Frederic Melton
A good cheese board is a fun, versatile, and delicious addition to any gathering. It is a perfect appetizer for any occasion. While making a cheese board, it is important to select a variety of cheeses with different flavors and textures. Cheesemongers at a specialty cheese shop can be very helpful in helping you pick good cheeses for your cheese board. You can pair the cheese with cured meats, crackers, bread, nuts, olives, fruits, and spreads like jam or honey. You can use any flat surface like a slate or wooden tray, plate, platter, cutting board, or baking sheet to make a cheese board.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3-5 varieties |
| Type of cheese | Firm or semi-firm: aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, Manchego |
| Soft: goat cheese, brie, Camembert, Tallegio | |
| Hard: Gouda, Havarti, Comté, sharp cheddar, Parmesan | |
| Other food items | Cured meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo, mortadella, pancetta), crackers, bread, fruits (fresh and dried), nuts, olives, pickles, honey, jam, mustard |
| Serving tips | Use a slate or wooden tray (square, rectangular or round); use small spoons, serving utensils, cheese knives; let the cheese warm to room temperature before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Pick a variety of cheeses
Picking a variety of cheeses is essential for a good cheese board. Aim for 3 to 5 different types of cheese, offering a range of flavours and textures.
When selecting your cheeses, consider the following:
- Flavour: Choose cheeses with distinct flavours. For example, if you select two soft cheeses, such as goat cheese and brie, ensure they offer different tastes. Goat cheese can be tangy and flecked with herbs, while brie is buttery and creamy.
- Texture: Include a mix of firm, semi-firm, and soft cheeses. Cut firm cheeses into cubes to make them easier to grab and eat. For soft cheeses, provide a butter knife or spreadable cheese knife. Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, can be served straight from the fridge, while soft cheeses are best enjoyed at room temperature, so remove them from the fridge about an hour beforehand.
- Type of cheese: Select cheeses from different families or categories. Some popular options include:
- Firm or semi-firm cheeses: Aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, Manchego, or sharp cheddar.
- Soft cheeses: Goat cheese, brie, camembert, tallegio, or cream cheese.
- Blue cheese: Crumble or use a fork to create large chunks.
- Other options: Havarti, comté, mozzarella, Asiago, or fresh cheeses like ricotta or burrata.
When in doubt, ask for recommendations from the cheesemongers at your local cheese shop or grocery store. They can suggest cheeses based on what's in season and offer tastes to ensure the selections align with your preferences.
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Choose a board and tools
When it comes to choosing a board, you have a lot of flexibility. Cheese boards are typically assembled on a slate or wooden tray, which can be square, rectangular, or round. However, you don't need to go out and buy something new; a plate, a cutting board, or even a baking sheet can work just as well. The most important consideration is that your board is large and flat, so it can comfortably fit all your cheeses and accompaniments.
Now, let's talk about the tools you'll need to complement your board. Here are some suggestions:
- Small spoons or serving utensils: These are useful for serving condiments and spreads, such as honey, jam, or mustard.
- Cheese knives: Having a variety of cheese knives will come in handy for different types of cheeses. For example, a butter knife or spreadable cheese knife is ideal for soft cheeses, while a fork can be useful for breaking up large chunks of blue cheese or Parmesan.
- Bowls: Small bowls can be used for dips, condiments, or holding smaller items like olives or nuts. They add height and visual interest to your board.
- Toothpicks or cocktail skewers: These can be handy for picking up small items or for holding things together, like a piece of meat wrapped around a piece of cheese.
- Crackers and bread: While not exactly a "tool," no cheese board is complete without something to pair with your cheeses. Include a variety of crackers, such as buttery, thin and mild, or seedy and grainy. A fresh baguette or other crusty bread is also a delicious option.
Remember, you don't need to have every possible tool, and you can get creative with what you have. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of assembling your cheese board!
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Add cured meats
Cured meats are a great addition to a cheese board and offer a savoury, salty contrast to the cheese. When adding cured meats to your board, it's best to stick to just a couple of varieties so as not to compete with the cheese.
There are many types of cured meats to choose from, but some of the most popular options are prosciutto, salami, sopressata, chorizo, and mortadella. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try pancetta or even a good-quality sausage. When arranging the meats on your board, it's best to fan them out or layer them in an attractive way. Nestle them against the cheeses, and consider repeating the same type of meat in different places on the board. This looks pretty and also makes it easier for guests to access.
