The Case For Highlighting One Cheese On Your Next Cheese Board

Tips for a successful one-cheese board

This approach isn't just a way to pile on processed cheese and saltine crackers. By thoughtfully choosing one type of cheese, you demonstrate purposefulness. This strategy allows you to explore the specialty section for the perfect, intriguing block of aged Parmesan or a delightful sharp cheddar from a local farmer's market, all for the same price as a handful of generic yellow cheese.

You can also tailor the other elements of your plate to reflect a specific region or style that complements the cheese. For instance, pair a rich Brillat-Savarin with vibrant Castelvetrano olives and a toasty Chardonnay sparkling wine. This is yet another reason to cultivate a good relationship with your deli counter staff. Occasionally, they set aside extra pieces or remnants of premium cheeses (or those nearing their sell-by date) to sell at a discount. Befriend your clerk, and you might gain access to a variety of "secret" options at a great price.

There are additional benefits to this method. Serving just one cheese helps prevent one of the most common knife blunders, where a single knife becomes "contaminated" by slicing through multiple cheeses. Shopping can be planned in advance or done spontaneously just an hour before guests arrive. Using a single cheese makes it easy to refresh the plates, ensuring that latecomers receive fresh slices from the same central block. To introduce variety, consider featuring an assortment of crackers or fruits, which are generally more affordable and provide greater texture and color than multiple cheeses.