Cheese and crackers make tempting party appetizers.
Cheese and cracker trays are easy to assemble and make satisfying appetizers for party guests of all ages. When assembling the tray, provide a variety of cheese and cracker types to please each of the guests' palates. Artfully arrange the treats on an elegant tray to make a decorative and appetizing presentation. Be sure to separate the different types of cheese to keep the flavors from mingling.
Instructions
1. Choose a decorative round tray large enough to accommodate the amount of cheese and crackers you're serving. Pick a silver or gold tray for a sophisticated style or a wooden tray for a rustic look.
2. Select up to five kids of cheese to serve. Include soft-ripened cheeses, such as brie, semi-soft cheese such as Havarti and semi-hard cheese such as cheddar. Plan on 1 to 2 oz. of cheese per person if you're serving it as an appetizer.
3. Cut semi-soft cheese into serving-size cubes or slices and semi-hard cheese into small wedges or cubes. Unwrap soft cheese from its packaging and leave it in its original form; guests will use knives to spread the cheese onto crackers.
4. Choose a selection of water, butter, wheat and rye crackers to complement the different types of cheeses.
5. Arrange one type of cheese, such as cheddar cubes, on the tray. Place a row of crackers going diagonally toward the center of the tray next to the cheese. Display another type of cheese, such as brie, next to the crackers, and place another row of crackers on the other side of it. Continue alternating the crackers and cheese all the way around the tray.
6. Place a bowl of marinated olives in the center of the tray if you have space. Provide metal picks or forks and knives next to the cheese and cracker tray so guests can serve themselves.
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