The secrets to an irresistible cheese and meat platter
Nothing delights the eyes and taste buds of guests more than a well-assembled platter. Whether it’s cheeses, charcuteries, fruit or even small details like nuts, everything together in a beautiful presentation turns any gathering into a special event.
And the good news? You don’t need to be a chef to know how to make a charcuterie and cheese platter to make everyone jealous on Instagram. Let’s learn how!
Choose the right foundation
It all starts with the base. Wooden boards are classic and elegant, but if you don’t have one, a large plate or platter will do the trick. Between you and me, can you think of better bases than the oval platters from the Breezy collection by Companhia Atlântica?
Once you’ve decided on the type of base, choose the size according to the number of guests. For a dinner with four to six people, a medium-sized board/platter will suffice; for larger groups, opt for something more generous.
Cheese: variety is the key
To please everyone, he mixes different types of cheese:
- Soft: Brie, Camembert or Queijo de Azeitão
- Semi-hard: Gouda, Edam or Manchego
- Hard: Island cheese or Parmesan
- Blue: Gorgonzola or Roquefort.
Tip: choose three to five types of cheese for the perfect balance of flavor and variety. Cut them into different shapes (cubes, triangles, slices or even rounds) to add visual interest.
Portuguese charcuteries: taste and color
Charcuteries should not be missing from a cheese board. It’s a rule! Ham, chorizo, salami or sirloin are classic options full of flavor. Slice them thinly to make them easier to taste. And if you want to impress even more, roast a few slices of chorizo and serve it on a plate. bowl from the MELIDES collection – collection, you’ll impress everyone with the elegant touch and delicious aroma that will invade the table.
Sweet and fruity touches
To balance the salty flavors of cheeses and meats, add fresh or dehydrated fruit.
- Fresh: grapes, figs, apples or pomegranate
- Dehydrated: apricots, dates or raisins.
The fruit complements the more intense cheeses (such as blue cheeses) and makes the cold cuts board even more attractive.
Dried fruit and jams
Fill the empty spaces with nuts such as walnuts, almonds or pistachios. Do you want to elevate the experience? Include jams or marmalade. Pumpkin, fig or raspberry jam go especially well with soft cheeses or cottage cheese.
The role of toast and bread
Choose an artisan bread, such as rye, seeded bread or raisin bread. Add thin toast or crackers. Arrange the pieces loosely on the board for a more natural and welcoming look.
The decisive momentr: how to put together a cheese and meat platter?
Assemble the platter starting with the cheeses, meats and larger fruits. Then fill in the gaps with nuts, olives and other additions. Use small containers for sauces or jams, creating interesting visual layers. The small bowls from the BREEZY collection collection are perfect
Tip: works with colors and textures for an appealing look. For example, place a creamy white cheese next to red meats and vibrant fruits such as grapes or figs.
The final touch: the right drink
No cheese and meat board is complete without the perfect drink.
- Red wine: for intense cheeses such as Manchego and Roquefort
- White or sparkling wine: goes well with soft cheeses and lighter sausages
- Port wine or Portuguese Muscatel: ideal with jams and dried fruit.
And of course, don’t forget to protect the table while you taste – nothing like the coasters from the PILATOS collection or the AZULEJO collection to add that touch of elegance while you sip your favorite wine. After all, a good drink deserves a good base, right?
With these tips, putting together a cold cuts board will be as much fun as enjoying it. And, let’s be honest, writing this article has left us mouth-watering and ready to prepare our own cheese and meat board. Are you already thinking about yours?
You can count on Atlantic Company to accompany you with sophisticated tableware that will add that special touch to your table!