Ina Garten’s Ultimate Cheese Platter | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

Cheese has been an important part of our diets and a popular appetizer for centuries. The art of preparing a perfect cheese platter is not only about selecting the right cheese but also the accompaniments that can enhance the flavors and aromas of the cheeses. Ina Garten’s Ultimate Cheese Platter recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network is a great example of how to create an impressive and delicious cheese platter for your next party or gathering.

Ingredients:

– Assortment of cheeses (Goat cheese, Roquefort, Brie, Aged Gouda, and Cheddar)
– Assortment of crackers and bread
– Grapes
– Dried fruits (figs, apricots, and cranberries)
– Nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
– Honey
– Marcona almonds
– Olives (Kalamata and Castelvetrano)
– Cornichons
– Mustard

Instructions:

1. Start by selecting a variety of cheeses with different flavors, textures, colors, and shapes. For this recipe, we recommend Goat cheese, Roquefort, Brie, Aged Gouda, and Cheddar.

2. Cut the cheese into bite-size pieces, triangles, or wedges, and arrange them on a platter or cutting board. Make sure to leave some space between the cheeses so that guests can easily pick and choose.

3. Add crackers and bread around the cheese. This can include baguette slices, crostini, crackers, and breadsticks. You can also add gluten-free options for your guests.

4. Use some twigs of grapes to decorate the edges of the platter, and fill the gaps between the cheese with dried fruits like figs, apricots, or cranberries. This not only adds color but also a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.

5. Add some nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans around the platter. You can lightly toast them or season with your favorite spices.

6. Drizzle honey over the soft or ripe cheese, like Brie or Roquefort. This adds a different dimension of sweetness to your cheese platter.

7. Incorporate marcona almonds, olives, cornichons, and mustard, to add some briny, salty flavors that pair well with the rich cheeses.

8. Enjoy your cheese platter with a glass of wine or cocktail, and let the flavors speak for themselves.

Summary:

– Select a variety of cheeses with different flavors, textures, colors, and shapes.
– Cut the cheese into bite-size pieces, triangles, or wedges, and arrange them on a platter or cutting board.
– Add crackers and bread around the cheese.
– Use grapes to decorate the edges of the platter, and fill the gaps between the cheese with dried fruits.
– Add some nuts and drizzle honey over the soft or ripe cheese.
– Incorporate marcona almonds, olives, cornichons, and mustard.
– Enjoy with a glass of wine or cocktail, and let the flavors speak for themselves.