Cheese to Stimulate the Senses: Charcuterie Table Ideas
Ever since I was a young child, I've had a love for cheese, and not your standard cheddar like my 12 year old today. I would drool over a mouth-watering brie or smoky gouda. Cheese and I have had a lifetime love affair with my tastes only expanding over time.
Cheese and charcuterie are a perfect pair, and there are many delicious cheeses that are sure to elevate any charcuterie board. Here are 8 cheeses worth considering next time you need charcuterie table ideas:
Goat Cheese: This cheese is made from the milk of goats and is typically tangy and slightly sweet in flavor. You can typically find goat cheese with added herbs or even fruits as well.
Manchego: This Spanish cheese is made from sheep's milk and is aged for at least 3 months. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and is perfect for grating or slicing.
Gouda: This Dutch cheese is made from cow's milk and is aged for at least 6 months. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and is perfect for slicing and pairing with charcuterie.
Cheddar: This English cheese is made from cow's milk and is aged for at least 3 months. It has a sharp and tangy flavor, and is perfect for slicing and pairing with charcuterie.
Brie: This French cheese is made from cow's milk and is aged for at least 4 weeks. It has a creamy and buttery flavor, and is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.
Roquefort: This French cheese is made from sheep's milk and is aged for at least 3 months. It has a strong and tangy flavor, and is perfect for crumbling over charcuterie.
Feta: This Greek cheese is made from sheep's or goat's milk and is aged for at least 2 months. It has a tangy and salty flavor, and is perfect for crumbling over charcuterie.
Some of my favourites are Gouda, Manchego and Brie, what are yours? When choosing cheeses for your charcuterie board, be sure to consider the flavor, texture, and aroma of each cheese and pair them with complementary charcuterie such as cured meats, olives, and crackers. Selecting a variety of soft and hard cheeses and strong and mild cheeses will also ensure there is something for everyone's pallet.
xx Kelly