French cuisine has long been our absolute favorite, so it's no surprise that a French cheese plate is also at the top of our list when it comes to charcuterie.
A well-curated French cheese plate is much simpler than you might think. It's a perfect choice if you're hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic evening, or simply enjoying a solo, quiet night at home. Assembling a French cheese plate takes just minutes but it's always a treat!
From helping you choose your cheeses to their perfect pairings, we'll help you create a cheese plate that transports you straight to the French countryside and impresses your guests.
Traditional French Cheeses
France is renowned for its incredible diversity of cheeses, with over 1,000 varieties spanning different regions and traditions. Each cheese reflects the unique characteristics of the land where it's produced. Here are some must-have options to consider for your cheese plate:
- Brie: Often referred to as "The Queen of Cheeses," Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild buttery flavor. Varieties like Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun offer the most authentic taste.
- Camembert: Similar to Brie but slightly more robust, with a rich, earthy profile. Look for Camembert de Normandie for the traditional experience.
- Roquefort: Known as "The King of Blues," Roquefort is a bold blue cheese made from sheep's milk. It's tangy, salty, and perfectly crumbly, often aged in limestone caves.
- Comté: A hard cheese with nutty and caramel-like notes, Comté is often aged for 12-36 months to develop its complexity. It's a favorite from the Jura region.
- Mimolette: This bright orange cheese has a firm texture and nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Aged Mimolette can have a crunchy texture from natural crystals.
- Chèvre: Goat cheese comes in various forms, from creamy logs to aged rounds. Fresh Chèvre is tangy and mild, while aged varieties develop a stronger flavor.
- Reblochon: A semi-soft cheese from the French Alps, Reblochon has a creamy texture and nutty aroma, making it a staple on French cheese plates.
- Tomme de Savoie: A rustic cheese with an earthy flavor and semi-soft texture, it's perfect if you prefer milder options.
- Epoisses: Known for its pungent aroma, Epoisses is a washed-rind cheese with a rich, custardy interior. Despite its strong smell, its flavor is surprisingly mellow and buttery.
- Munster: This Alsace cheese is a washed-rind variety with a strong aroma and a creamy, tangy taste.
For an authentic French cheese plate, aim to include a variety of milk types (cow, goat, and sheep) and textures (soft, semi-soft, hard, and blue). If you need more inspiration, you can browse our list of the best cheeses for charcuterie.
Tips for Serving a French Cheese Plate
The French approach to serving cheese is steeped in tradition and elegance. There are no rigid rules to serving a cheese plate as you would in France, but following these guidelines will help you create a cheese plate that's both delicious and beautifully presented:
- Timing: In France, cheese is traditionally served after the main course and before (or in place of) dessert. However, you can also serve it as an appetizer or centerpiece for a wine night. Always serve cheese at room temperature to allow its flavors to develop fully. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving.
- Variety: Choose at least three to five cheeses for your plate, ensuring a mix of textures, milk types, and flavor profiles. For example, pair a creamy Brie with a nutty Comté, a tangy Roquefort, and a mild Chèvre.
- Accoutrements: Keep the accompaniments simple and complementary. Classic pairings include:
- Bread: Offer a selection of crusty baguettes, whole-grain bread, or crackers.
- Fruits: Fresh options like grapes, figs, or apple slices, as well as dried fruits like apricots or raisins.
- Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spreads: Honey, fig jam, or quince paste can enhance the flavors of certain cheeses.
- Presentation: Arrange the cheeses on a wooden board, slate, or marble platter. Place them in a clockwise order, starting with the mildest and ending with the strongest. This guides your guests' tasting experience. Add small labels or flags to identify each cheese.
- Wine Pairing: Complement the cheeses with French wines for a harmonious pairing. Some suggestions include:
- Brie or Camembert: Pair with a light red like Pinot Noir or a sparkling wine like Champagne.
- Roquefort: Enjoy with a sweet Sauternes or Port.
- Chèvre: Match with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a Loire Valley white.
- Comté: Opt for a medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or a dry Riesling.
Where to Buy French Cheeses in the US and France
Finding authentic French cheeses is essential for creating the perfect French cheese plate. Here are some places you can try:
- In the US:
- Specialty Stores: Gourmet markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's often carry a selection of French cheeses. Local cheese shops are also excellent sources, and can sometimes point you to local farms for even more variety.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Murray's Cheese, iGourmet, and Fromages.com specialize in imported French cheeses and are delivered nationwide.
- Farmers' Markets: Some farmers' markets feature vendors who offer artisanal cheeses, including French-inspired selections.
- In France:
- Fromageries: Dedicated cheese shops, or fromageries, are the cornerstone of French cheese culture. The cheesemonger can guide you through local and regional specialties.
- Supermarkets: Even standard grocery stores in France, such as Carrefour, Monoprix, or Leclerc, offer extensive cheese selections at reasonable prices.
- Markets: Open-air markets across France, like those in Provence or Paris, often feature stalls with locally produced cheeses. These are great places to discover regional specialties.
When buying cheese, ask about its origin, production method, and recommended pairings to make an informed choice.
How to Store and Serve Cheese Properly
Storing cheese correctly preserves its flavor and texture. Keep cheese in wax paper or parchment rather than plastic wrap to allow it to breathe. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, which offers a stable, cool environment. For soft and washed-rind cheeses, a dedicated cheese box can help maintain the right humidity.
When serving, provide a separate knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavors. Encourage your guests to start with the mildest cheese and progress to the strongest. This order allows their palate to adjust and appreciate each cheese's unique qualities.
Creating a French cheese plate is about more than just assembling a variety of cheeses-it's an experience. Take your time to select high-quality cheeses and present them thoughtfully. Adding small touches, like fresh herbs or edible flowers, will help make your French cheese plate as gorgeous as it is delicious!
Most importantly, enjoy the process. A French cheese plate is best savored slowly, accompanied by good wine and great company.
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