How to Create a Holiday Cheese Plate

Last Updated on June 30, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh

There’s still time to create a holiday platter that everyone will remember at your family gathering. A Holiday Cheese Plate is a simple way to impress your guests and offer a filling appetizer before the main meal. As the hostess, it’s hard to socialize when you’re busy preparing food. If you prep a cheese plate beforehand, you can just serve it and mingle alongside your guests.

This year, the highlight of my cheese plate will be Jarlsberg® cheese. It’s a premium cheese with a nutty flavor that everyone loves. I like to buy several wedges during the holiday season, because you never know when you’ll have guests to serve. The mild flavoring and soft texture make it an easy accompaniment to other items on your cheese plate. I wish I knew how they created the unique cheese, but it’s actually a closely guarded Norway secret! Check out some of my favorite ways to pair Jarlsberg on your holiday cheese plate.

How to Create a Holiday Cheese Plate For a Party

Before you start making your cheese plate there are a few things to consider:

• How many people will you be serving?
• What is your budget?
• Plan on serving 1-2 ounces of cheese per person.
• There are no wrongs with the types of cheese you pick

Arrange Your Holiday Cheese Platter

Don’t overcrowd your platter and consider adding a touch of holly or evergreen to add a festive look. I like to keep everything natural. Never add poinsettia as an accent (it’s not edible and should be avoided). Your cheese plate can be served on top of a butcher block or cutting board. Keep in mind, a plate will make noise as guests cut into each cheese.

Use Several Knives

Offer several knives, one for each type of cheese, so no flavors end up mixing. I like to use butter knives for soft cheeses that are easy to cut, like Jarlsberg.

Cube or Slice Your Bread

I like to offer several carbs to accompany my cheese. If you want to serve a crunchy baguette (Sourdough or French) consider cutting it into cubes or small slices. It’s make it easy for your guests to eat, especially if it’s a cocktail party without seating.

Add a Little Crunch

Crackers are also a nice addition to your cheese plate. Jarlsberg® Cheese Crisps® are perfect for entertaining because they can be stacked with cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese on cheese? They baked the nutty quality of their famous cheese into a crispy and thin cracker. Serve the crisps in a separate container and keep away from fruits, so they don’t soften.

Pair With Fruit

Fruit is a fantastic paring to cheese. Grapes, pears, figs and apples are great options to serve on your holiday cheese plate. I like to slice some fruit and offer whole pieces as well. Keep grapes on the vine, so nothing rolls off of your platter. Another fruit option is a chutney, which you can smear directly onto the platter. Olives are also a great addition – they add a salty touch.

Pick Your Cheese Types

You want to pick several types of cheese for your holiday cheese plate. Jarlsberg makes a lite cheese, smoked, and a special reserve that has been aged for 12 months for a robust flavor. Give your guests several options to pick from.

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