Having friends over for wine but don’t want to make a meal of it? Then pairing it with gourmet cheese is the answer. Wine and cheese truly go hand-in-hand, but simply setting out several types of cheese and a box of crackers isn’t going to cut it.

While it’s true that the quality of cheese you choose should shine through, when you pair it with the right sides, it becomes a level of extraordinary that goes beyond decadence, one that makes the palate sing with delight. Here is what you should be serving with those fancy cheeses of yours.

Artisan crackers for the win

Mass-produced crackers mean well, but they lack the depth of texture that artisan crackers provide. Plus, they’re often too salty or buttery which detracts from the artisan cheeses you’ve selected for serving. Choose quality over quantity when it comes to your crackers and you’ll see the difference.

Mild cheeses go with seasoned crackers

When it comes to those artisan crackers though, some come in truly brilliant flavors. However, you should offer the plain variety of artisan cracker with your bolder cheese selections. For milder cheeses, you can feel free to try out that garlic and herb-flavored artisan cracker.

Give them something to dip or spread

Another complement to mild cheeses is something like a dip or tapenade to help enhance the flavor. If you’d rather not have too much to smear about, try adding olives to your selection.

Go with breads

You don’t have to do crackers either. A crusty baguette or other artisanal variety makes a great pair with a rich cheese. It also makes a lovely vessel if you do have any dips or spreads.

Make it crunchy

Nuts should always be included for their complementary flavors as well as their contrasting textures. Almonds and walnuts in particular make the most beautiful match with just about any cheese.

Don’t forget fruits

Dried fruits are a dream come true on a perfect cheese plate. Tart and tangy apricots or dates go well with just about everything. You can even stuff pitted dates with cheese or go a step beyond and wrap that with cured meat for a satisfying appetizer. Jams and preserves are also a nice addition. With a soft cheese and a dollop of fig preserves, it adds a sweet and delightful touch of class.

Even fresh fruit is a sublime selection, however that fruit should be seasonal. Remember the rules of pairing texture too. Figs, berries, grapes, and peaches are best with creamy cheeses while apples, pears, and melons are best with semi-hard cheeses.

By offering a variety of different cheeses and sides to go with them, you open the door for flavor exploration, an absolute must for any good gathering! What’s your favorite fancy cheese pairing?