I have always found cheese platters to be one of the easiest and effective appetisers to use for a party. The ingredients are mostly store bought and doesn’t need much prep time. In addition with a mix of fruits, cheese, meats and crackers, there is something for everyone.
The cheese-ball
When serving crackers with your cheese platter, the cheeseball is one of my favourites. You can add some spices, honey and even fruits to give it zing
Pomegranate Jewelled cheese-ball
ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 6 ounces freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced, toasted almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- crackers for serving
Full instructions here
Pumpkin Shaped Cheese-ball
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (8oz.) block cream cheese, softened to room temp.
- 1 (8 oz.) tub vegetable cream cheese
- 2 tbsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Spicy Ranch mix
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1 red pepper, finely diced (save the stem)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided use*
Full instructions here
Meaty Bites
Quick Salami and Cheese Bites
INGREDIETNS
- Deli hard salami slices
- Cream cheese, softened
- Olives {optional}
Full instruction here
The veggie Cheese platter


Recipe for Tomato pesto salad
- 2 pints grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 T. drained small capers
- 2 T. olive oil
- 3 T. balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 3 T. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Full instructions here
Italian Marinated Mushrooms
- 1lb mushroom
- 1 1⁄2cups white vinegar
- 1⁄2cup water
- 1teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4garlic cloves
- 1teaspoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- extra virgin olive oil
Full Instructions here
Balsamic Berry Vegan Grilled Cheese
As a bread lover I think adding some kind of toasted sandwich will go very well with your cheeseplatter.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1 tsp vegan butter (1 tsp each spread on sides of the bread)
- bread of choice
Full instructions here
The next time you’re having a dinner party and want a versatile selection of appetisers, remember the cheese-platter can be exactly that.