Other than a Cupcake Tasting Party, a Cheese Tasting Party just may be one of my most favorite things. Having a tasting party is a fun way to experiment with new foods and flavors. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a night in with the girls (or guys), a tasting party can be both fun and educational. Plus, since you can prepare most things in advance, it’s an incredibly stress-free way to host a party. It just takes a little planning. I’m here to help with that!

Today I wanted to share six easy steps for hosting a fabulous and fun Cheese Tasting Party.

Let’s get started!

Step One: Buy Some Cheese

First things first – you’re going to need some cheese. Plan on serving 4 to 6 ounces of cheese per guest. Unless you know that your friends really like to eat. I mean, can you ever have too much cheese? I also suggest having 5 or 6 different varieties. I’d recommend Extra Sharp Cheddar from Cracker Barrel as a great cheese to anchor your board. It’s delicious and reasonably priced. Buy cheeses that you love and don’t be afraid to experiment with a few new varieties as well. A cheese tasting party is the perfect occasion to do this.

Tip: Cracker Barrel’s signature square shaped cheese is designed to perfectly fit a cracker.

Step Two: Set up the Party

Presentation is important, right? Search your house for fun surfaces on which to display the cheese and your other fixins! Cheese is at its tastiest at room temperature so bring your cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before the tasting. Big chunks of cheese look best and retain their freshness. Cutting off a few slices encourages your guests to start tasting.

Tip: I’m a big fan of using neutrals when it comes to displaying food. White platters, slate boards, wood cutting boards, and marble pastry slabs are a few surfaces that really let the food shine!

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Step Three: Share your Knowledge

Cheese is obviously delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a great cracker or fresh fruit. Offer your guests a variety of accompaniments to pair with the cheese. Suggest some possible flavor combinations, but encourage your guests to come up with their own pairings, too!

Tip: Not sure what to serve with your cheese? Don’t worry! Some of my favorite accompaniments are olives, any fresh fruit or berries, sliced Italian meats, balsamic glaze, nuts, honey, jam and chocolate!

Step Four: Teach How to Properly Taste

Yes, there is a proper way to taste cheese and Cracker Barrel has perfected it – sniff, size it up, slice, smoosh, and savor! Use the guide below to impress your friends with your mad skills! Print out a few copies for the party as an easy reference for your guests.

Tip: Provide paper and a pen so guests can note their favorite cheese and which flavor pairings they like best.

Step Five: Serve up some Drinks

Wine is an obvious choice for pairing with cheese. To keep things simple, I suggest having one white and one red for your guests to choose from. For the white, try something light and crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For the red, you can never go wrong with a Pinot Noir. Be sure to also have water and soda available for those who don’t imbibe.

Tip: Buying wine can be expensive. If your guests ask about bringing something to the party, encourage them to bring a bottle of their favorite wine! Not only will your guests get to taste cheese, they’ll also discover some new wines.

Step Six: Relax and Enjoy

Finally, enjoy yourself. Formal tasting parties can be a drag. Encourage your guests to relax! Keep things fun and causal by turning up your favorite tunes. Urge your guests to taste, taste, taste and share their favorite cheese and flavor combinations. Remember, it’s a party! Have a great time!

Tip: Ask your guests to send you a list of their favorite songs. Make a playlist specific to your party so each guest can enjoy some of their top tunes! This is a great way for everyone to learn about new artists!

That’s it! My six steps for an unforgettable Cheese Tasting Party! Have you ever hosted a cheese tasting party? What additional advice or tips do you have?

Comments

Saskia at 11 AM on May 23, 2013
I hosted a “cheesy party” once for the Eurovision Song Contest. I had cheeses from nearly every country participating, all served on separate plates with cute labels. The party was great fun and my friends still talk about it. Cheese parties are great !

Michael Wurm, Jr. at 11 AM on May 23, 2013
Ooo! That sounds fabulous Saskia. I love a good cheese party!

xo Michael

Krista at 12 PM on May 23, 2013
Oooooh! Believe it or not, i’ve never tried Cracker Barrel cheese – it’s def on my next grocery list! Lovin’ this!

Michael Wurm, Jr. at 1 PM on May 23, 2013
What!? Seriously!? It’s a must. My favorite is the Jalapeño!

xo Michael

CJ at 4 PM on May 23, 2013
I’, so glad to told be that cheese is best served at room temp, nothing worse then ice cold cheese. Love the ideas!

Michael Wurm, Jr. at 8 PM on May 23, 2013
Yes. Absolutely! Thanks so much!

xo Michael

Courtney Whitmore at 7 PM on May 23, 2013
FABULOUS! 🙂

Michael Wurm, Jr. at 8 PM on May 23, 2013
Holla! Thanks Courtney. 🙂

xo Michael

Elizabeth @ HobbyLobbyist at 3 AM on June 03, 2013
I love this! We will definitely make our next party a cheese party.

Michael Wurm, Jr. at 2 PM on June 03, 2013
Totally! Who doesn’t love a good cheese party!?

xo Michael

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Six Steps for Hosting a Fabulous Cheese Tasting Party