14 Best Cheese Platters for New Year: Unveil the Perfect Party Spread
New Year's Eve is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a memorable celebration. And what better way to kick off the party than with an array of mouth-watering cheese platters? Cheese platters are versatile, easy to put together, and cater to various tastes, making them an ideal choice for any festive occasion.
In this article, I’m excited to share 14 of the best cheese platters that will not only satisfy your guests’ palates but also make your party the talk of the town. So, let's dive into these delectable cheese platters that are sure to impress!
Article Includes
1. Classic Cheese and Fruit Platter
This combination of cheeses and fresh fruit is a timeless favorite that always pleases a crowd.
Ingredients:
- Brie cheese
- Blue cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Grapes
- Fresh figs
- Apple slices
- Assorted crackers
Instructions:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large platter.
- Surround the cheeses with grapes, fresh figs, and apple slices.
- Add a variety of crackers for guests to pair with their cheese and fruit.
2. Mediterranean Cheese Platter
Transport your guests to the sunny Mediterranean with this flavorful spread.
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Manchego cheese
- Kalamata olives
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Sundried tomatoes
- Pita chips
Instructions:
- Place the feta and manchego cheeses on a serving board.
- Add small bowls of Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Finish the platter with a handful of pita chips for dipping.
3. Gourmet Truffle Cheese Platter
Elevate your party with rich and indulgent truffle-infused cheeses.
Ingredients:
- Truffle gouda
- Truffle brie
- Honeycomb
- Fig jam
- Toasted baguette slices
- Truffle honey
Instructions:
- Position the truffle gouda and truffle brie on a stylish board.
- Add a small dish of honeycomb and a jar of fig jam.
- Scatter toasted baguette slices around and drizzle everything lightly with truffle honey.
4. Italian Cheese and Antipasto Platter
This platter brings the best of Italian flavors together in one savory spread.
Ingredients:
- Provolone cheese
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Italian salami
- Prosciutto
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated olives
- Breadsticks
Instructions:
- Arrange the provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses on a platter.
- Place slices of Italian salami and prosciutto around the cheese.
- Add roasted red peppers, marinated olives, and breadsticks to complete the platter.
5. French Cheese and Charcuterie Platter
A beautifully balanced selection of French cheeses and charcuterie.
Ingredients:
- Camembert cheese
- Roquefort cheese
- Saucisson (French sausage)
- Cornichons
- Baguette slices
- Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Set the Camembert and Roquefort cheeses on a large board.
- Arrange slices of saucisson and small piles of cornichons around the cheese.
- Add slices of baguette and a small dish of Dijon mustard for spreading.
6. Decadent Cheese and Nut Platter
For those who love a mix of crunchy and creamy, this platter is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- Triple cream brie
- Aged gouda
- Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Dried apricots
- Dates
- Rustic crackers
Instructions:
- Place the triple cream brie and aged gouda on the board.
- Surround the cheeses with mixed nuts, dried apricots, and dates.
- Add a variety of rustic crackers for your guests to enjoy.
7. Vegetarian Cheese and Veggie Platter
A great option for those who prefer a vegetarian spread with plenty of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Smoked cheddar
- Cherry tomatoes
- Baby carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Hummus
- Rice crackers
Instructions:
- Arrange the goat cheese and smoked cheddar on a platter.
- Add cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and sliced cucumbers around the cheese.
- Include a dish of hummus and some rice crackers for dipping and pairing.
8. Rustic Farmhouse Cheese Platter
Reminiscent of countryside charm, this platter features hearty and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Sharp cheddar
- Smoked gouda
- Pickled onions
- Spiced nuts
- Sliced ham
- Whole-grain mustard
- Rye crisps
Instructions:
- Place the sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses on the board.
- Add pickled onions, spiced nuts, and slices of ham around the cheese.
- Include a small dish of whole-grain mustard and a pile of rye crisps.
9. Spicy Cheese and Jalapeño Platter
Turn up the heat with this spicy and zesty cheese platter.
Ingredients:
- Pepper jack cheese
- Spicy cheddar
- Pickled jalapeños
- Hot pepper jelly
- Tortilla chips
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Set the pepper jack and spicy cheddar cheeses on a platter.
- Add pickled jalapeños and a small bowl of hot pepper jelly.
- Surround with tortilla chips and a dish of salsa for an extra kick.
10. Sweet and Savory Cheese Platter
A delightful mix of sweet and savory elements makes this platter a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Blue cheese
- Havarti cheese
- Fresh strawberries
- Honey-roasted pecans
- Grapes
- Wildflower honey
- Water crackers
Instructions:
- Arrange the blue cheese and Havarti cheese on a serving tray.
- Add fresh strawberries, honey-roasted pecans, and grapes around the cheese.
- Drizzle with wildflower honey and serve with water crackers.
11. International Cheese Platter
Take a world tour with this diverse selection of cheeses from across the globe.
Ingredients:
- Aged cheddar (England)
- Camembert (France)
- Gouda (Netherlands)
- Manchego (Spain)
- Dried apricots
- Mixed nuts
- Baguette slices
Instructions:
- Place the aged cheddar, Camembert, Gouda, and Manchego cheeses on a large board.
- Surround the cheese with dried apricots and mixed nuts.
- Add baguette slices for guests to create their own international bites.
12. Decadent Dessert Cheese Platter
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this platter combines dessert with cheese.
Ingredients:
- Mascarpone cheese
- Chocolate-covered almonds
- Fresh raspberries
- Honey
- Biscoff cookies
- Caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Place the mascarpone cheese on a platter.
- Add chocolate-covered almonds, fresh raspberries, and honey.
- Surround with Biscoff cookies and a dish of caramel sauce for drizzling.
13. BBQ Lover's Cheese Platter
Ideal for those who crave smoky and bold BBQ flavors.
Ingredients:
- Smoked cheddar
- BBQ jalapeño cheese
- BBQ beef jerky
- Pickled okra
- Roasted peanuts
- BBQ sauce
- Cornbread crackers
Instructions:
- Place the smoked cheddar and BBQ jalapeño cheeses on a large board.
- Add slices of BBQ beef jerky, pickled okra, and roasted peanuts around the cheese.
- Include a small dish of BBQ sauce and cornbread crackers.
14. Elegant Fruit and Cheese Platter
This elegant selection is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your party.
Ingredients:
- Brie cheese
- Goat cheese
- Fresh figs
- Sliced pears
- Walnuts
- Honey
- Crostini
Instructions:
- Arrange the brie and goat cheeses on a stylish platter.
- Surround the cheese with fresh figs, sliced pears, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with honey and serve with crostini.
Conclusion
I hope you found these cheese platter recipes inspiring and perfect for your New Year's Eve celebration. Prepare any of these enticing platters, and you're sure to impress your guests and enjoy a delightful evening together. Happy New Year!