German Cheese Platter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Cheese Platter is all about balance and tradition. The combination of creamy cheeses, hearty breads, crisp vegetables, and savory spreads makes it both satisfying and versatile. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble, and your guests will appreciate the variety of flavors and textures. It works beautifully as an appetizer, light meal, or festive centerpiece.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brie or Camembert
• Obazda (a Bavarian cheese spread)
• Blue cheese
• Hard cheese such as Alpine style
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Radishes
• Grapes
• Butter
• Mustard
• Pretzels or pretzel rolls
• Kaiser rolls
• Farmer’s bread

Directions

1. Choose a large wooden board or platter for serving.
2. Arrange the cheeses around the board, starting with wedges or blocks of hard cheeses, then adding softer cheeses like Brie and Obazda.
3. Place small bowls with mustard and butter around the platter.
4. Add fresh radishes and grapes for color and freshness.
5. Arrange pretzels, rolls, and sliced farmer’s bread around the cheeses.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This cheese platter serves about 6–8 people as an appetizer or 4–6 as a light meal. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with no cooking required.

Variations

• Include pickles, gherkins, or sauerkraut for a tangy twist.
• Swap grapes for figs, pears, or apples to highlight seasonal produce.
• Offer different mustards, such as sweet Bavarian mustard or spicy varieties.
• Add walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or parchment, and then placed in an airtight container. Leftover bread can be kept at room temperature for 1–2 days, or frozen for later use. Radishes and grapes should be refrigerated in produce bags. This platter is best served fresh, but components can be prepped up to a day in advance.

FAQs

What is Obazda?

Obazda is a Bavarian cheese spread made from Camembert, butter, paprika, and seasonings, often enjoyed with pretzels or bread.

Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?

Yes, you can arrange most of the platter in advance, but it’s best to add fresh bread and vegetables just before serving.

Do I need all the cheeses listed?

No, you can choose 3–4 varieties based on preference and availability.

Can I add meat to this platter?

Yes, cured meats such as salami, speck pair beautifully with German cheeses.

How do I keep the bread fresh?

Wrap bread in a clean towel and keep it at room temperature until serving. Slice just before serving to avoid drying out.

What’s the difference between Alpine cheese and Swiss cheese?

Alpine cheeses are a category of hard cheeses from mountainous regions, while Swiss cheese (Emmental style) is just one variety within that group.

Can I use vegetables other than radishes?

Yes, sliced cucumbers, pickles, or bell peppers also work well.

How do I serve butter on a cheese platter?

You can serve it in a small dish with a knife for spreading, or shape it into small curls or pats for presentation.

Is this platter suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, if all cheeses used are made with vegetarian rennet and no meat accompaniments are included.

Conclusion

A German Cheese Platter is a rustic, flavorful, and versatile dish that highlights the heart of German cuisine. With its mix of cheeses, breads, spreads, and fresh accompaniments, it’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying with family. Simple to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this platter brings a taste of Germany to any table.

Print