Cheese is an absolute treat, but to really get the most out of its awesome flavors, smells, and textures, a little bit of planning goes a long way!
Here at Gourmet Shop, we do cheese the French way. You can get it as a large slice/piece or cut into small bite-sized chunks, and we always include a little name tag with the cheese’s name and the type of milk. Each style works great for a different kind of gathering.
The tray with large slices/pieces is best for a dinner party. Following the French custom, you put the tray in the middle of the table or pass it around. Each guest can choose and cut off a piece they like. Usually, people will try a small bit of everything unless they’re not keen on something like a blue or goat cheese.
The tray with bite-sized pieces is more for casual events like parties, BBQs, and cocktails. Cutting the cheese into small pieces means guests can easily pick them up with a toothpick or small fork and enjoy them without needing a plate. Plus, it makes it super easy for them to sample whatever catches their eye!
Serving Temperature is Key!
This is the most important rule, seriously! Cheese straight from the fridge is hard, the flavor is dulled, and you miss out on all the intended complexity. It’s best to take your cheese tray out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to serve it. This lets the cheese “wake up” so its full flavor and aroma can shine through.
Don’t Forget the Condiments!
At our Gourmet Shop Singapore, you’ll find great options like orange confit or onion confit that pair wonderfully with our cheese selection. Just pop open the jar and set it next to the cheese tray with a small spoon. Guests can then mix and match the cheese with whatever condiment they like best.
Bread or crackers are also a must-have. French folks typically prefer bread, especially a sliced baguette. On the other hand, Anglo-Saxons often lean toward crackers, so it’s really up to you! Crackers are usually lighter, and sometimes, after a big dinner, bread can be easier. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend toasting the bread—it gets too crunchy, and that crispiness can distract from the wonderful texture of the cheese.
You really don’t need fruits, dried fruits, or nuts, and they don’t actually go well with every cheese. It can overcomplicate the experience, and sometimes the sweetness overpowers the cheese. The goal of eating cheese is to savor all its unique flavors. That’s why our cheese trays don’t include or very little fruits or vegetables. And at Gourmet Shop Singapore, when you buy a 1 kg cheese tray, you get 1 kg of cheese—not fillers—which is way better value!
Drinks!
Wine or port wine is always a fantastic pairing because the acidity is a nice counter to the rich, creamy flavors. Don’t stress too much over the perfect match, though! I personally enjoy white wine, maybe a Chardonnay or Grenache, as I find it offers a good acid balance to really enjoy the cheese flavors. Sometimes red wine can be a bit too strong and powerful. Port wine is lovely with blue cheese, by the way. It all boils down to your personal preference, but for beginners, a white or light rosé is a great place to start!
Enjoy! and say cheese…
