Patrick Oconnell
A vegetarian cheese board is a great option for vegetarians, and it can be made vegan by swapping out the cheeses for vegan alternatives. A good cheese board is about presentation as well as ingredients. A variety of textures and flavours should be used, such as different types of crackers, bread, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dips and, of course, cheeses. A good rule of thumb is to use between three and six different cheeses, with distinct flavour profiles. For example, two hard cheeses, two medium cheeses, and two soft cheeses. To add some extra savoury elements, consider adding vegetarian meats, such as salami, sausage, or ham, or vegan alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | Between three to six different cheeses |
| Types of cheese | Hard, creamy, aged, herbed, blue, medium, soft, spicy, mozzarella, cheddar, manchego, gouda, edam, camembert, brie |
| Pairings | Bread, crackers, pita chips, hummus, cucumber, basil, tomatoes, mustard, jam, pickles, olives, nuts, grapes, blackberries, apples, eggs, chocolate, berries |
| Dips | Herb cashew cheese spread, almond pâté, hummus, vegan cashew cheese spread |
| Vegan meats | Sausages, salami, chorizo, pepperoni, deli slices, bacon |
| Vegan cheese brands | Violife, Daiya, Nuts for Cheese, Fauxmagerie Zengarry, Treeline |
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What You'll Learn
Choose 3-6 cheeses with different textures and flavours
When creating a vegetarian cheese board, it's a good idea to select 3-6 cheeses with different textures and flavours. This will give your guests a variety of options to choose from and make your board look more visually appealing.
Firstly, consider choosing two hard cheeses with different flavour profiles, such as Manchego and Cheddar, or Italian hard cheeses like Gouda or Edam. These cheeses provide a good base for your board and offer a contrast in taste.
Next, you could select two medium cheeses that differ in flavour. For example, you could opt for Camembert and Brie. To make them taste more distinct, you can bake and dress the Camembert, or try another cheese such as Havarti.
Finally, add some soft cheeses to your board. Creamy cheeses like goat cheese or herbed cheeses can be spread on crackers or bread. You could also include a blue cheese to add a stronger flavour to your selection. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own vegan mozzarella!
Remember, it's important to space out your cheeses on the board to create a visually balanced spread. You can also pair them with complementary items, such as bread or crackers, to enhance the overall presentation and enjoyment for your guests.
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Add crackers, bread, or pita chips
Crackers, bread, and pita chips are essential components of a vegetarian cheese board, providing a base for all the other delicious ingredients. They add texture and flavour to the board and are a great way to ensure your guests can easily enjoy the cheeses and other toppings you provide.
When selecting crackers, opt for a variety of textures and flavours. For example, you could choose nutty crackers, cheese crisp crackers, or flavoured crackers. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own crackers at home! Just be sure to provide enough crackers for all the cheeses you plan to serve.
Bread is another important component of a vegetarian cheese board. Go for a fluffy variety, such as chunked sourdough, or a softer option like a baguette or brioche. Bread can be used to dip into cheeses or spreads, or it can be sliced and toasted for a crunchier texture.
Pita chips are a fantastic addition to the board, offering a crunchy texture and a neutral flavour that pairs well with various cheeses and toppings. You can cut pita bread into triangles and toast them lightly to create pita chips. They are a great alternative to traditional crackers and add variety to your board.
When arranging your crackers, bread, and pita chips on the board, consider placing them in different sections to create a well-balanced presentation. You can place them around the dips or cheeses, making it easy for your guests to create their perfect bite. Remember, the base components are essential to a successful vegetarian cheese board, so don't skimp on quality or quantity!
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Include fruits and vegetables
A vegetarian cheese board is a great way to showcase a variety of flavours and textures, and fruits and vegetables play a key role in achieving this.
Firstly, it's important to choose fruits and vegetables that complement the cheeses on your board. For example, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning), berries, citrus fruits, grapes, apples, and pears all pair well with cheeses. If you're feeling creative, you can even make little toothpick skewers with grape/cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls.
