For Elegant Appetizers, Cut Cheese Wedges With This Simple Triangle Trick

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It's a well-known fact that a perfectly cut triangle of cheese somehow tastes better. A neat little wedge is just so appealing, somehow. While putting together the ultimate cheeseboard may seem like a daunting, even messy affair, cutting flawless perfectly even triangular pieces only requires a little planning. You don't need to revisit school geometry lessons to get the right angles. In fact, there's a nifty hack to ensure a large wedge of cheese is divided into smaller, even-sized slices.

Start by making a horizontal cut across halfway across a wedge of cheese, with the pointy tip facing towards you. The idea is to create a smaller triangle from the tip that's the same size as the remaining portion. Fold the smaller triangle back over the top piece with the tip facing the opposite direction and use it as a template for two cuts following its outline. This will effectively create three new triangles the same size as the the tip section.

Once you have these four chunky wedges, you simply slice them into thin triangular slices. If your wedge is tall and narrow rather than wide, place it on its flat side before slicing from top to bottom. Fan out and alternate the cheese slices across your board or serving plate to create an attractive pattern.

The best cheeses for slim wedges cut this way are mature, hard, or semi-hard varieties that can withstand the pressure needed for clean slices. You also need cheese that traditionally comes in wedge form, such as parmesan, manchego, Gouda, Comté, and Asiago, to name a few. The best cheeseboards feature different textures and flavor profiles, and slicing cheeses into different shapes based on their variety is not only easier but also more visually appealing.

Having the right tools can make or break your cheeseboard, so regardless of which shape you are going for, you'll need a sturdy board and a sharp knife. A cheese wire with a handle, such as this Aeon Design cheese slicer can be useful if you plan to prep cheese often, particularly ahead of the holiday season, when hosting and cheeseboards are at their peak.

For cleaner cuts, chill the cheese before slicing, as it will be firmer and considerably less sticky. You can even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes, but once cut, allow it to come to room temperature for ultimate flavor.

Watch this cheese triangle trick in action on this Instagram video: