Creating the Ultimate Australian Cheese Board: A Connoisseur's Guide
An Australian cheese board is more than just a platter of cheese; it's a celebration of local flavours, textures, and craftsmanship. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or a sophisticated soirée, a well-curated cheese board is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a stunning and delicious cheese board featuring the best Australian cheeses, accompaniments, and serving tips.
1. Selecting a Variety of Australian Cheeses
The foundation of any great cheese board is, of course, the cheese. Aim for a variety of textures, flavours, and milk types to create a well-rounded experience. Consider including the following categories:
Soft Cheese: These cheeses are creamy and spreadable, offering a delicate flavour. Examples include:
Brie: A classic choice, Australian brie is known for its rich, buttery flavour. Look for varieties from Victoria or Tasmania.
Camembert: Similar to brie but with a slightly earthier flavour, Camembert is another excellent option.
Goat's Cheese (Chevre): Available in various forms (fresh, aged, marinated), goat's cheese adds a tangy and slightly acidic note to the board.
Semi-Hard Cheese: These cheeses offer a firmer texture and more pronounced flavour than soft cheeses. Examples include:
Havarti: A mild and creamy cheese with a slightly sweet flavour. It pairs well with fruits and nuts.
Edam: A smooth and nutty cheese that's a good all-rounder for any cheese board.
Jarlsberg: Known for its large holes and mild, nutty flavour. It's a great option for those who prefer a less intense cheese.
Hard Cheese: These cheeses are aged for longer periods, resulting in a firm texture and complex flavour. Examples include:
Cheddar: A staple on any cheese board, Australian cheddar comes in various ages, from mild to sharp. Try a vintage cheddar for a more intense flavour.
Parmesan: A hard, granular cheese with a salty and nutty flavour. It's perfect for grating over accompaniments or enjoying in small pieces.
Pecorino: A hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk. It offers a more robust flavour than Parmesan.
Blue Cheese: These cheeses are characterised by their blue veins and pungent flavour. Examples include:
Roquefort: While traditionally French, Australian cheesemakers produce excellent blue cheeses inspired by Roquefort. Look for a creamy and slightly salty variety.
Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese with a milder flavour than Roquefort. It's a good option for those who are new to blue cheese.
Australian Blue: Many Australian cheesemakers produce unique blue cheeses using local milk and techniques. Explore different varieties to find your favourite.
When selecting your cheeses, consider the number of guests you'll be serving. A good rule of thumb is to provide approximately 100-150 grams of cheese per person. Also, check out what Lushly offers for local produce.
2. Choosing Complementary Accompaniments
Accompaniments are essential for enhancing the flavour of the cheeses and adding variety to your cheese board. Consider including a mix of sweet, savoury, and textural elements:
Crackers and Bread: Offer a variety of crackers and bread to suit different tastes and textures. Consider:
Plain Crackers: These provide a neutral base for the cheese.
Flavoured Crackers: Rosemary, olive oil, or sea salt crackers can add extra flavour.
Baguette Slices: Toasted or fresh, baguette slices are a classic choice.
Fruit Bread: The sweetness of fruit bread pairs well with strong cheeses like blue cheese.
Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits add sweetness and acidity to the board. Consider:
Grapes: A classic pairing for cheese, grapes offer a refreshing sweetness.
Apples: Sliced apples provide a crisp and slightly tart flavour.
Pears: Similar to apples but with a softer texture and more delicate flavour.
Dried Apricots: The chewy texture and concentrated sweetness of dried apricots pair well with creamy cheeses.
Figs: Fresh or dried, figs offer a unique sweetness and slightly earthy flavour.
Nuts: Nuts add crunch and a savoury element to the board. Consider:
Walnuts: Their slightly bitter flavour pairs well with blue cheese.
Almonds: A versatile nut that complements most cheeses.
Pecans: Their sweet and buttery flavour pairs well with cheddar and brie.
Macadamia Nuts: A distinctly Australian nut, macadamias offer a creamy and slightly sweet flavour.
Spreads and Jams: Sweet and savoury spreads can enhance the flavour of the cheeses. Consider:
Quince Paste: A traditional accompaniment for cheese, quince paste offers a sweet and slightly tart flavour.