If you're serving cured meats, it's a good idea to provide some form of bread or crackers to accompany them. A sliced baguette is a classic choice, but you could also offer a variety of crackers in different shapes, sizes, and flavours. This will allow your guests to create their own perfect bite!
Finally, don't forget to provide some condiments to go with your meats. Mustard is a great option, or you could offer a fancy jam or some honey. These will add extra flavour and interest to your board.
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Include sweet and savoury items
When it comes to making a good cheese board, it's important to include a mix of sweet and savoury items to cater to different tastes and create a well-rounded offering. Here are some ideas for sweet and savoury items to include:
Sweet Items:
- Dried fruits: apricots, cherries, crystallised mango, ginger, cranberries, or raisins.
- Fresh fruits: apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or other seasonal fruits.
- Honey: drizzle over soft cheeses or serve in a small bowl/jar for guests to drizzle themselves.
- Jams or preserves: fig, cherry, or other fruit preserves add a sweet contrast to the cheeses.
- Chocolate: a unique addition to a cheese board, offering a sweet and indulgent bite.
Savoury Items:
- Cured meats: prosciutto, salami, sopressata, chorizo, or mortadella are popular choices.
- Olives: briny olives add a savoury, salty element to the board.
- Pickles: cornichons or other pickles provide a crunchy, savoury bite.
- Roasted peppers: add a smoky flavour to the board.
- Artichokes: a savoury, earthy flavour that pairs well with cheeses.
- Tapenades: olive tapenades are a savoury spread option.
- Nuts: almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, or marcona almonds add crunch and flavour.
- Crackers: offer a variety of crackers, such as buttery, thin and mild, or seedy and grainy.
- Bread: a sliced baguette or breadsticks add a hearty element to the board.
- Spicy mustards: a savoury spread that adds a kick of flavour.
When selecting sweet and savoury items, consider the types of cheeses on your board and choose items that will complement their flavours. For example, sweet items can balance out salty or strong-flavoured cheeses, while savoury items can enhance or contrast the cheeses' profiles. Don't be afraid to experiment and create unique flavour combinations!
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Serve with crackers or bread
When it comes to serving a cheese board, crackers and bread are a must. Crackers are a classic pairing with cheese, and you can offer a variety of options to your guests. Include different shapes, sizes, and flavours of crackers to add interest and texture to your board. From buttery crackers to thin and mild ones, to seedy, grainy crackers, there is a wide range to choose from.
Bread is another essential component. A crusty baguette is a popular choice, as it pairs well with cheese and provides a heartier base for toppings. You can also offer a variety of breads, such as bread sticks, sliced baguette, and other types of bread such as sourdough or rye, depending on your preference and what's available.
When serving crackers and bread with your cheese board, consider how they will be presented. For crackers, you can simply place them in a pile or arrange them in a pattern around the cheeses. For bread, slicing it ahead of time can be helpful for your guests. You can also provide a variety of spreads, such as jam, mustard, or honey, for your guests to create their own flavour combinations with the crackers and bread.
Additionally, you might want to consider toasting the bread lightly, or offering a variety of toasted and fresh options, to add another layer of texture and flavour. This can be especially appealing if you are serving softer cheeses, as the contrast between the crisp bread and the creamy cheese can be delightful.
Finally, don't forget to provide small plates or boards for your guests to assemble their own creations. This will ensure they have a place to enjoy the delicious combinations of crackers, bread, cheese, and toppings that your cheese board has to offer!
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Frequently asked questions
A slate or wooden tray is typical, but any flat surface will work. You can use a plate, a cutting board, or even a baking sheet.
Three to five types of cheese are usually enough for a cheese board. Try to include a variety of flavours and textures by selecting cheeses from different families.
Popular options include gouda, cheddar, brie, goat cheese, parmesan, blue cheese, manchego, gruyère, and dubliner.
You can include cured meats, crackers, bread, fruits (fresh and dried), nuts, olives, pickles, jams, honey, and mustard.
Start with the items that take up the most room. You can place small bowls around the board to hold dips and smaller items. Add spoons, knives, and toothpicks where they make sense.
