Cheese Plate & Bruschetta Bar Recipes
Say Cheese Plate Please —
Pulling together a cheese plate and bruschetta bar is one of my favorite ways to entertain, especially in the summer. A dear friend of mine from Chicago recently dropped in for a visit, and with occasions to see each other so rare, when she happens to blow back into town, we always try to reconnect. I’ve learned to treasure my friends, especially as I’ve gotten older and found that making new and meaningful connections has become more difficult. It’s just not as easy as when the neighborhood was new, and we could bond through the shared experience of parenthood. Nowadays, when I do get to see some of my cherished friends, we always make it an occasion for an impromptu party, (and you can guess who’s cooking)!
Tasting Your Way Around The World
Curating and presenting an interesting cheese plate is a fun and easy way to take guests on an around the world flavor adventure without ever leaving home. Personally, I don’t think there is anything more appetizing than a creamy French Brie, or a pungent Italian Gorgonzola perched on a toasted baguette — the pairing becomes a party in your mouth! Next, add some fruits, nuts, and an interesting assortment of sweet and savory condiments, and you turn the humble act of eating cheese into an amazing experience! Let your creativity run wild; there are no precise steps, or even a recipe to follow. Instead, I’ve created an infographic style “How-To” guide to help inspire you to create your very own cheese plate masterpiece. If you do, I hope you’ll share it with me on Instagram, and tag it #seasonalmuse.
How to
Make a
Cheese Board
Easy Entertaining
Use something you already have in your home and be creative. Consider using:
Cutting Board
Slate or Chalk Board
Marble Slab
Large Serving Platter
Select a variety of cheeses. Consider picking one from each family:
Aged:
Cheddar, Gouda
Soft:
Brie, Goat Cheese
Firm:
Manchego
Blue:
Danish Blue, Gorgonzola
— Estimate 3 oz per person
— Label each variety
— Provide separate knives
Provide a variety that will work for all guests:
Assorted Crackers
Gluten-Free Crackers
Sliced Baguettes
Breadsticks
Cured meats or Charcuterie pair nicely and compliment the cheese. Consider:
Prosciutto
Salami
Pepperoni
Pate
Candied or regular nuts add a nice touch to a cheese board. Consider adding:
Candied Pecans or Walnuts
Marcona Almonds
Pistachios
Mixed Nuts
Smoked Almonds
Fresh or dried fruits add a sweet compliment to the salty flavor of cheeses and meats. Consider adding an interesting jelly, jam or honey to the mix. Good Options:
Grapes
Figs
Melon
Sliced Apples
Sliced Pears
Dried Apricots
Dates
Fig Jam
Honey
Pepper Jelly
Bacon & Sundried Tomato Jam (Get the Recipe)
Round everything out by adding items that have a savory flavor profile. Consider:
Roasted Red Peppers
Assorted Olives
Roasted or Marinated Artichokes
Caponata (Get the Recipe)
Hot Herb Olives
3 Sweet & Savory Recipes to Try
I’m sharing three of my condiment recipe ideas that pair well with a cheese plate: Bacon & sun-dried tomato jam, Caponata, or Hot herb olives. Give them a try – they are all yummy, or use them as idea starters. The best part of entertaining this way is that there’s usually something for everyone and guests love it. Can’t wait to see what you create because it’s about what inspires you, then share a photo on instagram and tag it #seasonalmuse-cheeseplate.
Bon Appétit!
inspired in the kitchen
Recipes For Your Cheese Board!
Bacon & Sun-dried Tomato Jam
Easy to make, this sun-dried tomato bacon jam is irresistibly smokey, sweet, and savory too. If you love bacon, gotta try this flavor exploding bacon jam.
Eggplant Caponata
Caponata is a sweet and sour eggplant dish that originated in Sicily. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish that can be made in advance and served chilled, or at room temperature. Great Vegetarian option too!
Meals Are Always Best When Shared
Let’s share our culinary journey together – tag me on Instagram @seasonalmuse and share what inspires you, because that’s what inspires me! Bon Appétit!
Copyright Notice
All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use photos without obtaining prior written permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please rewrite the recipe using your own unique description and link back to this post on the Seasonal Muse for proper attribution Thank you!
