Written by Sarah Miller
Cookie Cutter Cheeses changed the game for me at parties. Sound silly? Maybe, but you know how cheese platters can get—just some square or triangle slices tossed on a plate. Snoozefest. The first time I brought out a tray of star and heart-shaped cheddar, folks swarmed it—like, way more than when I made those strawberry cheesecake cookies last month.
Guests were actually asking how I pulled it off, which cracked me up ’cause it’s honestly so easy. Ever been to an event where all the food looks blah? Not anymore! You can make your snacks look Pinterest-level fancy with zero stress. For even more party inspo after you try this, take a peek at these strawberry cheesecake cookies—they’re a crowd-pleaser too!
Cookie Cutter Cheese Shapes
Oh, this is honestly my favorite kitchen trick lately. You know those metal or plastic cookie cutters—the ones you only drag out when it’s Christmas? Why not use them all year, especially for cheese! You pick out some block cheese (think Colby Jack, cheddar, provolone—anything with a little firmness). Just slice it to about the thickness you want…not paper-thin, not a brick, something sort of in between.
Here’s where the fun starts. Press your cookie cutter down like you’re cutting cookie dough. Suddenly you’ve got hearts, stars, letters, dinosaurs, you name it. I made little dinosaur cheese shapes for my kid’s birthday party once. It was hilarious watching tiny T-rex snacks vanish first. Honestly, grown-ups love them too. It’s like snack nostalgia meets classy appetizer. Have a little fun with it! You can even layer different shapes—circle provolone under a heart cheddar for wild color combo vibes. 
| Cheese Type | Best Uses | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Great for cookie-cutter shapes, pairing with crackers. | Choose medium to sharp for richer flavor. |
| Colby Jack | Perfect for colorful cheese boards. | Watch for meltiness if too warm. |
| Provolone | Pairs well with meats and fruits. | Slice thick enough for sturdy shapes. |
| Gouda | Sweet and nutty flavor, excellent for variety. | Look for young Gouda for better cutting. |
| Swiss | Fun holes make for unique shapes. | Keep it chilled before cutting for clean edges. |
Tips for Choosing the Best Cookie Cutters
Here’s the thing, not every cutter works. Some of mine are useless—they get the cheese jammed up, or worse, break it. Annoying! So, grab cutters that are small to medium size, nothing too fancy. Intricate or super-tiny shapes (all those little nooks and crannies)? Hard to get the cheese out clean. Look for sharp-ish edges (but not razor sharp—no one needs a kitchen accident before guests arrive). Plastics are fine, but for really clean cuts? Metal’s your pal. And don’t bother with thick cheese bricks. They just make things trickier.
Creative Ideas for Serving Cheese Shapes at Parties
Let’s spice up that basic cheese platter game! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Arrange your cookie cutter cheeses with crackers in fun patterns (think flowers or sunbursts).
- Layer with colorful fruits (like grapes and berries) so the cheese shapes really pop.
- Go wild—add sliced deli meats cut with the same shapes for a matching theme.
- Want to get fancy? Drizzle with a little honey or set out some spicy mustard for dipping. People love options!
Believe me: when you bring out the Cookie Cutter Cheeses platter, it goes way faster than you think. I always make extra now—lesson learned. 
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Making Cheese Shapes
Don’t overthink it. You just need three things really: a decent block of cheese, a sharp knife for slicing (don’t get lazy and try to use pre-sliced cheese, the shapes fall apart), and a handful of sturdy cookie cutters. More tools? Maybe a small tray or board for showing off your masterpiece. Oh, and parchment paper helps so things don’t stick when you stack them up. It’s really that simple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cheese Shapes
Alright, here’s where it gets real. Biggest mistake I made at first? Using the wrong cheese. Soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella? Disaster. They just squish everywhere, and the cutter gets all gross. Go with something firm. Also—don’t try to cut super cold cheese. Let it sit out a few minutes; it’ll cut smoother. Didn’t do that? Yeah, those shapes crack. Keep ‘em thick enough so they’re sturdy, but not a full inch, you know? And don’t overuse the cutters on the same slab. After a couple presses, scraps get too small. I just eat the bits while making them. Chef’s treat! 
Common Questions
Q: Can I make cookie cutter cheeses ahead of time?
A: Yep! Just chill them in an airtight container. Layer with wax or parchment paper so they don’t stick.
Q: What types of cheese work best?
A: Cheddar, Colby Jack, provolone—anything semi-firm works. Avoid soft, crumbly, or super-aged cheeses.
Q: How thick should I slice the cheese?
A: I go for about a quarter inch. Too thin and they break, too thick and they look clunky.
Q: Do you just use these for parties?
A: Nope! Add them to lunchboxes or salads. My kid loves finding a cheese star next to her sandwich.
Q: Any mess-free tips for serving?
A: Toothpicks are your friend. Or serve on parchment-lined trays for less sticking.
Make Your Next Party Plate Epic
If you’re tired of bland cheese platters (who isn’t), grab some cookie cutters and give it a whirl. Even if it turns a little wonky, people will flip for the effort. It just adds a dash of joy—you’ll see. And hey, if you want more party snack magic, Use cookie cutters to create cute cheese boards!!! or check out folks sharing their cheese board fails and wins at Using cookie cutters on cheese just makes the board a little extra : r …. Sharing ideas makes it all the more fun, trust me.
Go try these simple tricks next time you’re putting together a snack board—even if it’s just for yourself. It’s like a five-star restaurant at your kitchen table.
Cookie Cutter Cheese Shapes
Ingredients
Cheese Types
- 1 block block cheddar cheese Choose medium to sharp for richer flavor.
- 1 block block Colby Jack cheese Perfect for colorful cheese boards.
- 1 block block provolone cheese Pairs well with meats and fruits.
- 1 block block gouda cheese Look for young Gouda for better cutting.
- 1 block block Swiss cheese Keep it chilled before cutting for clean edges.
Tools
- 1 unit sharp knife Essential for slicing cheese.
- 1 set set of cookie cutters Use small to medium sizes for best results.
- 1 tray tray or board for serving Parchment paper helps keep cheese from sticking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Choose a block of firm cheese such as cheddar, Colby Jack, provolone, gouda, or Swiss.
- Slice the cheese to about a quarter inch thick.
- Press your chosen cookie cutter into the cheese to create fun shapes.
- Arrange the cheese shapes on a serving tray.
- Optionally, layer with colorful fruits or deli meats for a themed platter.