Social media today is filled with images of grazing tables – unbelievably gorgeous spreads of cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits, dips, and breads. These lavish arrangements can be both a visual centerpiece of a gathering and an efficient way to serve a hungry crowd.
But here's the most impressive thing about a grazing table: They're incredibly easy to create. There is no fussing over the stove or prepping dishes the night before – all the elements for a grazing table come prepared and ready to eat. All you need to do is artfully arrange some amazing ingredients – and that starts with choosing the best cheese. After all, the wonderful flavors of prosciutto, fig jam, marcona almonds, and crisp pear slices can't hold a candle to the incredible universe of flavor and texture you get with cheese. So, for a grazing table that will astonish your guests, you simply have to choose great cheese.
Wisconsin cheese is among the most flavorful, most awarded cheese in the world. We've been making cheese here since before Wisconsin was even a state, and our cheesemakers have pioneered more than 600 varieties, types, and styles of cheese. As you're looking for stunning flavor and texture, you can't go wrong with varieties like The Wild Boar cheese - an aromatic monterey jack filled with bits of earthy black truffle. Dill Havarti from Roth Cheese blends creamy goodness with the slightly sweet taste of dill.
Marieke® Golden is a gouda parmesan cheese that combines the sweet nuttiness of parmesan with the creamy texture of gouda. Luna cheese from Hill Valley Dairy is a gouda and Alpine-style blend with salty, creamy, sweet, and earthy flavors – exactly what the moon would taste like if made of cheese.
Cheddar Gruyere from Wood River Creamery is another blend that combines the tang of cheddar with the complex flavors of gruyere cheese. And Sartori's SarVecchio Parmesan is one of the most decorated parmesans made in America.
Here are the secrets to creating a beautiful and tasty grazing table.
Variety is paramount when choosing cheese, meats, and other ingredients for your grazing table.
Choose cheeses that offer a range of texture and taste. These may include:
When selecting cured meats, be sure to include:
The complements to your cheese and charcuterie may include:
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