Fig Jam: Similar to quince paste but with a more intense fig flavour.
Honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and complements both soft and hard cheeses.
Chutney: A savoury relish made from fruits or vegetables, chutney adds a tangy and spicy element to the board.
Olives and Pickles: These add a salty and acidic element to the board. Consider:
Green Olives: Mild and briny, green olives are a classic choice.
Black Olives: More intense in flavour than green olives, black olives add a savoury element.
Pickled Onions: Their tangy and slightly sweet flavour pairs well with strong cheeses.
Cornichons: Small, pickled cucumbers that offer a crisp and acidic flavour.
3. Arranging Your Cheese Board for Visual Appeal
The presentation of your cheese board is just as important as the selection of cheeses and accompaniments. A well-arranged board is visually appealing and encourages guests to sample different combinations.
Choose the Right Board: Select a board that is large enough to accommodate all of your cheeses and accompaniments without looking overcrowded. Wooden boards, slate boards, and marble boards are all popular choices.
Arrange the Cheeses: Place the cheeses around the board, leaving space between each one. Consider arranging them in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, starting with the mildest cheese and ending with the strongest.
Add the Accompaniments: Fill in the gaps between the cheeses with your accompaniments. Arrange them in small clusters or piles, creating visual interest. Use small bowls or ramekins to hold spreads, jams, and olives.
Garnish: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to garnish the board and add a pop of colour.
Consider Height: Use small risers or platforms to add height to the board and create visual interest. This can be achieved with small bowls turned upside down or even small stacks of books covered with a cloth.
4. Serving and Pairing Suggestions
To ensure your guests enjoy the cheese board to its fullest, consider the following serving and pairing suggestions:
Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the cheeses to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to fully develop.
Provide Cheese Knives: Provide separate cheese knives for each cheese to prevent the flavours from mixing. Label the cheeses if necessary.
Offer Wine Pairings: Pair your cheese board with a selection of Australian wines. Consider the following pairings:
Soft Cheese: Sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
Semi-Hard Cheese: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rosé
Hard Cheese: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot
Blue Cheese: Port, Sauternes, Dessert Wine
Consider Beer Pairings: Beer can also be a great pairing for cheese. Consider the following pairings:
Soft Cheese: Wheat Beer, Pale Ale
Semi-Hard Cheese: Amber Ale, Brown Ale
Hard Cheese: IPA, Stout
Blue Cheese: Barleywine, Imperial Stout
5. Storing and Handling Cheese Properly
Proper storage and handling are essential for preserving the quality and flavour of your cheese.
Wrap Properly: Wrap leftover cheese tightly in cheese paper or wax paper. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and affect the flavour of the cheese.
Store in the Refrigerator: Store cheese in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable crisper. This will help to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity.
Separate Strong Cheeses: Store strong cheeses, such as blue cheese, separately from other cheeses to prevent the flavours from transferring.
Consume Within a Week: Consume cheese within a week of opening to ensure the best flavour and quality. Frequently asked questions can help with specific storage concerns.
6. Cheese Board Themes and Seasonal Variations
To add a personal touch to your cheese board, consider creating a theme or incorporating seasonal variations.
Regional Theme: Focus on cheeses and accompaniments from a specific region of Australia, such as Tasmania or the Hunter Valley.
Seasonal Theme: Incorporate seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your cheese board. For example, in summer, you could include fresh berries, stone fruits, and basil. In autumn, you could include apples, pears, and figs.
Holiday Theme: Create a cheese board that is themed for a specific holiday, such as Christmas or Easter. For example, you could include cranberry sauce, gingerbread, and chocolate eggs.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Theme: Create a cheese board that caters to vegetarian or vegan guests. There are many delicious plant-based cheeses available, as well as a wide variety of vegan-friendly accompaniments.
Creating the ultimate Australian cheese board is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can create a stunning and delicious cheese board that will impress your guests and showcase the best of Australian cheese. And if you're looking for more inspiration or local produce, learn more about Lushly and our commitment to quality.