How to Host a Cheese Tasting Party
Cheese Tasting is Hip, Fun and Delicious.
Successful Serving
While I don't believe in blind observance of rules, here's one that's critical:
Cheese is best served at room temperature!
Remove cheese from the refrigerator 45 minutes to an hour prior to serving to ensure the fullest flavor.
Plate up cheese in a tasting order: mellow, mild, softer cheeses first progressing toward big, bold flavors. Generally, I begin with Fresh, soft cheeses like chevre, Brie, Washed Rind cheeses and then progress toward firm cheese like Cheddar, Aged Gouda, Gruyère or Parmigiano and end with Blue.
Party On!
Serve with crusty bread or plain crackers. Nuts, fresh and dried fruit and chutney are also lovely additions to a plate of cheese, but try the cheese solo first for the best impression.
One fun way to host a party like this is to provide an array of cheese and invite guests to bring their favorite bottle of cheese friendly wine. Generally fruity, less tannic wines work best. Many swear that white works better than red when pairing with cheese, though my personal approach is to eat and drink what you like. Experimenting with different combinations will lead you to your own personal cheese nirvana. Explore More: Cheese Tasting Techniques