A Summer Soiree for Cheese Lovers
Warmer temps and longer days mean more time to spend outside relaxing with friends and family. Here at I Love Imported Cheese we’re all about taking advantage of those fun summer nights to host parties for our fellow cheese-lovers. Here are our top tips and menu inspiration for a no-stress gathering you’ll get to enjoy too:
Get set for your soiree. It’s always a great idea to make a little plan for your party so you can check things off as you go and relax at the party too. Figure out how many people will be attending and create a menu that includes a few make-ahead items so you’re not doing everything day of. We love to hit our local Farmer’s Market for the freshest produce and then our favorite cheese monger for an assortment of imported cheeses to make a standout Summer Snackboard. Decide where you’ll be hosting everyone and what you need to set a comfortable scene. For outdoor gatherings consider light weight or disposable plates and utensils, hanging extra party lights, and using folding tables. Don’t forget a bluetooth speaker to play music plus bug spray and citronella candles to avoid unwelcome pests!
Set up a drinks station. Our favorite hack for hosting is to create a pop up bar at home. Use a folding or side table near where the action is and be sure to put out plenty of ice, pitchers of water so everyone stays hydrated in the heat, and your favorite summer wines. If you’re doing cocktails consider making one signature summer cocktail in a beverage dispenser so your friends can help themselves.
Add summer vibes to your usual starters and sides. Keep the nibbles light and easy and be sure to choose sides that can hold up well in the heat. A gorgeous Summer Cheeseboard is always a hit. Or if you want to make easy (yet fancy looking) apps try our Spanakopita Bites with Imported Feta – they’re fantastic at room temperature and can be made the morning of your party. Summer Flatbreads are another fun, no-cook hand-held appetizer guests can nibble while they mingle. All your favorite sides will only be more delicious with fresh produce and the addition of imported cheeses! Our Mexican Street Corn Salad with Parmesan is a crowd pleasing and easy side that holds well outside and pairs with just about any summer main dish. Another amazing make-ahead option is our Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus, Peas, and Ricotta Salata.
Spanikopita Bites
Get the grill going!
Why hang out in the kitchen cooking? Design your menu to include a few grill recipes you can easily throw on to hang out where the action is. Platters are the easiest way to entertain so everyone can build their own perfect plate – try our Grilled Flank Steak and Veggie Platter with imported Blue Cheese for easy steakhouse vibes in minutes. If its going to be a hot night you can also go with a hearty salad for your main dish like our Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Stilton in a summery tarragon vinaigrette (you can even use pre-grilled chicken to skip the grill time!) We also love offering a lighter vegetarian option too like our Grilled Halloumi Gyros with Easy Tahini Salad.
Grilled chicken with strawberries and stilton
Don’t forget dessert!
Sure, you could go for the usual brownie or cookies but for a fun and unexpected twist we love to include our favorite cheeses in sweets too! An excellent pairing for summer is goat cheese, honey, and seasonal fruit – you can keep it simple and arrange them on a tray or try our easy Peach and Goat Cheese Tarts with Honey, Goat Cheese Ice Cream with Berries, or Mini Goat Cheese Cheesecakes. They’re all easy to make ahead too!
Most importantly? Enjoy! When the host is relaxed and having fun EVERYONE relaxes and enjoys too.
Cheers to a fun Summer Soiree! Which recipe will you try first?
