I love to entertain, and it is usually for smaller crowds. I need an appetizer with a variety of textures and tastes. A cheese tray is always the perfect solution, and I have a few tips for putting one together in under 15 minutes.
Base
Start with a cheese block or cutting board for the base.There are so many fantastic options available, and it really adds to the presentation.
Crackers or Bread
There are so many varieties of crackers, and many would work. You could also add bread to the tray or on the side.
Fruit
Seedless grapes (red or green) and Strawberries are my pick because they make a pretty presentation and my family loves them.
Something Crunchy
I chose unsalted almonds, but there are so many different options like wasabi peas, cashews, or pecans.
Meat
Once again I chose something I know my boys will eat. I used Boars’s Head Salami, but some other popular meets are Prosciutto, Calabrese Salame (a well-spiced, richly-flavored, coarse-ground salami), and Capocollo Salame (a lean and dry-cured for several months).
Cheese
Picking 3-4 cheeses is a good number to make sure there is something everyone will like. The perfect variety is a smooth, buttery, and hard cheese.
Some other options -Condiments
- Honey
- Olives
- Wine jelly
Arrange all the different items to make them appealing to the eye. It is kind of like decorating but with food. Your guests will rave about the different options and may even try something they never tried before. This platter is quick and simple which we can all appreciate with our busy lifestyles.
This looks great! Makes me hungry!!