What Is The Best Way to Serve Cheese At a Party?

A tray of cheese and crackers is a tried and true party dish. It would seem that no party is complete without the requisite cheeses alongside crackers, and often the sliced meats. There are so many cheeses from which to choose that you could serve a different selection at every party for some time to come. Not only are there the standard varieties, such as cheddars, Monterey jack, and Swiss, but there are also the gourmet cheeses. Gourmet cheeses such as asiago, brie, or Edam are just a few of the many varieties. Then there are specialties that are as varied as their makers, these can include aged cheeses, curds and smoked cheeses.

So what is the best way to serve cheese at a party? If you asked a hundred hostesses this question, you are likely to get just as many answers. So here are just a few of the most popular ways to serve this queen of the party buffet table.

Cheese and Crackers
Probably one of the most common ways to serve cheese is on a plate or tray either alongside an assortment of crackers, or with the crackers already topped with small squares of cheese and perhaps a dollop of something else interesting. Some people will spend time researching just what cheese will pair best with which cracker. Others will just put out a spread of cheddar slices and ordinary wheat crackers. Some will try to get fancy by layering the cracker with a slice of cheese, a tiny slice of cold cut, and top it with a slice of stuffed green olive. Whatever suits your whims, tastes and function should be just fine.

Cheese Rollups
Another way to serve cheese is to cut thin slices of cheese, spread a bit of some type of filling on it, then carefully roll it up and secure with a fancy toothpick. Fillings can be ordinary such as meat spreads or hummus, or quirky such as cream cheese mixed with strawberry jam.

Fondue
There is always the traditional cheese fondue to fall back on. Serve fondue with a variety of breads, crackers, bread sticks, raw veggie sticks, or whatever tickles your fancy.

Miscellaneous
Don’t overlook the interest of a cheese ball, of cheese dips, or cheese spreads that can complement a variety of crackers, chips, and breads. Add an attractive platter of fresh fruits, and you will have a spread worthy of any party guest.