Bushra Griffith
A cheese board is a great appetizer for any occasion, be it a holiday party, birthday party, or a girls' night. The best thing about a cheese board is its versatility. You can keep it simple or make it fancy. When assembling a cheese board, it is important to pick a variety of cheeses with different flavors and textures. A good cheese board typically includes firm or semi-firm cheeses, spreadable or soft cheeses, and maybe something funky like blue cheese. Some popular choices include aged white cheddar, gouda, brie, camembert, goat cheese, gorgonzola, and manchego. In addition to cheese, a cheese board usually includes crackers, bread, nuts, fruits, and spreads like honey or jam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3-5 varieties |
| Cheese types | Hard/semi-hard (e.g. Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Cheddar), soft (e.g. Brie, Goat Cheese), blue (e.g. Gorgonzola, Stilton), tangy (e.g. Goat Cheese), firm (e.g. Manchego, Gruyère), funky (e.g. Blue Cheese), ripe (e.g. Brie) |
| Cheese preparation | Cut into chunks, slices, wedges, or cubes; leave some whole |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, bread (baguette, crostini), dried/fresh fruit, nuts, honey, jam, mustard, pickles, cured meats (salami, prosciutto, pancetta), olives, chocolate |
| Presentation | Use largest board or platter, add bowls for pickles/preserves, fill empty spaces with fruit/charcuterie, fold/roll meats, fan out sliced cheese |
| Serving tips | Allow cheese to come to room temperature 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving, provide cheese knives or butter knives |
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What You'll Learn
Firm or semi-firm cheeses: aged white cheddar, gouda, Gruyère, etc
When creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to include a variety of flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to choose three to five cheeses with different profiles. For firm or semi-firm cheeses, aged white cheddar, gouda, and Gruyère are excellent options.
Aged white cheddar is a sharp and crumbly cheese that pairs well with crackers or bread. It can be sliced into thin pieces or fanned out across the board in large chunks or slices. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be found at most grocery stores, and it is a good option if you are serving guests with a variety of tastes.
Gouda is another popular choice for a cheese board. It has a firm texture and a salty, crystalized flavour. Gouda pairs well with honey, so consider adding a small pot of honey to your cheese board if you select this cheese.
Gruyère is a firm and nutty Swiss cheese that can add a unique flavour to your board. It is a good option for those who are looking for something different from the typical cheddar or gouda. Gruyère pairs well with bread and crackers, as well as cured meats such as salami or prosciutto.
When selecting firm or semi-firm cheeses for your board, consider the other items you will be including. These cheeses go well with crackers, bread, cured meats, and fruits. To enhance the flavour of these cheeses, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
In addition to aged white cheddar, gouda, and Gruyère, there are other firm or semi-firm cheeses you may want to consider, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Asiago, or Edam. These cheeses will add variety to your board and offer your guests a range of flavours and textures to enjoy.
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Spreadable or soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, goat cheese
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese are a great addition to any cheese board. They can even serve as the centerpiece of a cheese plate that includes several accompaniments. It is important to let these cheeses reach room temperature before serving, as cold temperatures mute their flavors and keep their textures firm and waxy.
When it comes to Brie, it is a good idea to serve it with accompaniments that complement its rich, buttery, and earthy flavor profile. Fresh, jammed, or pickled berries go well with Brie. You can also serve it with raspberry, apricot, or strawberry preserves, or even drizzle honey on top. To add some acidity, pair Brie with pickled vegetables like cornichons. For a rustic touch, serve it with cured meats like saucisson sec or rich pork pâté.
Camembert, with its rich texture and buttery, earthy flavors, is another excellent choice for a cheese board. Like Brie, Camembert pairs well with berries, jams, honey, and cured meats. You can also serve it with sauteed crimini, oyster, or king trumpet mushrooms and a hunk of crusty baguette. Pickled vegetables, such as cornichons, and olives also make great accompaniments to Camembert. When it comes to drinks, Camembert goes well with bright, acidic, and fizzy beverages. Dry, bubbly Champagne or a dry sparkling white wine are classic choices.
Goat cheese, also known as chevin, is a soft cheese that can add a creamy and tangy twist to your cheese board. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. You can serve it with crackers, meats, nuts, olives, and sweet additions like grapes, honey, and fig spread. For a festive touch, consider adding some greenery, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks to your goat cheese board.
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Funky cheeses: blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Stilton
When it comes to funky cheeses, blue cheese, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are sure to bring a rich and indulgent twist to your cheese board. These cheeses are perfect for those who enjoy strong, earthy flavours and unique textures. Here's a guide to help you include these funky cheeses on your next cheese board:
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a must-have for any lover of strong and pungent flavours. It adds a decadent touch to your cheese board with its distinctive blue veins and crumbly texture. When serving blue cheese, use a fork to create large chunks and pair it with other cheeses like Parmesan. To balance out the strong flavour of blue cheese, serve it with sweet accompaniments such as honey, jams, or fresh fruit like grapes, berries, or sliced apples. You can also add some crunch with nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a type of Italian blue cheese that is known for its creamy, earthy, and nutty flavours. Its texture can range from crumbly to mild and pungent, making it a versatile addition to your cheese board. Pair Gorgonzola with fruits like pears, apples, and grapes, or enhance its creaminess with figs, apricots, or dates. For a crunchy texture and nutty flavour, add some walnuts, pecans, or almonds. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a whiskey sour or a gin and tonic to balance the rich and creamy flavours of the cheese.
