Fresh Fruit And Cheese Recipe
fresh sliced seasonal fruit including pineapple, grapes melon, strawberries, cheddar, pepper jack, and swiss cheese
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Ingredients
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Fruit
Cheese
Optional garnish & accompaniments
Method
Fruit
Prepare pineapple
If using a whole pineapple, cut off top and bottom, slice away skin and eyes, then core and cut flesh into bite-sized chunks to yield about 2 cups. If using pre-cut, trim any excess juice and pat dry with paper towel.
Prepare grapes
Rinse grapes under cool running water, then dry on a clean towel. Remove any stems and keep grapes whole (or halve if preferred). Measure about 2 cups.
Prepare melon
Peel, seed, and cube cantaloupe or honeydew into 1-inch pieces to make about 2 cups. Place cubes in a colander to drain briefly if very juicy, then pat dry.
Prepare strawberries
Rinse strawberries, hull (remove green tops), and halve or quarter larger berries. Toss gently with 1 tablespoon lemon juice if you want to slow browning and brighten flavor. Measure about 1 cup.
Combine all prepared fruit in a large bowl and toss gently to mix. Taste and adjust: if fruit is under-ripe or not sweet enough, drizzle up to 2 teaspoons honey and toss lightly.
Cheese
Prepare cheeses
Remove cheeses from the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before serving to bring to near room temperature for best flavor. Slice or cube the sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and swiss into similar-sized pieces (about 3/4–1 inch) so they look balanced on the platter, about 1 cup each.
Arrange cheeses on the serving board or platter in clusters, giving each cheese its own space for guests to select slices or cubes. Provide a small cheese knife or spreader for each variety if sliced.
Assembly & Serving
Choose a large serving platter or board. Arrange fruit sections (pineapple, grapes, melon, strawberries) in separate clusters or artistically interspersed, leaving room for the three cheeses.
Place the cheddar, pepper jack, and swiss near the fruit that pairs well (cheddar with apples/pears or pineapple; pepper jack near grapes or melon for contrast; swiss with strawberries or plain crackers), but any arrangement is fine.
Garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves tucked among the fruit and cheese. Place crackers or sliced baguette on the side or in a separate bowl.
If desired, provide a small dish of honey for drizzling over fruit or a few slices of cheese. Serve immediately so fruit stays fresh and cheese remains at optimal temperature.