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Fruit And Cheese TrayEasy Appetizer Party Tray
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Making a Fruit and Cheese Tray seems easy enough to some people, but I have had a number of people ask me questions about the task so I decided to write down some suggestions.
Entertaining frequently includes some kind of cheese tray, often with fruit or vegetables or meat or a combination of these foods. If you are short on time you can, of course, buy a fruit and cheese tray at most good quality grocery stores or online.
What Cheese Should You Use And How Much?
The number of cheeses you will need (or want to have) for your party tray depends on how elaborate you wish to make it and this often depends on what occasion it is for, who your guests will be and how many of them.
Only you can decide this issue but I usually allow 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. In addition, I almost always have three cheeses on the tray:
Having three different cheeses on a cheese platter is pretty standard. Five cheeses is great for a large group and is considered more elaborate.
I like to select cheeses that combine styles, textures and colors. I like to offer different looks, tastes, and feels. And if I am serving more than three, I like to add one or two with different flavor and color.
Occasionally I'll have a theme tray, such all local cheese.
When I have guests coming I realize some are great cheese lovers and some are "beginners." I try to offer a variety of flavors, with enough mild ones available so everyone can be accommodated.
Buy small amounts of different cheeses. This will allow you to introduce your guests to a variety of cheeses but will also ensure you don't have large amounts left over.
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Note: If you do have left over cheese, there are many options for using it, including in sauces and soups. |
Remember to take the cheeses you are using out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes prior to serving so that they may reach room temperature.
What Fruit Will You Use?
Try for seasonal fruits, local fruit if available and again have three to five different kinds of fruit.
Where I live I frequently have grapes (sometimes two varieties), strawberries, honeydew melon and cantaloupe, kiwi, apples (usually two different kinds) and pears (again, I am blessed to live in an area where these fruits are readily available).
Something else to remember, especially if fresh quality fruits are not readily available: add some quality dried specialty fruits.
How To Build Your Fruit And Cheese Tray
For more cheese ideas and varieties read my article on cheeses.
Enjoy your Fruit and Cheese Tray and the company of those you share it with!
Donna
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