Apéro Dînatoire , a French concept, combines the casualness of apéritif hour with the elegance of a dinner party. When selecting artisanal cheeses for this occasion, consider the following tips:

• Offer a range of textures, flavors, and colors to engage your guests’ senses. Include soft-ripened, hard, blue, and mild goat’s milk cheeses.

Draw from French artisanal cheese traditions, such as:

• Triple-cream cheeses like Brillat-Savarin or Sainte-Maure de Touraine

• Blue cheese, Roquefort (AOC, Occitanie region): A classic blue cheese with a distinctive veined appearance, Roquefort is a staple of French cheese plates. Its pungent, tangy flavor pairs well with fruit and crackers.

• Washed-rind cheeses like Époisses or Pont l’Évêque (AOC, Normandy region): A semi-soft, washed-rind cheese with a reddish-orange color, Pont l’Évêque offers a balanced flavor profile, combining earthy, mushroomy notes with a hint of saltiness.

• Comté (AOP, Franche-Comté region): A firm, golden-hued cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, Comté is a popular choice for French cheese plates. Its rich, complex taste is perfect for pairing with fruit, nuts, and crackers.

• Soft-ripened cheeses like Camembert or Brie

Consider pairing cheeses with complementary flavors, such as:

• Fresh fruit (e.g., grapes, berries) for sweet and savory contrasts
• Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts) for crunchy textures
• Cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, saucisson) for salty, umami flavors
• Breads and crackers for textural variety

Add visual appeal and enhance flavors with:

• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)
• Chutneys or jams
• Honey or truffle honey
• Pickled or marinated items (e.g., artichoke hearts, olives)

• Péché Mignon Nature (France): A creamy, pleasantly pungent soft cheese perfect for pairing with fruit and nuts.
• Brillat-Savarin (France): A rich, triple-cream cheese ideal for serving with crackers and fruit.
• Marieke Gouda (USA): A smooth, creamy goat’s milk cheese that pairs well with sweet and savory accompaniments.
• Capriole (USA): A tangy, crumbly goat’s milk cheese that complements fresh herbs and chutneys. A Frenchman would suggest a Chèvre frais.

Remember to store your artisanal cheeses properly, and consider aging them to enhance their flavors and textures.

For a truly French Apéro Dînatoire experience, serve your cheeses with a dry sparkling wine, such as Crémant or Champagne.

Zut, do you know, is French Cheese Rind is edible?