How to Host a Cheese Tasting Party

Cheese Tasting is Hip, Fun and Delicious.

It’s clear that cheese tasting is hip, fun and delicious…the perfect way to spend an evening with friends. Tempted to host your own, but don't know where to begin? With 100 or more selections at well-stocked cheese counters, it can be hard to choose.

Before you get overwhelmed, just remember the mantra: "It's Just Cheese!" Meaning, don't stress. Worrying about whether the cheese is perfectly ripe, if it will pair properly with that snazzy new bottle of wine and whether or not you should seek out a store that doesn't wrap in plastic will simply drain your energy -- energy that could be better spent enjoying cheese!

These quick tips will make your tasting a smashing success!

Choosing Cheese

Choose 3 - 7 cheeses from several different styles at least two different milk types to provide a nice contrast of flavors and textures. Try a Brie, Goat Cheese, Washed Rind, Aged Gouda and Blue, for instance.

An advanced approach is to plan a vertical tasting where several different versions of one style of cheese – blue or washed rind, for instance. Tasting them side by side can be very enlightening -- just make sure your guests are truly fond of the style of cheese you're exploring.

Buying Cheese: How Much?

For an appetizer or dessert course cheese tasting, plan on two ounces per guest. For a formal tasting or for parties where cheese is the main attraction, plan on three ounces per guest. Follow this simple equation:

Number of Guests  x  Amount of Cheese
Number of Cheeses

For instance, 10 guests at a formal tasting would equal 30 ounces of cheese divided by six cheeses meaning about 5 ounces of each type of cheese. I often round up by an ounce or two on each selection to allow guests to have their fill.

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