Killer Summer Cheeseboard with Pickled Strawberries & Herb Rolled Goat Cheese
To grill your brie, preheat your grill to high heat or preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place the brie on the grill and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side or until slightly charred. Remove from the grill. Be careful when flipping the brie, you do not want to break the brie open. Serve warm. To make herb rolled goat cheese, combine the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary and a pinch of pepper on a cutting board. Roll an 8 ounce log of goat cheese in the herbs. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
To grill your brie, preheat your grill to high heat or preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place the brie on the grill and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side or until slightly charred. Remove from the grill. Be careful when flipping the brie, you do not want to break the brie open. Serve warm. To make herb rolled goat cheese, combine the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary and a pinch of pepper on a cutting board. Roll an 8 ounce log of goat cheese in the herbs. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (i used basil (oregano and dill))
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or grated divided)
- 8 ounces fresh burrata cheese
- small handful of fresh thyme + basil
- 1 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces manchego cheese
- 12 ounces fresh strawberries (halved)
- 2 tablespoons honey or coconut sugar (add 2 tablespoons more fo
- 1 vanilla beans (seeds removed)
- 1 ounce round of brie ([grilled | https://www.halfbakedha
- 1 ounce wedge gorgonzola or blue cheese (8)
- 1 ounce log herb rolled goat cheese (8)
- olive oil (for drizzling on the burrata)
- fresh rosemary (for the burrata)
- 6-8 ounces fresh salami and or prosciutto (cold)
- honey (for drizzling)
- green olives (for serving)
- grilled peaches (nectarines and or apricots for serving)
- fresh figs (halved for serving)
- fresh grapes and or cherries (for serving)
- spicy fruit/pepper jellies (for serving)
- toasted walnuts (for serving)
- toasted bread and or crackers (for serving)
- Carbohydrate 43.5968000368546 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 1.25440000106041 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1155g)
- Sodium 213.912000049774 mg
- Sugar 43.5968000368546 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 225 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the strawberries, basil and thyme to a glass jar.
- In a bowl whisk together white balsamic, honey and vanilla bean seeds.
- Pour over the strawberries.
- Seal the jar and place in the fridge until cold. Should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs, 2 cloves minced garlic and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to a baking dish.
- Toss well, making sure the tomatoes are coated in olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes or until the tomatoes collapse.
- Remove and toss with the remaining herbs.
- Allow to cool slightly and then transfer to a serving bowl. Can be made 1 day in advance.
- Grab a really big cheeseplate/board. Assemble the cheeses on the board.
- Arrange all your desired serving items (fruits, spread, nuts, olives, bread + crackers) around the cheese.
- Drizzle the blue cheese with honey.
- Drizzle the burrata cheese with olive oil and garnish with a spring of rosemary.
- Top the grilled brie with pickled strawberries.
- Makes sure to serve with toasted bread and or crackers
Killer Summer Cheeseboard: A Culinary Adventure
Summertime and the living is easy, especially when you've got a killer cheeseboard to share with friends and family. This isn't your average cheese and cracker spread; we're talking a symphony of flavors and textures, a vibrant explosion of summer goodness that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. I've always loved entertaining, and a cheeseboard is my go-to for effortless elegance. It allows me to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and gives guests the freedom to customize their own perfect bites.
The key to a truly exceptional cheeseboard lies in the variety and balance of flavors and textures. You need a mix of creamy, hard, and sharp cheeses to please every palate. I’ve included a variety of cheeses, from the creamy burrata to the sharp gorgonzola and the delightful herb-rolled goat cheese. But the magic doesn't stop there. To elevate this cheeseboard to 'killer' status, I've incorporated some truly unique elements. The pickled strawberries offer a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the cheese, while the roasted cherry tomatoes burst with summery flavor.
Choosing your cheeses: When building your cheeseboard, consider the variety in textures and flavors. A good rule of thumb is to include at least three different types of cheese—one soft, one semi-hard, and one hard cheese. Experiment with different styles! I absolutely love brie; its creamy texture and subtle flavor are always a crowd-pleaser. Gorgonzola (or another blue cheese) adds a pungent, earthy dimension. Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese, offers a firm, nutty complexity. And of course, the herbaceous goat cheese is a refreshing addition.
Beyond the cheese: The real artistry of a cheeseboard lies in the accompaniments. Think beyond the usual crackers. Include a range of textures, from crisp to soft, and a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory. I love incorporating fresh fruits like strawberries, figs, and grapes—their sweetness balances the sharpness of the cheeses perfectly. Roasted cherry tomatoes provide a sweet and savory counterpoint. And let’s not forget the nuts! Toasted walnuts offer a satisfying crunch and a subtle earthiness.
Pickled Strawberries: A Touch of Magic
These aren't your average strawberries. By pickling them in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, honey, and vanilla bean seeds, I transform them into sweet, tangy little jewels that add a surprising and delightful element to the cheeseboard. The process is incredibly simple. Just combine the strawberries with the pickling liquid, seal the jar, and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully over time, resulting in a delightful contrast to the rich cheese.
Herb-Rolled Goat Cheese: A Burst of Freshness
Another delightful addition is the herb-rolled goat cheese. Simply roll a log of goat cheese in a mixture of fresh herbs, such as basil, thyme, and rosemary. The result is a fragrant and flavorful cheese that adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the board. This is a great way to elevate a simple goat cheese into something truly special.
The Art of Arrangement
The presentation of your cheeseboard is just as important as its contents. Don't just pile everything on! Arrange the cheeses strategically, leaving space between them. Place smaller items, like olives and nuts, in bowls or small dishes. Consider height and color, using different serving dishes to create visual interest. A good cheeseboard is a work of art, and a little bit of thoughtful arrangement can make a huge difference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your cheeseboard with a selection of toasted bread or crackers.
- Offer a variety of spreads, such as fruit preserves, jellies, or honey.
- Don't forget the drinks! A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red would pair beautifully with this cheeseboard.
Creating a cheeseboard is a journey of culinary creativity. It's about finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and presenting it in a way that's both beautiful and inviting. So, gather your ingredients, let your creativity flow, and create a cheeseboard that will leave your guests utterly delighted. Happy summer!
