Cheese is an entertaining favorite, and for good reason. It offers a range of flavors to please every palate, and allows you to create an impressive, yet simple presentation. A cheese board is an ideal appetizer for cocktail parties, wine tastings, celebrations, or any other occasion that demands a splash of sophistication.
A cheese board complements many appetizers and finger foods, but we really love the combination of cheese and apples. The tangy hints of artisan cheeses and the sweet notes of crisp autumn apples complement each other, making them perfect companions.
When creating an apple-and-cheese board, aim for a wide variety of cheese flavors and textures. The following party quick tips will spark your imagination:
Apple and cheese quick tips
- One popular cheese tradition is the cheese ball, which is often made of soft, spreadable cheddar cheese, then rolled in nuts. For your apple-and-cheese board, we recommend Black Diamond Cheese Balls — they come ready-to-serve in our cheese department.
Apple tip: Mild cheddar cheese is complemented by Honeycrisp apples. These plump, sweet red-gold apples bring out the subtle, complex notes of cheddar cheese. Serve Honeycrisp apples with cheese balls or with our Market District® Mild Cheddar.
- Sharp cheddar rounds out an apple-and-cheese board. The sharpest cheddar is aged for a long time to give the cheese its distinctive tang. This semifirm cheese tastes delicious with whole-wheat crackers or artisan breads.
Apple tip: Pair Gala apples with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The mild, delicate flavor of the Gala complements the full-bodied flavor of sharp cheddar.
- Brie is another classic cheese for entertaining. Whether sliced or baked, Brie is an indulgent treat. Serve our Market District® Brie with apples, baked garlic, and our fresh-baked artisan breads, and your party will be off to a perfect start.
Apple tip: The rich, refined flavor and silky, buttery texture of Brie plays nicely with Red Delicious or Golden Delicious apples.
- Camembert cheese is a crumbly French cow's milk cheese with a delicate, salty taste. Add Market District® Camembert cheese to your cheese board along with some thick, crusty bread.
Apple tip: Luscious Braeburn apples — which are beautifully sweet and tart — taste fantastic with Camembert cheese.
At the Giant Eagle® Cheese Shop, you can order a customized cheese tray, with an assortment of cheeses to please your guests. And in our produce department, you can choose from a wide selection of fresh apples at everyday low prices. Experiment with different combinations of apples and cheeses, and have fun!
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