Mastering the Art of the Snack Tray: Selecting Your Cheese
Creating a spectacular snack tray is all about balance, texture, and flavor. A successful platter isn't built on a single cheese but rather a curated collection that offers something for everyone, from mild to intense flavors. To create a truly impressive board, focus on selecting a mix of four to six varieties that represent different categories: soft, semi-firm, hard, and blue. By doing this, you ensure a range of mouthfeels and tastes that will keep your guests coming back for more.
The Soft and Creamy Selections
Soft cheeses are the luxurious, spreadable stars of any snack tray, providing a rich and creamy element. They are best served at room temperature to allow their full flavor to develop. Consider these options:
- Brie or Camembert: These are classic soft-ripened cheeses known for their earthy, mushroom-like notes and edible white rind. Serve them as a whole wheel with a small knife for spreading onto crackers or baguette slices.
- Goat Cheese (Chèvre): This tangy cheese can be found in a variety of styles, from fresh, spreadable logs to aged, firmer varieties. For a snack tray, a fresh chèvre log is a great choice, especially if you get one rolled in herbs, nuts, or edible flowers.
- Burrata: A fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its soft, milky interior is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with ripe tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and basil for a caprese-style snack.
- Boursin: A creamy, fresh cheese with a flaky texture, often infused with garlic and herbs. It's an easy and delicious spread for crackers and vegetables.
The Semi-Firm and Versatile Cheeses
Semi-firm cheeses offer a pleasant, buttery texture that is easy to slice and chew. They often strike a balance between a mild and a robust flavor, making them great for general appeal.
- Gouda: A Dutch classic, Gouda ranges from mild and creamy when young to complex and nutty when aged. A smoked Gouda can add a savory, smoky dimension to your tray.
- Havarti: A Danish semi-soft cheese that is mild and very creamy. Its subtle flavor makes it a perfect pairing cheese for a variety of accompaniments.
- Manchego: A Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, Manchego has a slightly salty, nutty flavor and a firm but pliable texture. It is traditionally served with quince paste (membrillo).
- Muenster: With its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, Muenster is a great addition for a more approachable, family-friendly snack tray.
The Hard and Aged Cheeses
Hard cheeses are essential for adding a savory, salty kick and a textural contrast. They are often aged, resulting in more concentrated and complex flavors.
- Aged Cheddar: A sharp, tangy cheddar is a must-have. The longer it's aged, the more pronounced its flavor. It pairs well with apples and cured meats.
- Gruyère: This Swiss cheese has a rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste. Its dense, smooth texture makes it a delicious and hearty addition.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: While a common cooking cheese, a high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano offers a crystalline, nutty, and salty bite that is perfect for breaking into rustic chunks.
The Bold and Blue Cheeses
For a more adventurous crowd, include a blue cheese. These cheeses are characterized by their blue mold veins and pungent, salty flavor.
- Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese that can range from creamy and mild to more sharp and crumbly. It pairs wonderfully with figs or honey.
- Roquefort: A classic French blue cheese made from sheep's milk. It is known for its intense, sweet, and salty flavor profile.
Comparison Table: Best Cheeses for a Snack Tray
| Cheese Type | Texture | Flavor Profile | Best Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brie | Soft, creamy | Earthy, buttery, mild | Berries, fig jam, crackers |
| Aged Gouda | Semi-firm, dense | Nutty, buttery, smoky | Walnuts, prosciutto, honey |
| Manchego | Semi-firm, firm | Nutty, salty, sharp | Membrillo (quince paste), olives |
| Aged Cheddar | Hard, crumbly | Sharp, tangy, savory | Apples, crackers, cured meats |
| Goat Cheese | Soft, spreadable | Tangy, earthy, herbaceous | Fresh herbs, honey, red peppers |
| Gorgonzola | Soft, creamy | Pungent, salty, sweet | Figs, honey, pears |
Accompaniments and Assembly
Once you have your cheese selection, it’s time to choose the accompaniments. A good tray offers a variety of crunchy, salty, sweet, and tangy elements to complement the cheeses. Consider adding the following:
- Carbohydrates: An assortment of crackers, including water crackers, seeded crackers, and a sliced baguette or crostini.
- Cured Meats: Items like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo add a salty, savory note that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- Fruit: Fresh and dried fruits provide sweetness. Grapes, apple slices, pears, dried figs, and dates are all great options.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and candied pecans offer a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spreads and Jams: A small dish of fig jam, honeycomb, or whole-grain mustard can elevate the pairings.
- Something Briny: Olives, cornichons, or pickled peppers add a zesty, tangy element to cut through the richness.
When assembling, start by placing your larger items like cheeses and small bowls first. Then, fill in the gaps with your meats, crackers, fruits, and nuts. This creates a lush, abundant look. Don't forget to use different shapes for your cheeses (cubes, wedges, slices) and arrange meats in interesting patterns.
Conclusion: Curate for Variety
The best cheese for a snack tray isn't a single answer but rather a thoughtful collection. By including a mix of textures—soft, semi-firm, and hard—and a variety of flavors, you can build a snack tray that is visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Remember to complement your cheese selections with a range of savory, sweet, and tangy accompaniments. Whether you're entertaining a large group or enjoying a quiet evening at home, curating a diverse cheese board is a sure way to impress.
Expert Tip: The Importance of Temperature
For the best flavor, remove your cheeses from the refrigerator about an hour before serving. This allows the cheeses to soften slightly and release their full aromatic and flavor potential, making for a much more enjoyable tasting experience.
Outbound link: Learn more about cheese pairings at WisconsinCheese.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheese should I serve per person?
A good rule of thumb is to serve about 2 ounces of cheese per person if the tray is an appetizer. If it’s the main event, increase that to 4-5 ounces.
What are some good budget-friendly cheeses for a snack tray?
Accessible and delicious options include mild or sharp cheddar, Havarti, and Colby-Jack. You can also look for store-brand or lesser-known but high-quality cheeses.
What kinds of crackers are best for a cheese tray?
Offer a variety of crackers, including a neutral option like water crackers, a nutty one like seeded or whole-wheat crackers, and a fruity option to pair with soft cheeses.
How do I arrange a cheese tray to look appealing?
Start by placing the larger items like cheeses and small bowls for spreads first. Then fill in the open spaces with meats, crackers, fruits, and nuts, creating a lush, abundant landscape with varying heights and textures.
What kind of serving board should I use?
A wooden cutting board, a slate slab, or a marble platter all work well. The dark slate or marble can provide a nice contrast for lighter-colored cheeses.
Can I make a snack tray ahead of time?
You can prepare and arrange most components of the tray (crackers, nuts, spreads) ahead of time. However, it is best to place the cheese and any fresh fruit or charcuterie on the board right before serving to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
What if I don't like pungent blue cheese?
If you or your guests don't prefer blue cheese, you can substitute it with another unique and flavorful cheese, such as a black truffle pecorino or a smoked cheese like smoked Gouda, to add variety.