Stilton
Stilton is a distinctive English blue cheese with a unique flaky texture and layered flavours. When serving Stilton on your cheese board, consider the shape when cutting to ensure your guests can appreciate all its nuances. Honey, walnuts, and sliced apples are classic pairings that complement the complex flavours of Stilton perfectly. If you're feeling creative, try crumbling Stilton into a salad or adding it to pastas, risottos, or even desserts for a savoury twist.
Creating a Balanced Cheese Board
When creating a cheese board with funky cheeses, it's important to consider variety and balance. Include a mix of hard, semi-hard, and soft cheeses to offer different textures and flavours. You can also add some unusual cheeses, such as those made with goat's or sheep's milk. Don't forget to provide crackers, bread, and charcuterie like salami and prosciutto to create a well-rounded spread. Finally, always let your cheese warm to room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavour and aroma.
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Crowd-pleasing flavours: nutty, buttery, tangy, sweet
When creating a cheese board, it's important to have a variety of flavours and textures. Here are some cheeses that will bring crowd-pleasing flavours to your cheese board:
Nutty
For a nutty flavour, you can choose from a variety of cheeses such as aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, and Manchego. These cheeses have distinct nutty notes that will add depth to your cheese board.
Buttery
Brie and Camembert are excellent choices for buttery flavours. Their creamy, rich textures and mild tastes make them versatile cheeses that pair well with other components on your cheese board.
Tangy
If you're looking for a tangy cheese, goat cheese is an ideal option. It has a sharp and tangy flavour that is often flecked with herbs, adding a unique dimension to your selection.
Sweet
To satisfy sweeter palates, consider adding apple manchego or mustard-flavoured cheeses. These cheeses offer a delightful blend of sweetness and spice that can surprise and delight your guests.
Remember, when selecting cheeses for your board, aim for a balance of flavours and textures. You can also enhance the sweetness by pairing these cheeses with fresh or dried fruits, honey, or jams.
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Pairings: crackers, bread, nuts, honey, jam, fruit
When creating a cheese board, it is important to select a variety of foods that complement the cheese. Crackers, bread, nuts, honey, jam, and fruit are all popular pairings.
Crackers
When pairing cheese and crackers, consider how the cracker will interact with the cheese. Sometimes, a cracker's role is to simply provide a base for the cheese to shine. For example, a crisp, plain cracker can be the perfect base for a boldly-flavoured cheese like Boursin, which is made with garlic, parsley, and chives. Flat rice crackers can also be a good choice for a strongly-flavoured cheese like pimento cheese, as the bland cracker will not overpower the cheese.
Other times, the cracker and cheese can work together to create an interesting flavour combination. For instance, the buttery flavour of Ritz crackers pairs well with the spicy notes of Cabot Pepper Jack cheese. The nutty flavour of Everything Crackers complements the distinctive taste of Boar's Head Gouda.
Bread
Bread is another popular pairing with cheese. A soft bread can be a good base for strong cheeses, while a crusty bread can add texture to the pairing.
Nuts
Nuts are a natural ally of cheese, especially at a wine and cheese tasting. Pecans, with their natural sweetness and rich, buttery flavour, are a perfect complement to the saltiness of cheese. They pair particularly well with Gouda, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy texture of the cheese and the crunch of the nuts. Toasted pecans also go well with Blue cheese, as the sweet and nutty flavour of the nuts complements the bold and pungent flavour of the cheese.
Walnuts, with their rich and slightly bitter flavour profile, are another versatile nut that can be paired with various cheeses. They work well with aged Cheddar, as the nutty notes complement the intense and savoury taste of the cheese.
Honey
Honey can be a wonderful addition to a cheese board, especially when paired with tangy cheeses like goat cheese and feta. Blue cheese also pairs well with honey, as the sweet notes of the honey mellow the intense flavour of the cheese. Try drizzling honey on a baked wheel of Brie for a gooey delight.
Jam
Jam is another sweet condiment that can be paired with cheese, especially sharper cheeses. Zesty and tart flavours, such as citrus, berry, quince, cherry, and rhubarb, add depth and complexity to the cheese without overwhelming it. Spicy-sweet pepper jelly also goes well with Brie.
Fruit
When pairing fruit and cheese, it is important to consider the type of cheese. Fresh fruit, such as apples, pairs well with fresh cheeses like Ricotta or Chèvre. Succulent fruit works wonderfully with rich and savoury cheeses, and the flavour contrast brings out the best in both.
In addition to fresh fruit, dried or dehydrated fruit can also be used on a cheese board. Apple-pear mostarda, a type of fruit that is candied and then made savoury with the addition of mustard oil or essence, can be an interesting addition to a cheese board.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to have at least three types of cheese on your board, with up to five for a large party.
It is suggested to have a variety of textures and flavours on your cheese board. This could include firm or semi-firm cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, Gruyère, or Manchego, spreadable or soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese, and a strong blue cheese such as Stilton or Roquefort.
In addition to cheese, you can include crackers, bread, nuts, mustard, jam, honey, dried fruits, olives, cornichons, grapes, apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits.
You can buy cheese for your cheese board at a grocery store or a specialty cheese shop. A cheesemonger can help you pick out good cheeses and recommend cheeses that are in season.
