Cheese Tray Recipe
Brie, goat, Gouda, cheese of the week served with honey & la baguette
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Ingredients
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Cheeses
Accompaniments
Tools & Serving
Method
Cheeses
- 1
Bring cheeses to temperature
Remove Brie, goat cheese, Gouda, and the cheese of the week from the refrigerator 30–60 minutes before serving. Let them rest at room temperature on the counter (covered lightly) so flavors and textures open up.
- 2
Prepare Brie
If using a whole wheel of Brie, score the top lightly in a crisscross pattern for easy slicing, or slice into wedges. Place the Brie on the board where it can be spread or sliced.
- 3
Prepare Goat Cheese
If using a log, slice into 1/2-inch rounds or leave whole for spreading. Optionally roll slices in cracked pepper or chopped herbs and place near a spreader knife.
- 4
Prepare Gouda and Cheese of the Week
Cut Gouda into bite-size cubes or 1/4-inch slices. Slice the cheese of the week appropriately for its texture (thin slices for hard cheese, chunks for crumbly). Arrange each cheese with space around it so guests can access knives without cross-contamination.
Accompaniments
- 5
Prepare baguette
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette on the bias into 1/2-inch slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil if using. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven 6–8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.
- 6
Arrange crackers
Place water crackers or neutral crackers in a small pile or fan on the board near the firmer cheeses so guests can pair them easily.
- 7
Prepare nuts and olives
If using nuts, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat 3–4 minutes until fragrant, watching carefully so they don't burn. Place nuts and olives each in small bowls and set on the board.
- 8
Prepare fruit
Wash grapes or figs. Core and thinly slice apples and toss with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning if serving later. Arrange fruit near complementary cheeses (e.g., grapes with Gouda).
- 9
Honey serving
Spoon the honey into a small bowl or pour into a shallow dish. Place a small spoon nearby so guests can drizzle honey onto cheeses (especially Brie and goat cheese). If the honey is very thick, warm the jar briefly in a bowl of warm water to loosen.
- 10
Assembly & Serving
- 11
Layout the board
Place the cheeses spaced around the board first, leaving room for bowls. Arrange the small bowls (honey, olives, nuts) in the gaps between cheeses so they are easy to reach.
- 12
- 13
Provide utensils & labeling
Place appropriate cheese knives beside each cheese: a soft cheese spreader for Brie and goat cheese, a firmer knife for Gouda and hard cheese. Optionally label each cheese with small cards so guests know what they are tasting.
- 14
Final checks
Taste a small piece to confirm the temperature and seasoning. Adjust placement for balance and visual appeal. Serve within 1–2 hours of assembly for best texture and flavor.