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Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Cheese Platter Recipe

Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Cheese Platter Recipe

4.9 from 19 reviews

A delightful Rustic Mediterranean Bread & Cheese Platter featuring a mix of creamy and aged cheeses paired with toasted breads, crunchy crackers, and flavorful Mediterranean accompaniments such as olives, roasted peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for casual gatherings and wine nights, this easy-to-assemble platter offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Selection

  • 6 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
  • 6 oz aged cheddar or manchego, sliced
  • 6 oz creamy brie or camembert, cut into wedges
  • 4 oz goat cheese or ricotta for spreading

Bread & Crackers

  • 1 French baguette, sliced and lightly toasted
  • 1 loaf of rustic sourdough or ciabatta, cut into chunks
  • Assorted crackers or breadsticks

Mediterranean Accompaniments

  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, drained
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained
  • ¼ cup sundried tomatoes in olive oil
  • ¼ cup roasted chickpeas or mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs for garnish

Drizzle

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or honey
  • Sea salt & cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the French baguette and lightly toast the slices until they are crisp but still soft inside. Drain the Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Arrange all cheeses on the board at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
  2. Assemble the Platter: On a large wooden or serving board, place the cheeses in separate corners or sections to create distinct flavor zones. Fill the empty spaces with toasted bread slices, rustic sourdough chunks, and an assortment of crackers or breadsticks, ensuring a variety of textures throughout.
  3. Add Mediterranean Accompaniments: Scatter the drained olives, roasted peppers, marinated artichokes, sundried tomatoes, roasted chickpeas or mixed nuts, and halved cherry tomatoes around and between the cheeses and breads to add vibrant colors and complementary flavors.
  4. Add the Drizzle: Carefully drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the feta and brie sections to enhance their richness and provide a subtle tang. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Decorate the platter beautifully with fresh basil or rosemary sprigs for aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately to guests, encouraging them to mix and match breads, cheeses, and accompaniments for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor experience.

Notes

  • Ensure cheeses are at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
  • Toast bread just before assembly to maintain its crispness.
  • Customize the nuts and cheeses to your preference or dietary needs.
  • This platter pairs wonderfully with light red or white wines, sparkling water with lemon, or herbal iced teas.
  • Use a variety of bread types to keep the platter interesting and texturally diverse.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean platter, cheese board, rustic bread, appetizer, party snack, easy entertaining, cheese and bread, vegetarian appetizer