Save 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 reminds me of warm evenings by the fire after a day of skiing in the mountains, sharing great food and stories with friends and family.
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
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large wooden or slate platter spacing them out and slicing or cubing as appropriate for each variety.
- Step 2:
- Fan out the charcuterie slices between the cheeses (if using).
- Step 3:
- Place bread slices and crackers around the platter or serve in a separate basket.
- Step 4:
- Fill small bowls with cornichons pickled onions walnuts and dried fruit and arrange these on or near the platter.
- Step 5:
- Add fresh apple or pear slices for a sweet refreshing contrast.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle a little mountain honey in a small dish for pairing with blue or hard cheeses.
- Step 7:
- Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Save Family and friends always gather around this platter to share stories and laughter during the chilly winter nights.
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.
Save This cheese platter is an effortless way to bring alpine charm to your table and celebrate the winter season.
Kitchen Questions
- → Which cheeses best suit a mountain-style platter?
Select aged, firm cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie to evoke alpine flavors.
- → Can the platter accommodate vegetarian preferences?
Omitting charcuterie and adding more fruits, nuts, or marinated vegetables creates a satisfying vegetarian option.
- → What bread or crackers complement this spread?
Rustic baguette slices, rye or country loaf, and whole grain crackers provide excellent textural contrast.
- → What accompaniments enhance the cheese flavors?
Pickled onions, cornichons, dried apricots or figs, walnuts, and fresh apple or pear slices add sweet and tangy balance.
- → How should this platter be served for best taste?
Serve at room temperature to ensure the cheeses develop their full aroma and flavor.
- → What beverages pair well with this alpine selection?
Light reds like Pinot Noir, crisp whites like Apremont or Riesling, mulled wine, or herbal teas complement the flavors beautifully.