Creating the perfect cheese plate is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect cheese plate? With one easy counting trick, anyone can make a tasty, beautiful display that you will want to devour.

The classic cheese plate has become more than just cheese and crackers on platter. Many of these plates are feasts for both the taste buds and the eyes. Although it might seem like only the professionals can make these perfect plates, the truth is far different. The perfect cheese plate is as simple as counting.

Cheese is a vast, varied subject. From styles of cheese to regions, a cheese plate can take all types of directions. While everyone has a favorite cheese or even a meat/cheese combination, sometimes that variety can be a little intimidating. At the same time, the choice can lead to some tasty discovery.

Occasionally restaurants will offer cheese or meat and cheese plate. As this plate is delivered to the table, guests often rave over the presentation. From the placement to the accompaniments, it seems like every element is perfection.

The same idea applies to those droll worthy Instagram photos. Those foodie photos look like it took hours to create that impeccable plate. But, when you take a closer look, there is a little trick to that captivating and tasty perfect cheese plate.

Marissa Mullen is the mastermind behind That Cheese Plate. This ingenious method of creating the perfect cheese plate is a simple as a remembering a childhood favorite task, paint by numbers. By breaking the cheese plate into zones, anyone and everyone can create a cheese plate that will be the envy of all your friends.

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Basically, the idea is to break the cheese plate into the six components, cheese, meat, fruit/vegetables, nuts, crackers and garnishes. Each component is assigned a number and the numbers are arranged clockwise around the plate.

Thinking about this concept, it is deceptively simple. More importantly, why hadn’t anyone thought of this idea before? The simplicity is obvious yet the end result is stunning.

Even though there are some perceived rules to this concept, anyone can “color” a little outside of the lines. If you prefer more nuts than fruit or would like to omit the garnish, no one is going to criticize. Still, this concept can help elevate your next cheese plate, and more importantly, impress your friends.

Since I love a good Sunday meat and cheese afternoon, I tried this perfect cheese methodology. One aspect that worked for me was the salami river. Using the salami as a dividing line down the cheese plate helped to divide the plate into manageable divisions.

After that defined line, I choose to have soft cheeses on one side and hard cheeses on another. Using some fruit and nuts to fill-in the spaces, the final product was a delightful smorgasbord of cheese and meat deliciousness.

This concept is a great way to create a themed cheese plate. Since October is National Cheese Month, why not add something new to your repertoire.

For example, Marion French Cheese is the “longest continually-operating cheese company in America.” Creating a cheese plate featuring its various cow cheeses, Genoa salami, some fresh figs, almonds and water crackers would be a wonderful cheese plate.

Truthfully, a perfect cheese plate should be an expression of the flavors and foods that you personally enjoy. While this cheese plate by numbers concept gives you a template, food, and a cheese plate, should appeal to you. If you don’t find joy in those flavors, find a taste that makes you smile.

Do you have a tip or trick to creating that perfect cheese plate? More importantly, what is your favorite cheese that FoodSided should discover?