Lemon Grove Lane

Five Minute Cheese Plate

 

Warm summer nights beg for a party, yes?  So to get started I’ll be setting up a simple cheese plate that takes about 5 minutes to assemble and is perfect for that last minute entertaining!

Before we construct the 5 minute cheese plate, let’s talk about entertaining.

What’s your entertaining style?

Do you like to purchase food that’s ready to assemble or re-heat or is planning a 4 course meal your jam? For me it’s all about farm to table style.  Fresh and local is always my favorite and my menu is generally a simple one.   The reason for this is that I’d rather spend time with my guests rather than in the kitchen preparing the next course.  When my guests arrive all the attention is on them and they each receive the beverage of their choice along with a small selection of simple, one-bite appetizers.

Cheese platters are easy and I like that you can change up the selection seasonally.  Some cheese platters are loaded .. over top!  In my opinion, it’s not a meal so I go with something a bit more sparse and very simple, hence the 5 minute cheese plate!

Step One:  Choose a serving plate or cheese board

I have a small collection of antique bread boards and they come in handy for displaying cheeses and other appetizers.

Other options would be a cheese dome, decorative plate, slate, or marble cheese platter.

Step Two: Utensils and serving bowls

I like to mix and match my serving utensils.  For a small cheese plate, all you need is a knife.  If you are going with a larger cheese plate with piles of goodies, you might want to include extra utensils.  I like this set!  For olives or other antipasti I use these little bowls.  They are so versatile!  My daughter found these fun ceramic cheese markers (similar) years ago and I still use them.

Step Three: Allow about 2 ounces of cheese per guest

Choose 4 -6 different cheese varieties.  Be creative and choose cheeses with different textures and flavors.  I like to add local cheeses as well as some varieties from other countries.  Today’s platter consists of a gouda, brie, blue, and goat cheese.

Step Four: Allow about 2 ounces of cheese per guest

Choose 4 -6 different cheese varieties.  Be creative and choose cheeses with different textures and flavors.  I like to add local cheeses as well as some varieties from other countries.  Today’s platter consists of a gouda, brie, blue, and goat cheese.

Step Five: Assorted fruits, nuts, and olives

Step Six: Crackers or Bread

Grill sliced baguette with olive oil, or simply have a warm basket of bread near-by.  Crackers are also an easy choice if you are short on time or would rather not bother with slicing bread.

Step Seven: Something Green

Add sprigs of rosemary or fresh basil to your plate.  This makes everything smell yummy and always looks pretty!

What are some of your favorite cheeses to serve your guests?

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Missy Palacol Photography

- Leslie

- Leslie

Welcome to Lemon Grove Lane, where I share seasonal recipes and heartfelt home inspiration, all curated to nurture the art of a well-lived life.

Please note: This post may include affiliate links, which contribute to the support of my blog efforts at no extra cost to you.

3 Responses

  1. Hi Leslie, your cheese tray is perfect for guests to enjoy and your kitchen looks so pretty. I do a little of both, I sometimes purchase some of the food I serve which gives me more time to do special dishes I prepare. It’s usually a mixed bag here. Like you, I want to enjoy my guests and family while here.
    Enjoy the week….

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