Secondly, consider the colours of the fruits and vegetables you select. Arranging colourful items in different spots on the board will create a visually appealing and well-balanced spread. Try to space out the fruits and vegetables to achieve both flavour balance and cohesive colour placement. You can also add fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, and thyme to elevate the look of your board.
Thirdly, think about the textures of the fruits and vegetables you choose. A mix of crunchy, creamy, and juicy options will add interest and variety to your board. For example, you could include crunchy carrots, roasted carrots, or roasted almonds alongside creamy cheeses and juicy fruits like grapes or berries.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and try something new. If you're feeling adventurous, you can include roasted carrots, sauerkraut, or even stuffing balls on your vegetarian cheese board. Remember, it's all about creating a delicious and visually appealing spread that your guests will enjoy.
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Pickles, olives, jams, and chutneys
When it comes to pickles, olives, jams, and chutneys, there are endless options to choose from. Variety is key here. For olives, consider whether you prefer them stoned or with stones—stoned olives pair well with cheese, especially Spanish cheeses, while olives with stones can be a tasty palate cleanser. Good pickle options include something hot like pickled peperoncino, Basque peppers, or jalapeños, as well as gherkins, onions, mini eggplants, white asparagus, and peppers. For a fall-themed vegetarian cheese board, consider quick-pickled pumpkin.
When it comes to jams and chutneys, aim for at least three options. Some recommended choices include tomato jam, red pepper jam, onion jam, blackberry jam, apple jam, onion chutney, tomato chutney, mango chutney, and wholegrain mustard. Quince jelly is another excellent choice that can be sliced. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own jams or chutneys from scratch.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of pickles, olives, jams, and chutneys to find your favorite pairings. Remember, the key to a successful vegetarian cheese board is variety, so have fun mixing and matching different options!
Additionally, you can also include dips on your vegetarian cheese board. Some options include hummus, vegan cashew cheese spread, and almond pâté. These dips can be placed in small bowls on opposite sides of the board, creating a visually appealing triangle formation.
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Vegan meats and dips
Vegan Meats
When selecting vegan meats for your board, variety is key. Choose from vegan deli slices, sausages, salami, chorizo, and ham. You can also include tofu—either smoked or marinated in oil—or grilled eggplant from the deli. For a more protein-rich option, opt for roasted tofu or sliced smoked tofu. If you're looking for a more premium option, Herbivorous Butcher offers vegan meats and sausages that are very tasty.
Dips
Hummus is a must-have dip for your vegetarian cheese board. You can also include other dips like baba ganoush, olive tapenade, vegan pesto, and mustard. For a more indulgent option, consider a vegan butter board with tofu ricotta cheese, drizzled with olive oil, fresh herbs, and flaky salt. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own dips like vegan mozzarella or vegan ranch dip.
Arrangement
When arranging your vegan meats and dips on the board, fan out the meat slices and place them close to the cheeses. Place the dips in small bowls and position them on opposite sides of the board to create a visually appealing triangle formation. Fill in any gaps with crunchy elements like crackers, crostinis, nuts, or crispbreads.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to use between three to six different types of cheese, with distinct flavours and textures. For example, you could include two hard cheeses with different flavour profiles, such as Manchego and Cheddar, or Italian hard cheeses, Gouda and Edam. You could also include two medium cheeses and two soft cheeses, such as Camembert and Brie.
You can include a variety of other foods on your cheese board, such as crackers, bread, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dips and olives. You could also include vegetarian fake meats, such as vegan pepperoni or sausage.
It is important to consider both presentation and the ease of enjoying the board when arranging the items. Place items with similar textures and flavours next to each other, such as bread next to spreadable cheese or plain crackers next to a cheese with a bite. You should also consider colour when arranging the items, spacing them out for flavour balance and cohesive colour placement.
You can include store-bought dips, such as hummus, or make your own. An example of a homemade dip is Herb Cashew Cheese Spread, which can be made using a recipe from mymoonstonekitchen.com.
You can pair your vegetarian cheese board with a refreshing drink, such as sparkling water infused with fresh herbs, or a glass of wine.
