If there's any trend that has gained popularity over any other food trend this year, it's cheese and charcuterie boards. This year was the year that cheese gained new life, whether it was being served on a board, in gourmet dishes, or melted and poured generously over vegetables or meat. In terms of cheese boards, specifically, they've been elevated to a level that has made them so highly versatile that they're appropriate for nearly every occasion. Rather than purchasing the meat and cheese packs that come with basic cheese, pepperoni, and circular, slightly stale crackers, foodies are now going out of their way to find out what they've been missing.
A cheese board is perfectly suited for an intimate dinner for two, a party full of people, or even a crowd of holiday guests. It can showcase anything from a simple array of cheese that everyone likes, to the most complex flavors complete with fruits, nuts, spreads, and gourmet crackers. To start out simple, these are the cheeses that are overwhelmingly popular with everyone while still being approachable and exciting.
Start With The Hard Cheeses
These are the cheeses that most people go for first because, in a way, they're the most familiar. This is where you're likely to find cheeses such as cheddar, which is by far the most popular cheese for both devoted fans as well as those who aren't completely sold on cheese culture. In terms of appearance, hard cheeses are a little more approachable and their flavor is anticipated to be less than that of blue cheese or brie. They're also easier to grab on the go with a pair of tongs or a toothpick, so special attention should be paid to these - and hard cheeses should also outweigh the other cheeses in terms of amount and the space taken up on a platter.
Of course, cheddar is the safest option. If cheddar is the cheese of choice, however, then make it a good cheddar - never something that comes pre-sliced or in a semi-soft block. A good nutty, aged cheddar is something that will really wow the crowd and looks pretty on a plate. For a bit of good, earthy funk, consider a Lecistershire cheese - it's red and crumbly with a strong yet approachable flavor. For a hardcore sharp cheddar, consider an Irish cheese with a little bit of oomph to it.
Semi-Soft Can Be Tricky
When it comes to semi-soft cheeses, many people skip them completely due to the fact that there's a bit of a gray area. The most popular choice for semi-soft cheese is gouda but even with gouda cheese, there are some discrepancies. Gouda is truly amazing in the sense that a nice, aged gouda will have genuine age crystals that pop with flavor and taste similar to a slightly sweet and sharp cheddar, while a young gouda is a semi-soft cheese most people look for and has a very mild, creamy flavor.
Other options for semi-soft cheeses can be something like a Drunken Goat, which is an incredibly mild goat cheese (slightly tangy with a nice creamy texture) with an exterior that's soaked in wine. If not that, then harvarti is another great option, especially if it's flavored with herbs. For those wanting to go a little bolder, Comté, another aged swiss, or Alpine cheese is a great addition to any cheese plate and adds tons of unique flavor.
One Or Two Soft Cheeses Tops, And Make Sure They're Mild
It might take a little bit of convincing to gain people's trust when it comes to soft cheeses but the good news is, once a person tries them, it's usually love at first bite. There's a strong misconception surrounding brie and other soft cheeses; many people think they're too stinky, that the rinds are inedible (not true - it actually adds an earthy flavor!), and that most of them taste like feet. When it comes to brie, the most approachable and beloved cheese of all is a triple creme. This type of brie is like slicing into a wedge of slightly sweet and mild butter, hence the 'creme' in the name.
If blue cheese is your soft cheese of choice, make sure to go with something mild. Cheese such as a Bayley Hazen Blue or soft gorgonzola are great choices... Steer clear of Roquefort or Stilton. Another wonderful option for soft cheese is goat cheese, specifically fresh chévre. This type of goat cheese is mild in flavor with more of a tang and salty finish than any other flavor note and goes perfectly with fresh herbs, a drizzle of honey, nuts, and dried or fresh fruit. Many times, chévre goat cheese logs can be found already rolled in any of these toppings.