Socially-Distanced Doesn’t Have to Mean Sad
Let’s just get it out of the way: Christmas is going to look a little different this year.
Fewer and smaller celebrations (if they happen at all) will be the hallmark of the season. No big parties means fewer fancy meals and more stuff done at home. If you’re not used to doing something more elaborate for one (or two!), this could feel like the start of a sad holiday Hallmark movie.
Now- it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season in style. And what better way to ball out for yourself than on the ULTIMATE Solo-Christmas Cheese Plate of Joy?
Cheese plates are an amazing centerpiece for any holiday gathering: mouth-watering cheeses surrounded by piles of pairings and cups filled with spreads and sauces. They’re eye-catching, they’re delicious, and a holiday cheese plate just BEGS people to crowd around it.
So, how do we take that beautiful, festive cheese plate for a party, and resize it for one or two people? How do we bring that joy home for the holidays? Let me walk you through, step by step, on how to build a cheese plate that’s both A-FREAKING-MAZING and outright Insta-worthy: I’ll even build MY dream plate along the way!
FIRST, let’s talk logistics.
Since there will be less of you gathering (and if you’re looking to treat yourself), why not go for a small cut of a nicer cheese? Some places like Whole Foods have a basket of smaller cuts that are perfect for trying out new cheeses or pieces that might normally be a bit too much $$$. Some cheeses already come in smaller sizes (softer cheeses are often in small rounds or squares), which makes it easier for a solo plate!
In terms of total cheese amount, stick to between a half-pound to a pound of cheese per person, TOTAL. If your whole meal is a cheese and charcuterie grazing board, go for that bigger piece! Also- cheese can keep well for a few days (if you wrap it well), so you can make several plates to bring that holiday cheese cheer on repeat. Don’t be shy!
SECOND, let’s talk selection.
My normal recommendation for 1-2 people? Go for 3 cheeses (unless you want more!). I rarely suggest less, (if you do- grab 2 of your favorites or splurge on something extra)!
In terms of WHAT you specifically select, for MY 3-cheese plate, I’d pick a soft/bloomy, a hard, and a blue. (Don’t know what I’m talking about? Click HERE). It gives you a nice bit of variety!
Don’t like blue? That’s fine- maybe sub out for a gentle washed-rind? Want all soft? Listen, friends, this is supposed to be the holiday cheese plate of your dreams, your love letter to the food and spirit of the holidays. Make your Christmas Cheese Plate of Joy as JOYFUL as can be!
THIRD, let’s talk pairings.
First we’ll start on the food side.
This is going to be the quickest primer for ‘How to Plate like a Pro’ ever. Let’s make it nice and easy so you can focus more on enjoying the Christmas Cheese Plate of Joy.
Step One: Snackables
This is when buying from a cheese counter is handy, since usually the labels (or the cheesemonger) can give you tasting notes. If you DON’T have that option, never fear! The go-tos are go-tos for a reason, so if all else fails go for fig jam, honey, and nuts with some crackers. The less stressful the better, so if you don’t want to do more than that, just grab those things and skip on down to Step Two for the wine/drinks bit.
NOW if you WANT to take this plate from basic to bougie, let’s go a step up. Start with these basic pairing principles:
Compliment/Contrast- Either compliment the flavor or contrast it.
Contrast: On MY Ultimate Solo Cheese Plate, I’d contrast the creamy, mild cheese with lemon curd or strawberry-rhubarb jam.
Compliment: To compliment, I’m matching my nutty, caramel gouda with some caramel popcorn!
What Grows Together, Goes Together- Got a cheese and pairing from the same region/country? Those flavors play REALLY nicely together!
Let’s use a great basic for this example: MANCHEGO.
Manchego is a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese that’s hard and salty. So, what are some Spanish snackables? Olive tapenade or a pesto would both be my choice for Manchego, since they’re from a similar region/profile.
Step Two: Beverages
Both of these principles can be used when choosing the beverages:
Compliment/Contrast: I LOVE a crisp dry white or cider, which will pair beautifully with my soft creamy cheese. The fruit in the cider would also go well with my fruity blue!
What Grows Together Goes Together: Working with the Manchego from above? Look for some Spanish wines like Albariño, or Garnacha.
Keeping it ‘in region/country’ is a GREAT and easy way to make pairing choices quickly without too much fuss. Give it a try!
FOURTH, Plating.
Listen: just ‘cause there’s only one or a few of you, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve pretty plating! This is YOUR ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS CHEESE PLATE, dammit. A pretty cheese plate is a beautiful way to add flair to your solo-or-small festivities! So get yourself a festive plate and lay it all out.
And, there you have it. The ULTIMATE, SOLO-CHRISTMAS CHEESE PLATE EXPERIENCE OF JOY. Hopefully this guide has given you some ideas on how to make your holidays a little more merry and bright, with cheese!
Have any questions or concerns? Drop a line in the comments! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, friends!