How Do You Serve Cheese As A Dessert?

“Hello! I’ve been tasked with preparing a delightful dinner party for my closest friends to celebrate an important milestone. I’m intrigued by the idea of serving cheese as the dessert, but I’m not quite sure how to make it special and memorable. Any tips on how to do this beautifully? Thanks!” Patrick, Montreal, Canada.

How Do You Serve Cheese as a Dessert?

Hey there, Patrick! Serving cheese as a dessert can be an absolute showstopper if done right. It’s an elegant end to a meal, offering a savory counterpart to the sweetness of earlier courses. Let’s walk through the best ways to serve cheese as a dessert, from choosing the right cheeses to pairing them perfectly.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The first step is to select a variety of cheeses that offer different textures and flavors. Here’s a handy guide:

• Soft Cheeses: Think Brie, Camembert, or chèvre. These cheeses are creamy and smooth, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Hard Cheeses: Parmesan, aged Gouda, or an extra sharp cheddar will add a firm texture and a rich, complex flavor.
• Blue Cheeses: Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton add a bold, tangy punch that can be balanced with sweet accompaniments.
• Fresh Cheeses: Ricotta or fresh mozzarella are mild and slightly sweet, making them versatile for a dessert cheese platter.

Combining a variety of cheese styles keeps the experience interesting and allows your guests to explore different flavor profiles.

Pairing Cheese with Accompaniments

Pairing is where the magic happens. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Fruits

Fruits provide a natural sweetness that complements cheese beautifully. Consider these options:

• Fresh Fruits: Grapes, figs, pears, and apples are classic choices that bring out the best in many cheeses.
• Dried Fruits: Apricots, dates, and cranberries provide a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts nicely with creamy or blue cheeses.

Nuts

Nuts add a crunchy element and a touch of savory. Try these:

• Almonds, walnuts, and pecans can be served raw or lightly toasted.
• Honey-roasted nuts add a sweet glaze that’s perfect with tangy and blue cheeses.

Crackers and Bread

You’ll need something to carry the cheese. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty baguette slices provide a satisfying crunch.
• Artisanal crackers with herbs or dried fruit incorporated can enhance the flavor pairings.
• For a unique touch, offer thin slices of fruit bread or nut bread.

Spreads and Condiments

These can elevate your cheese board to another level:

• Honey: A drizzle of honey over blue cheese or goat cheese is a classic combination.
• Jams and Preserves: Fig jam, apricot preserves, or cherry compote can add a burst of sweet, tangy flavor.
• Mustards: For a savory twist, consider whole grain mustard or a sweet mustard.

Arranging Your Cheese Board

Presentation is key, Patrick. Here’s how to lay out your cheese board to make it both beautiful and functional:

• Start with the cheeses. Place them at different spots on the board, ensuring they’re easily accessible from all sides.
• Add the accompaniments around the cheeses. This can create a visually appealing spread and make it easy for guests to combine flavors.
• Consider adding labels or small flags to indicate the types of cheese and accompaniments. This can spark conversation and help guests who may not be as familiar with different cheeses.

Choosing the Right Drinks

The right beverage can enhance the flavors of your cheese and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:

Wines

Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven. Here’s what to consider:

• Whites: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a rich Chardonnay can complement soft or goat cheeses.
• Reds: A fruity Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with aged cheeses and blue cheeses.
• Sweet Wines: A dessert wine like Sauternes or a rich Port can balance the saltiness of blue cheese and make for a luxurious pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For a sophisticated non-alcoholic pairing, consider:

• Sparkling water with a twist of citrus can cleanse the palate between different cheeses.
• Fruit juices like apple or grape juice can offer sweet and tart notes that pair well with many cheeses.

Timing and Serving Tips

To ensure the cheese tastes its best, follow these timing tips:

• Temperature: Serve cheese at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors and textures to fully develop.
• Quantity: Aim for about 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. This ensures everyone gets a generous taste without overwhelming the palate, especially after a full meal.
• Utensils: Provide separate knives for each cheese to prevent cross-contamination of flavors. Small cheese knives, spreaders, and forks can be both functional and decorative.

Cheese Platter Themes

If you want to add a unique touch, consider organizing your cheese platter around a theme:

• Regional: Choose cheeses from a particular region or country. For example, an all-French cheese board with Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort.
• Seasonal: Select cheeses that are at their peak during the season of your dinner party. Spring cheeses might include fresh goat cheese, while winter might lean towards aged cheeses.
• Color: Create a visually striking board by choosing cheeses and accompaniments that complement a specific color palette.

Making It Extra Special

To leave a lasting impression, consider these extra touches:

• Handwritten Descriptions: Write a few sentences about each cheese – its origin, flavor profile, and pairing suggestions. This can add an educational element to the tasting experience.
• Interactive Elements: Encourage guests to create their own cheese pairings and discuss their favorites. A little cheese trivia or history can also spark interesting conversations.
• Decorations: Add fresh herbs, edible flowers, or small decorative elements that match the theme of your dinner party. Bunches of grapes and sprigs of rosemary can add a beautiful, aromatic touch.

Final Thoughts…

Patrick, thanks for sending in your question! Serving cheese as a dessert can indeed be a delightful and memorable way to finish a meal. Just remember to select a variety of cheeses, pair them thoughtfully, and present them beautifully. Not only will your dinner party guests appreciate the effort, but they’ll also enjoy exploring new flavors and combinations.

Hope your milestone celebration in Montreal is a roaring success. If you’ve got any more questions or need some last-minute advice, feel free to reach out!