How To Host A Cheese Tasting Party

One of the latest trends and a great way to spend an amazing evening with your friends is to host a cheese tasting party. You may want to host a party but not know what to do or where to start so with all the possible selections you should have some time to get ready. You should not think of hosting a cheese party as a complicated thing. After all there are more than 100 selections at the best markets. Someone at your local cheese store will be able to help you make some great selections but if you go in knowing a few things about cheese you will be able to do better. Because not everybody knows everything there is to know about cheese here are some great tips that will help you make your party a success.

What To Shop For

In order to have a successful cheese tasting party you should have at least five cheeses to choose from. The rule of thumb is to try to with a minimum of two milk based types. Some of the milk types that you will find include cow, goat or sheep; in some cases a combination of two or more. What you want to do with the different milk types is to create different textures and flavors. Think of combining textures such as that of brie, some aged cheddar and extra aged blue cheese or Gouda. You can also consider smoked provolone, Swiss and fresh Mozzarella. If your guests are fond of a particular style then you can get different versions of the same cheese.

How Much To Buy

The amount of cheese that you will buy depends on the number of guests that you will have. Some people even choose to have each person bring a block of cheese and the host has some fresh fruits and veggies to complement the cheese. Because there is no set amount of people that you will have at a cheese tasting party think of getting at least 4 ounces of cheese for every guest. That does not mean that you should get 4 ounces of cheddar, 4 ounces of brie and 4 ounces of blue cheese per guest but rather a combination of all cheeses should make four ounces per guest. Also make sure to get other things to compliment the cheese like crackers or bread, wine, nuts or other condiments. That way your guests will have a substantial meal during your party.

Serving And Plating

There are no real rules when it comes to serving cheese but serving it room temperature is usually best; in order to do so take the cheese out of the fridge close to an hour before serving. That way you will get the fullest flavor. The cheese should be unwrapped and allowed to breathe. You can use wax paper to prevent the cheese from drying out. Plating should be done in tasting order, starting with mellow then mild with softer cheeses served first, finishing with bold flavors. Cheese should also be served with its own knife; chunk, slice or crumble portions of each before serving. That will make it easier for your guests to pick up. Crackers, dried fruit, nuts or cured meats on the side are great for your party.