Plan a Cheese Party

Cheese Platter and Shopping List

The Perfect Cheese Platter

Think of cheeses as falling into five basic types, says Anne Saxelby, owner of Saxelby Cheesemongers, in New York City. For a good balance of tastes and textures, serve one from each category.
 
1. Blue: The most intense.
Gorgonzola (shown, top left), Cashel Blue, Fourme d’Ambert, Roquefort, Stilton.
 
2. Semifirm: Subtle but rich.
Manchego (shown, top center), cave-aged Cheddar, fontina, Garrotxa, Saint-Nectaire.
 
3. Super-aged: Sharp and nutty.
Parmigiano-Reggiano (shown, top right), Asiago, Comté, aged Gouda, aged Gruyère.
 
4. Pungent: A.k.a. stinky.
Taleggio (shown, bottom left), Èpoisses, Langres, Livarot, Pont l’Évêque.
 
5. Mild: Soft and creamy.
Fresh chèvre (shown, bottom right), Brie, Camembert, Chaource, Robiola.
 
Get a shopping list for everything you need for the party.