Save It 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 platter always brings my family together during chilly evenings, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere we all enjoy.
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 the cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden or slate platter, spacing them out and slicing or cubing as appropriate for each variety.
- Fan out 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 small 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 platter:
- Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Save It Sharing this platter has become a cherished family moment during winter gatherings, sparking conversations and laughter around the table.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine (e.g. Apremont, Riesling) or a light red (e.g. Pinot Noir) for the best flavor experience.
Serving Tips
Serve with mulled wine or hot herbal tea to enhance the wintery feel and keep guests warm and cozy.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese), wheat (bread crackers), tree nuts (walnuts). May contain sulfites (in pickles dried fruit) and gluten (bread crackers). Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Save It This platter is the perfect finishing touch to any winter celebration, combining simplicity with Alpine charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cheeses are best for a mountain-style platter?
Hard and semi-soft Alpine cheeses such as Comté, Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie provide a variety of textures and rich, nutty flavors suited to this type of platter.
- → Can the charcuterie be omitted for dietary preferences?
Yes, omitting the cured meats creates a vegetarian-friendly option that can be enhanced with additional fruits, nuts, or marinated vegetables for balance.
- → What accompaniments complement the cheeses on the platter?
Crunchy breads, whole grain crackers, pickled vegetables, dried fruits, and a drizzle of mountain honey add contrasting textures and flavors that highlight the cheeses.
- → How should the platter be served to maximize flavor?
Serve at room temperature to allow the cheeses and charcuterie to reveal their full aroma and taste, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
- → What beverages pair well with this Alpine platter?
Crisp white wines like Apremont or Riesling, light reds such as Pinot Noir, mulled wine, or hot herbal tea complement the flavors beautifully.