Save A cozy, rustic cheese platter inspired by the flavors of the Alps, perfect for cold winter evenings. Featuring a selection of mountain cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments for a convivial, après-ski-style gathering.
This cheese platter has been a family favorite during winter gatherings, bringing warmth and conviviality to our table with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Comté (aged), 150 g Beaufort, 120 g Reblochon, 120 g Tomme de Savoie, 100 g Bleu de Gex or Roquefort (optional for blue cheese lovers)
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g Saucisson sec (dry-cured sausage), 100 g Prosciutto or jambon cru, 100 g Smoked ham
- Bread & Crackers: 1 rustic baguette sliced, 1 small rye or country loaf sliced, 80 g whole grain crackers
- Accompaniments: 1 small jar cornichons (pickled gherkins), 1 small jar pickled onions, 1 small bowl walnut halves, 1 small bowl dried apricots or figs, 1 crisp apple or pear sliced, 2 tbsp mountain honey, Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Arrange cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden or slate platter, spacing them out and slicing or cubing as appropriate for each variety.
- Fan charcuterie:
- Fan out the charcuterie slices between the cheeses (if using).
- Place bread and crackers:
- Place bread slices and crackers around the platter, or serve in a separate basket.
- Fill bowls:
- Fill small bowls with cornichons, pickled onions, walnuts, and dried fruit, and arrange these on or near the platter.
- Add fruit slices:
- Add fresh apple or pear slices for a sweet, refreshing contrast.
- Drizzle honey:
- Drizzle a little mountain honey in a small dish for pairing with blue or hard cheeses.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Save We cherish the moments sharing this platter during cold evenings, gathering friends and family around good food and warm conversations.
Required Tools
Large wooden or slate platter, Cheese knives, Small bowls, Bread knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Wheat (bread crackers) Tree nuts (walnuts) May contain Sulfites (in pickles dried fruit) Gluten (bread crackers) Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 18 g
Save This platter is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your winter gatherings with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of cheese are best for this platter?
Aged Comté, Beaufort, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie, and a mild blue cheese like Bleu de Gex or Roquefort offer complementary alpine flavors.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add more fruits, nuts, or marinated vegetables for variety and texture.
- → What accompaniments enhance the cheese flavors?
Pickled onions, cornichons, dried apricots or figs, walnuts, fresh apple or pear slices, and a drizzle of mountain honey balance richness with freshness and sweetness.
- → How should the platter be served for best taste?
Serve at room temperature to allow full flavor and aroma development in the cheeses and accompaniments.
- → What drinks pair well with this cheese selection?
Crisp white wines like Apremont or Riesling, light reds such as Pinot Noir, mulled wine, or hot herbal teas complement the alpine flavors beautifully.
- → What tools are needed to prepare the platter?
A large wooden or slate platter, cheese knives, small bowls for accompaniments, and a bread knife make assembling easy and elegant.