Fruit and Cheese Plate 

Creating a Fruit and Cheese Plate is an art that combines flavors, textures, and colors to create an appealing and delicious appetizer. This guide will walk you through the process of assembling a stunning platter that will impress your guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Cheese Selection

Choose a variety of cheeses to provide different flavors and textures:

• Soft Cheese: 4 ounces goat cheese
• Creamy Cheese: 8 ounces brie cheese
• Aged Cheese: 8 ounces aged cheddar
• Additional Options: 8 ounces parmesan or gouda (optional)

Fruit Selection

Incorporate a mix of fresh fruits for sweetness and color:

• 1 lb grapes (red or green)
• 3 kiwis, sliced
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 4 ounces blueberries
• 4 ounces blackberries
• 4 ounces raspberries
• 4 ounces strawberries, tops removed
• 1 pear, sliced

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Add some crunch and sweetness:

• 4 ounces candied walnuts or pecans
• 3 ounces dried fruits (e.g., strawberries, orange slices)

Bread and Crackers

Provide a base for the cheese and fruit:

• 6 ounces assorted crackers (e.g., water crackers, multigrain)
• Optional: slices of a French baguette or crusty bread

Condiments

Enhance flavors with dips:

• 4 tablespoons honey (with honeycomb if possible)
• Optional: fig jam or pepper jelly

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • Start by selecting your cheeses. Cut them into different shapes such as cubes, triangles, or slices for visual appeal.
   • Wash and slice your fruits. Use a fruit wash for cleanliness, then pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Assemble the Platter:
   • Begin by placing the largest items on your serving board, such as cheeses and small bowls for dips.
   • Position your cheese selections in different sections of the platter. Include cheese knives for easy serving.
   • Add larger fruits like grapes first, followed by smaller fruits to fill in gaps.
   • Incorporate nuts and dried fruits throughout the platter for added texture.
   • Finish with garnishes like fresh herbs or edible flowers for color.
3. Serving Suggestions:
   • Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
   • Provide toothpicks or small spoons for easy serving.

Tips and Notes

• Label Your Cheeses: Use small signs to identify different varieties to avoid flavor mixing.
• Room Temperature: Bring cheeses out about an hour before serving to enhance their flavors.
• Portion Size: Plan for approximately 3 ounces of cheese per guest, increasing to 5 ounces if it’s the main dish.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving (about 5 ounces of cheese and assorted fruits) can contain approximately:

• Calories: 535 kcal per serving
  • Cheese: ~200 kcal
  • Fruits: ~150 kcal
  • Nuts: ~100 kcal
  • Crackers: ~85 kcal

Note: Caloric values may vary based on specific types of cheese and additional ingredients used.

Cooking Time

Total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with no cooking required. Indulge your taste buds with this delightful Fruit and Cheese Plate! For more mouth-watering recipes like this one, consider purchasing our eBook filled with delicious ideas. Additionally, pre-order our new cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” which focuses on weight loss and healthy meal options that don’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy creating beautiful platters that are as nutritious as they are delicious!