Fruit and Cheese Platter with Simple Summer Bites

The following recipe and photography were provided by local blogger Abby Thome of The Thome Home.

Ever walk by Heinen’s Cheese Department and find yourself pacing back and forth, staring at all of the options? It’s no wonder why Heinen’s is a popular stop for selecting the most delicious cheese to add to a dish or charcuterie board. They have a massive selection of cheeses made right here in the U.S. as well as many globally sourced varieties. This selection includes everything from goat cheese, Manchego, grass-fed and organic — the options are endless! If you are feeling overwhelmed with what to choose, no need to fret! At every Heinen’s, there are educated Cheese Specialists to help guide you through your purchase. You can even taste a few samples to help you decide the perfect cheese to add to your cart!

A cheese and fruit platter is one of the most simple and beautiful appetizers you can serve at your next gathering. There are zero rules and truly not a single way you can mess this up! I recommend offering up to six cheeses on the platter, with textures ranging from creamy to sharp. Finish the platter with different fruits, crackers and breads that will compliment the cheeses so you and your guests can mix and match.

On this particular board, I chose to highlight a few of our family-favorite cheeses that are listed below!

Cheese Varieties Used:

• Manchego
• Feta
• Blueberry Fayre
• Apple-Smoked Cheddar
• French Brie
• Mozzarella

One of the most important tips that I have for a fruit and cheese platter that does not have meat is to make sure that you offer a few “bites” that can presented in a way to grab and enjoy without thinking. Even adding little baguette slices is a great touch to make things simple for meat and non-meat eaters alike!

Crucial Cheese & Fruit Tray Items:

• Raspberry Preserves – this pairs so well smeared onto a grilled baguette with a dollop of creamy brie.
• Heinen’s Organic Honey with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt – this can be drizzled on anything! A little sweet and savory combo is never a bad idea!
• Nuts, Chocolates and Crackers – offer a few different sweet and savory options to be mixed and matched. Get creative! The fun of a fruit and cheese board is coming up with your own flavor combinations!

Two fantastic small-bite options highlight Heinen’s Balsamic Glaze, which you can find in the salad dressing aisle. I love finding products like this that can be used in a multitude of recipes!

A classic Caprese Crostini with sliced mozzarella, basil, and tomato, layered beautifully and drizzled with balsamic glaze is something that guests can pick up and place on a piece of grilled baguette for the ultimate bite!

Our Watermelon Feta Bites are also a huge hit!  Juicy cubed watermelon with a chunk of fresh salty feta cheese and a piece of basil  drizzled with the balsamic glaze is perfect when held together with a toothpick for easy eating.

Caprese Crostini Ingredients:

• Sliced Beefsteak Tomato
• Fresh Sliced Mozzarella
• Basil
• Heinen’s Balsamic Glaze
• Sliced Baguette ( toasted or grilled)

Watermelon Feta Bites:

• Cubed Watermelon
• Feta Cheese ( purchase in block form and cube)
• Basil
• Heinen’s Balsamic Glaze