and a variety of other fun shapes. It's always a tasty showstopper.
Goat Cheese: Tangy and Versatile
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is known for its tangy and slightly earthy flavor. Its creamy texture pairs wonderfully with honey, fresh herbs, and fruit preserves.
You can even coat it in herbs or spices for a unique twist. It's a versatile choice that can add a touch of freshness and contrast to your charcuterie board.
If you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and give lavender goat cheese a try. It's creamy and herby and definitely something unique that gives a pop of color to your charcuterie board.
You can also whip goat cheese and turn it into a yummy dip on your board.
Swiss Cheese: A Hole-y Classic
Image By Castello Cheese
Swiss cheese, famous for its characteristic holes, is a versatile cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet flavor. While it's often associated with melting on sandwiches, it can also be cubed and placed on your charcuterie board. It complements cured meats like ham and salami beautifully.
Selecting the right cheese for your Teton Platters charcuterie board is essential for achieving a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Consider the preferences of your guests, the other components on your board, and your personal taste when making your choices. Mixing and matching various cheeses, from creamy Brie to a sharp cheddar and pungent blue cheese, can create a diverse and visually stunning spread that will leave everyone delighted.
Experiment, have fun, and savor the art of cheese selection in your charcuterie creations.
