Creating a well-balanced and flavorful cheese platter involves selecting a variety of cheeses that offer different textures, flavours, and intensities. Here’s a guide to help you choose a diverse selection for your cheese board:

  1. Hard Cheeses:
    • Cheddar: A versatile and popular choice with varying degrees of sharpness.
    • Gouda: Sweet and nutty, available in different ages for varying intensities.
    • Manchego: A Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, known for its slightly tangy flavour.
  2. Soft Cheeses:
    • Brie: A creamy and mild French cheese with a soft, edible rind.
    • Camembert: Similar to Brie but with a stronger flavour profile.
    • Goat Cheese (Chèvre): Tangy and crumbly, providing a different texture.
  3. Blue Cheeses:
    • Roquefort: A French blue cheese with a strong, tangy flavour.
    • Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese that ranges from mild to intense.
    • Stilton: An English blue cheese known for its rich and complex taste.
  4. Washed-Rind Cheeses:
    • Epoisses: A strong-smelling French cheese with a creamy interior.
    • Taleggio: An Italian cheese with a pungent aroma and buttery texture.
    • Limburger: A bold and aromatic cheese that is creamy on the inside.
  5. Fresh Cheeses:
    • Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and mild, pairs well with tomatoes and basil.
    • Feta: Tangy and crumbly, a versatile cheese often used in Mediterranean dishes.
    • Ricotta: Creamy and mild, great for spreading on crackers or bread.
  6. Flavored Cheeses:
    • Herbed Goat Cheese: Goat cheese infused with herbs for added flavour.
    • Smoked Gouda: Gouda with a smoky flavour, providing a unique taste.
    • Blue Cheese with Fruits or Nuts: Blue cheese combined with fruits or nuts for a sweet and savoury twist.
  7. Accompaniments:
    • Crackers and Bread: Provide a variety of crackers, breadsticks, and sliced baguettes for pairing with the cheeses.
    • Fresh and Dried Fruits: Grapes, figs, apple slices, or dried apricots complement the cheese flavours.
    • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts add crunch and nuttiness to the platter.
    • Honey or Jam: Sweet condiments like honey or fig jam can enhance the flavours of certain cheeses.
    • Olives: A selection of olives adds a briny and savoury element to the platter.

When arranging the cheese platter, consider the visual appeal by placing different shapes, colours, and textures beside each other. Labelling the cheeses can also be helpful for guests who may not be familiar with all the varieties. Lastly, let the cheeses come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavours and aromas.