Creating A Cheese Wheel Wedding Cake

A cheese wheel wedding cake is a unique and fun alternative to a traditional wedding cake. It can be styled to fit in with a rustic, contemporary, romantic or glamorous wedding. This type of cake is made by stacking wheels of cheese on top of one another, usually with the largest wheel on the bottom and the smallest on top. It is recommended to have between three and five layers of cheese, with a 2cm difference between each layer. The cheese should vary in texture, with the firmest cheese on the bottom and the softest on top. It is also important to consider the taste of the cheese and to ensure that each layer does not taste the same. The cake can be decorated with flowers, fruit, nuts, crackers and candles.

Choosing your cheeses: select a variety of cheeses, including hard, soft, and blue cheeses

Choosing the right cheeses for your wedding cake is an important step in creating a delicious and visually appealing cake. Here are some tips to help you select a variety of cheeses, including hard, soft, and blue cheeses:

• Taste: Taste is crucial, so be sure to sample different cheeses before making your final selection. A good cheese shop will allow you to taste their cheeses, and some may even offer mail-order sample boxes. Choose cheeses that complement each other and offer a range of flavours and textures.
• Variety: Opt for a mix of hard, soft, and blue cheeses to add interest and appeal to a wide range of guests. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Gruyere, are often the most popular, so consider having the largest quantity of those. You can also include other varieties such as goat's cheese, crumbly Lancashire, Cheshire, or Wensleydale.
• Balance: Avoid choosing cheeses that all taste and look the same. Aim for a balance of styles, textures, and colours to create a visually appealing and tasty cake.
• Quantity: When ordering your cheese, plan for a larger quantity than you think you'll need. Consider ordering extra of the smaller top-tier cheeses so that all your guests can have a taste. Hard cheeses will make up the bulk of your cake, as they are easier to stack and tend to be more popular.
• Dietary restrictions: Keep your guests' dietary needs and preferences in mind. For example, if you know some guests are not fans of blue cheese or goat's cheese, you may want to opt for other options.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, choose cheeses that you and your partner enjoy. It's your special day, so select cheeses that reflect your tastes and create a cake that you'll love.

Remember to taste, experiment, and have fun with the process of selecting your cheeses!

Ordering: taste the cheeses before ordering and schedule delivery for a few days before the wedding

Tasting your cheese before ordering is an important step in the process of creating a cheese wheel wedding cake. While it may seem daunting to ask for samples, especially at a busy time, most cheese shops and delis encourage customers to try before they buy. Sampling cheeses is common and acceptable, and it ensures you find something you enjoy. It also allows you to gauge texture and mouthfeel, check for allergies, and assess overall quality.

When planning a wedding, it is essential to schedule cheese delivery for a few days before the big day. This ensures the cheese is perfectly ripe and gives you one less thing to worry about. You'll want to source your cheese from a reliable supplier, preferably local to your venue, to guarantee quality and give your guests a taste of the region.

Ordering a few extra small cheeses for the top tier is also recommended. That way, you can ensure there's enough for all your guests to taste. It is also worth noting that harder cheeses will likely be the most popular, so ordering a larger quantity of those is a good idea.

In addition to tasting the cheeses, you should also consider the look of the cheese when creating your wedding cake. You'll want a variety of textures, shapes, and colours to add to the overall effect. Harder cheeses are good for the lower layers, as they are easier to stack. Small cheeses can be used between layers to add height, and cute heart-shaped ones can be used as a topper.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and delicious cheese wheel wedding cake that your guests will love.

Extras: plan your decorations, such as flowers, fruit, and cake toppers

Extras: Plan Your Decorations

Flowers, fruit, and cake toppers are all great ways to add a pop of colour to your cheese wheel wedding cake.

Flowers can be fresh or dried, and you can even add herbs and greenery to create a rustic look. If you're feeling creative, you can make mini bunting to drape over your cake or pretty labels (or a chalkboard backdrop) to name each cheese.

Fruit can be fresh or dried, and you can use a variety of colours and textures to create a unique look. Grapes, figs, berries, and nuts are all great options to decorate your cake. You can also use fruit to add height to your cake, such as by placing small cheeses between layers.

Cake toppers come in various shapes and sizes, and you can even use a cute little heart-shaped cheese as a topper!

Don't forget to buy, hire, or make a great cake stand, too. A rustic round of wood or a traditional glass or ceramic piece will perfectly complement your cheese wheel wedding cake.

Stacking: stack cheeses directly or use greaseproof paper/boxes between layers

When stacking your cheese wheels, you can either place them directly on top of each other or use greaseproof paper/boxes between the layers. If you want to stack them directly, it is important to consider the texture and weight of the cheeses. Harder cheeses are generally easier to stack than softer, wet, or fruit-flavoured varieties. For example, you could use a hard cheese like cheddar or an alpine cheese as your base layer, as they tend to be larger in height and diameter.

If you have your heart set on using softer cheeses, there are a few tricks you can use to prevent them from collapsing under the weight of the upper layers. One option is to keep the cheese in its box, especially if you are going for a rustic look. Alternatively, you can cut a small hole in the centre of the softer cheese and place a stand, votive holder, or egg cup inside to support the layer above. Just make sure that you have harder layers above and below the soft cheese to make this work.

Another option is to use greaseproof paper cut to size between the layers. This can be a good way to add extra stability to your cake while still allowing you to stack the cheeses directly on top of each other.

Serving: serve with accompaniments such as crackers, bread, and charcuterie

When it comes to serving your cheese wheel wedding cake, it's important to ensure it's accompanied by an array of delicious foods that will complement the cheese. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese wheel wedding cake and create a memorable culinary experience for your guests:

Crackers and Bread

Provide a variety of crackers and bread to accompany the cheese. Opt for plain or seeded crackers, crispbreads, water biscuits, or toasted baguette slices. These options offer a neutral base that allows the flavour of the cheese to shine through.

Charcuterie

For a heartier offering, include a selection of charcuterie or cured meats. Salami, prosciutto, sopressata, and coppa are all excellent choices that pair well with cheese. Fan or roll the meats for a visually appealing presentation, and consider adding some edible flowers or herbs for a touch of colour and freshness.

Fruits and Nuts

Fresh and dried fruits, as well as nuts, can provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the cheese. Offer an assortment of grapes, berries, apple slices, and dried apricots or figs. For nuts, consider almonds, walnuts, or pecans. These additions bring texture and sweetness to the plate.

Condiments and Spreads

Don't forget the condiments! Chutneys, jams, and honey can add a burst of flavour to the cheese and charcuterie. Offer a variety of options, such as fig jam, onion chutney, or truffle honey. These condiments can be served in small bowls or jars, allowing guests to create their own flavour combinations.

Presentation and Serving Tips:

• Place the accompaniments around the base of the cheese wheel wedding cake on a large platter or board, ensuring there is enough space to cut and serve the cheese.
• Use separate cutting boards or platters for the cheese and accompaniments.
• Provide several sharp knives for guests to help themselves.
• For a more interactive experience, you could provide small plates or boards and let guests create their own charcuterie plates.
• Ensure the cheese is served at room temperature to maximise flavour.
• If you have leftover cheese, wrap it in cheese paper and give it to your guests as a delicious wedding favour.

By offering a variety of accompaniments, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying culinary experience for your guests, making your cheese wheel wedding cake a truly memorable part of your celebration.

Frequently asked questions