Cheese platter

Festive Cheese and Cream Platter

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

This cheese platter recipe is not just a simple combination of cheeses, but a true explosion of flavors that will delight everyone's taste buds. Inspired by specialty magazines, this recipe has become a classic at my celebrations, always bringing a touch of elegance and flavor to the table. If you want to impress your guests, look no further!

Ingredients

- 600 grams Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 handful of chives
- 1 small onion
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
- 2 packs of 10 slices of sliced Cheddar cheese
- 4 triangles of La Vache Qui Rit cheese
- 1 teaspoon green oregano leaves
- 2-3 radishes
- A few cherry tomatoes for decoration
- A few sprigs of rosemary and green oregano for decoration
- Pomegranate seeds for decoration
- 1 cucumber for decoration

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the creams

1. Cream cheese with tomato paste: In a large bowl, place the Philadelphia cream cheese. Add the tomato paste, crushed garlic, and paprika. Using a mixer or spatula, mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The taste will be vibrant and flavorful, perfect for adding a splash of color to the platter.

2. Herb cream cheese: In another bowl, add the remaining cream cheese. Grate the small onion and add it to the bowl, along with finely chopped chives, oregano leaves, and fennel seeds. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated. This combination will bring a fresh and aromatic scent.

Step 2: Assembling the platter

1. Large cheese rolls: On a large platter, lay down 3 slices of Cheddar cheese, slightly overlapping at the edges. Spread each slice with the cream cheese with tomato paste, followed by the herb cream cheese. Repeat this process until all slices are used. Carefully roll the cheese slices to form a tight roll. This will be the centerpiece of the platter.

2. Delicious sandwiches: Using leftover cheese slices, assemble alternating sandwiches with the cream cheese. Place them in the fridge to firm up a bit before cutting them into quarters.

3. Small rolls: With the remaining cheese slices, spread with cream cheese, roll them up and tie them with a chive stem. These little snacks will add an interesting contrast to the platter.

4. Stuffed triangles: Cut the La Vache Qui Rit cheese triangles in half and fill them with the remaining cream cheese. Decorate each piece with a slice of radish for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Step 3: Garnishing and serving

1. Decorating the platter: Arrange all the dishes on a large platter, adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, sprigs of rosemary and green oregano for an attractive look. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for a contrast of flavors and a touch of elegance.

2. Chilling time: Let the platter sit in the fridge for at least an hour for the flavors to develop and the compositions to firm up a bit.

Serving and suggestions

This cheese platter is ideal for serving at parties, birthdays, or holiday meals. It pairs perfectly with a cold beer or a dry white wine. It can also be accompanied by pita or crackers to add a crunchy texture.

Recipe history

This recipe was discovered in a Burda magazine from 1987, being a recipe that has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and versatility. Cheese platters have a long tradition in gastronomy, often served on special occasions, bringing people together around the table.

Tips and advice

- Choosing cheeses: Use quality cheeses to achieve the best flavors.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace Cheddar cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different taste.
- Cream cheese: If you prefer a smoother texture, let the cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving (approximately 100g) of this platter contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the cheeses used. This dish offers quality proteins, calcium, and healthy fats. Additionally, fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants, being beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese or blue cheese.
2. How can I store the dish? This platter stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered.
3. Can I add other ingredients? Certainly, you can add olives, nuts, or dried fruits for a different taste and texture.

This cheese platter will not only bring smiles to your guests' faces but will also become an easy-to-make recipe that you will want to repeat every time you have the chance. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: We need: -600 grams of Philadelphia cream cheese -1 tablespoon of tomato paste -3 cloves of garlic -2 teaspoons of sweet paprika -1 handful of chives -1 small onion -1 teaspoon of ground fennel seeds -2 packs of 10 slices of sliced Cheddar cheese -4 triangles of La vache qui rit cheese -1 teaspoon of fresh oregano leaves -2-3 radishes -a few cherry tomatoes -a few sprigs of rosemary and fresh oregano for decoration -pomegranate seeds for decoration -1 cucumber for decoration