Pin It A cozy, rustic cheese platter inspired by the flavors of the Alps, perfect for cold winter evenings. Featuring a selection of mountain cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments for a convivial, après-ski-style gathering.
This platter always turns our gatherings into memorable festive occasions filled with laughter and great food.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Comté (aged), 150 g Beaufort, 120 g Reblochon, 120 g Tomme de Savoie, 100 g Bleu de Gex or Roquefort (optional for blue cheese lovers)
- Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option): 100 g Saucisson sec (dry-cured sausage), 100 g Prosciutto or jambon cru, 100 g Smoked ham
- Bread & Crackers: 1 rustic baguette sliced, 1 small rye or country loaf sliced, 80 g whole grain crackers
- Accompaniments: 1 small jar cornichons (pickled gherkins), 1 small jar pickled onions, 1 small bowl walnut halves, 1 small bowl dried apricots or figs, 1 crisp apple or pear sliced, 2 tbsp mountain honey, Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Arrange cheeses:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden or slate platter spacing them out and slicing or cubing as appropriate for each variety.
- Add charcuterie:
- Fan out the charcuterie slices between the cheeses (if using).
- Place bread and crackers:
- Place bread slices and crackers around the platter or serve in a separate basket.
- Fill bowls:
- Fill small bowls with cornichons pickled onions walnuts and dried fruit and arrange these on or near the platter.
- Add fruit slices:
- Add fresh apple or pear slices for a sweet refreshing contrast.
- Provide honey:
- Drizzle a little mountain honey in a small dish for pairing with blue or hard cheeses.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Pin It Sharing this platter has become a beloved tradition during our winter get-togethers and makes the cold evenings feel warmer.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine (e.g. Apremont Riesling) or a light red (e.g. Pinot Noir). Serve with mulled wine or hot herbal tea for an extra wintery feel.
Required Tools
Large wooden or slate platter Cheese knives Small bowls Bread knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Wheat (bread crackers) Tree nuts (walnuts) May contain Sulfites (in pickles dried fruit) Gluten (bread crackers) Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Pin It This cheese platter is a perfect start to any winter gathering bringing warmth and conviviality in every bite.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What cheeses are best for this alpine platter?
Aged varieties like Comté, Beaufort, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie, and an optional blue cheese like Bleu de Gex complement well.
- → Can I prepare the platter without meat?
Yes, omit the charcuterie and increase fruits, nuts, or marinated vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly selection.
- → How should the platter be served for best flavor?
Serve at room temperature to allow the cheeses and accompaniments to reveal their full flavors.
- → What accompaniments enhance the platter?
Pickled cornichons, onions, walnuts, dried apricots or figs, fresh apple or pear slices, and a drizzle of mountain honey work beautifully.
- → What beverages pair well with this spread?
Pair with crisp white wines like Apremont or Riesling, light reds like Pinot Noir, or indulge in mulled wine or herbal teas for a winter vibe.