Get-togethers are always better with cheese and fruit platters. This article provides enjoyable and creative ideas for how to put together a cheese and fruit platter that will impress your guests.
Hosting a party and don't know what to serve? A cheese and fruit platter is the perfect solution. Not only are they easy to put together, but they also taste great and are sure to please a crowd.
It may look like an intimidating ensemble to put together, but a cheese and fruit plate is actually quite simple. The key is to know the right type of cheese and fruit to pair together. Once you have that down, the rest is a breeze.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best cheese and fruit that pair well together. We'll also give you tips on putting together an impressive cheese and fruit platter that will be the talk of your next party.
Say “Cheese” to these Cheeses
Wondering what type of cheese to put on your platter? A good rule of thumb is to choose a variety of cheeses that vary in texture, flavor, and shape. This way, there's something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite cheese ideas to include on a cheese and fruit platter:
- Brie:
This soft cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. It pairs well with fruits like grapes, apples, strawberries, and pears. Brie also works well with nuts and dates.
- Goat Cheese:
With a tangy and slightly sweet taste, goat cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed with almost any fruit. It particularly pairs well with sweeter fruits like apricots, figs, and honeycomb.
- Cheddar:
Cheddar is a sharp and flavorful cheese, and you can never go wrong with this classic. The cheese goes well with just about any fruit, but we especially like it with apples, pears, and peaches. You can try different varieties of cheddar to change things up, such as white cheddar, smoked cheddar, or even vegan cheddar.
- Gouda:
Using gouda will give your platter a more robust flavor. Having a nutty flavor, this creamy cheese is an excellent choice with fruits like apples, pears, apricots, and peaches. You can pair it with cured meats like ham and salami.
- Blue Cheese:
Blue cheese has a strong and salty flavor that some people love, and others avoid. However, having a great balance can work wonders for your platter. If you're feeling adventurous, we recommend pairing it with fruits like grapes, pears, and apples.
- Parmesan Reggiano:
Parmesan is a hard cheese and a flavorful choice that goes great with fruits like melon, berries, and cherries. It's not just the fruits; parmesan brings an enriching taste when paired with meat, dates, or honey.
- Fresh Mozzarella:
This versatile cheese has a mild and milky flavor, and is your go-to option with salami, olives, and meats. You can also pair this one with fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and tomatoes for a light and refreshing flavor.
- Feta:
Feta is famous for being the salad delight as a salty cheese. With a strong and tangy flavor, it is one of the most versatile cheeses on this list. You can elevate the taste of your platter by pairing feta with fruits like watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, and even melon.
Fruits that Go With Cheese
There are endless possibilities when choosing fruits for your cheese and fruit platter. The best way to choose is by picking various fruits that vary in color, texture, and sweetness.
Here is a list of fruit ideas that are the ideal choice to combine with cheese on a platter:
- Apples: Apples are a classic fruit to pair with cheese. They have a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with just about any type of cheese.
- Pears: Pears are another great fruit to pair with cheese. They have a similar texture to apples, but they're slightly sweeter and have a more subtle flavor.
- Grapes: Grapes are a great addition to any cheese and fruit platter. They come in varied colors and have a sweet, juicy flavor that pairs well with most cheeses.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are the perfect fruit to pair with cheese. They have a sweet and slightly tart flavor that goes well with both soft and hard cheeses.
- Cherries: Cherries are a great fruit to add to your cheese and fruit platter. Their sweet flavor can enrich the taste pairing with most cheeses.
- Apricots: Apricots are a great fruit to pair with cheese. They have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and you can pair them with both soft and hard slices of cheese.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe offers a sweet and refreshing flavor to pair with cheese. This fruit goes great with both hard and soft cheeses.
- Watermelon: Watermelon is a refreshing and juicy fruit that will make your cheese and fruit platter even more enjoyable. It pairs well with most cheeses, but we especially love it with feta cheese.
- Figs: Figs are a sweet and slightly nutty fruit that pairs well with varied cheeses. These fruits have a chewy texture that makes them the perfect addition to any cheese and fruit platter.
- Honeydew: Honeydew is a delicious and refreshing fruit that goes great with nearly every cheese. It has a light and slightly floral flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cheese and fruit platter.
Fruit and Cheese Idea Combinations
When we talk about hosting a party, the cheese and fruit platter is a classic for a reason. It's easy to put together, and there's something for everyone. Now that you know the cheese and fruits that pair well together, here are some ideas for combinations to get you started:
- Brie and Honeycomb: The creamy texture of brie pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honeycomb.
- Cheddar and Apples: This classic pair is always a hit. The sharpness of the cheddar is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
- Goat Cheese and Apricots: The tanginess of goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apricots.
- Parmesan and Melon: Parmesan is a hard cheese with a strong flavor, so it pairs well with the sweetness of the melon.
- Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes: This classic combo is perfect for a summer party. The mild flavor of the mozzarella pairs nicely with the freshness of the tomatoes.
- Cheddar and Cranberries: This combo is perfect for the holidays. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs nicely with the tartness of the cranberries.
- Fig and Blue Cheese: Blue cheese has a salty flavor and a strong taste. You can pair it with the sweetness of figs to balance it out.
As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cheese and fruit platters. These are a few examples, and you can get creative and have fun. Varying the meats, cheeses, and fruits and even adding in some honey or jam can create an extraordinary platter that will have your guests coming back for more. Don't be fearful of experimenting and trying new things. After all, that's half the fun.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Cheese Platter
Now that you know which cheeses and fruits pair well together, here are some tips to take your platter up a notch.
- Start with a variety of cheeses: A good cheese platter will have a variety of textures and flavors. This can be achieved by including both hard and soft cheeses and strong and mild cheeses.
- Include a variety of fruits: As with the cheese, you'll want to include a variety of fruits on your platter. This will give your guests a chance to try different flavor combinations.
- Make it colorful: A cheese and fruit platter is not only about the taste but also about the presentation. Choose a variety of colors for your fruits and cheeses to make them visually appealing.
- Add some honey or jam: Adding a touch of sweetness to your platter can really take it to the next level. Honey and jam are both great options.
- Fill in the gaps: Don't be afraid to fill in the gaps with crackers or bread. This will help to round out the platter and make it more filling.
Make Way for Some Fillers
If it's called cheese and fruit cheese and fruit, that doesn't mean you have to stick to that. You need something extra to make your platter pop. Here we'll address what else you can put on the fruit and cheese platter. Turns out there's a lot. Now, these fillers are not there just to take up space. No, each one of these is there to bring a different flavor or texture to the platter so that your guests can mix and match to create their perfect bite.
Here are some great filler items:
- Nuts: Nuts are a great addition to any cheese and fruit platter. They add crunch, flavor, and a bit of healthy fat.
- Bread: Bread is a great way to fill in the gaps on your platter. It's also a great vehicle for eating cheese and fruit.
- Crackers: Crackers are another great filler to have on hand. They add crunch and a bit of saltiness to the platter.
- Dried fruit: Dried fruit is yet another brilliant way to add sweetness and flavor to the platter.
- Olives: Olives can be a key to adding saltiness and a bit of tanginess to your platter.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great way to end the meal. It pairs well with most cheeses and fruits and is a delicious way to finish off the platter.
