Kamil Perry
A cheese board is a great appetiser for any occasion, be it a dinner party, happy hour, or holiday get-together. It is easy to put together and can be made fancy or simple. A typical cheese board consists of a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and meats. The number of cheeses on a board can range from two to five, depending on the size of the board and the number of guests. The cheeses are typically a mix of soft, hard, and spreadable varieties, with different flavours and textures. The board is then filled with fruits such as grapes, apples, and pears, and nuts like walnuts, almonds, and cashews. Crackers and meats, such as prosciutto or salami, are added for savoury notes, while spreads like jam, honey, or mustard provide a sweet touch. The final product is a colourful, abundant, and inviting display.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3-5 |
| Type of cheese | Soft, hard, fresh, mild, pungent, stinky, blue, goat's milk, Alpine-style, etc. |
| Other food items | Fruits, nuts, cured meats, crackers, bread, olives, pickles, chocolates, dried fruits, etc. |
| Arrangement | Place the largest items first, then fill in the gaps with other components |
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What You'll Learn
How many cheeses to include
When creating a cheese board, it is recommended to include a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to select three to five cheeses for a large cheese board, with the minimum number of cheeses for a smaller board being two.
If you are serving the cheese board as an appetiser, consider including fresh, lighter cheeses such as herb-coated goat cheese or fresh mozzarella. For the main cheeses, you could opt for a mix of soft, hard, and creamy varieties. For example, you could have a soft cheese like brie, camembert, or chèvre; a hard cheese like Gruyère; and a creamy cheese like a tangy Saint Maure goat cheese or a distinctive Smoked Havarti. If you are feeling adventurous, you could also include a strong blue cheese like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort.
When selecting the number of cheeses, consider the size of your board and the number of guests you are serving. You should allow for 60-100g of cheese per person. If you are using a smaller board, you may want to opt for just two or three cheeses to avoid overcrowding. On the other hand, if you are creating a large cheese board for a party, you can include up to five different cheeses.
Remember that the cheese board is meant to be abundant and indulgent, so don't be afraid to fill it up! You can also add extras like crackers, bread, nuts, dried or fresh fruit, olives, and spreads like jam, honey, or mustard to complement the cheeses and make your board look full and inviting.
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What types of cheese to include
When creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to select three to five cheeses of different varieties, flavours, and textures. This will ensure there is something for everyone. If you're serving the cheese board as an appetiser before a meal, consider including some lighter, fresher cheeses.
A good rule of thumb is to choose one cheese from each of the following categories: soft, hard, and blue. For soft cheeses, consider brie, camembert, or chèvre—anything that can be easily spread. For hard cheeses, opt for something like Gruyère or Smoked Havarti. And for blue cheese, pungent options like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort will certainly make a statement. If you're serving a crowd with more mild tastes, a mild, milky brie or a good-quality goat cheese are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
You can also curate your selection of cheeses based on a theme, such as "goat's milk" or "Alpine-style". Alternatively, you could go for high contrast and select cheeses that are wildly different from each other. If you're feeling adventurous, include some pungent, washed-rind cheeses or "stinky" blues.
Finally, don't forget to let your cheese come to room temperature before serving. This will ensure your guests can fully appreciate the flavours of the cheese. Simply take the cheeses out of the fridge and let them rest for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
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What to pair with the cheese
When it comes to putting together a cheese board, the cheese is the star of the show. But what do you pair with it? Well, you can't go wrong with cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and crackers or bread. If you're serving bread, a plain baguette or sourdough is best, as flavoured breads can mask the flavour of the cheese. You can also add some nuts for a crunchy texture and to fill out the board—walnuts, almonds, cashews, and chocolate-covered almonds are all great options.
Something sweet is also a good idea to balance out the salty, funky cheeses. Dried fruits like apricots, dates, or raisins are perfect, as are fresh fruits such as grapes, apples, or pears. You could also add a drizzle of honey or a fancy jam. If you want to add a little extra luxury, try some honeycomb.
For a savoury kick, add some cornichon pickles, olives, or capers. And if you want to add a little extra flavour, try a fancy mustard or some high-quality salted butter.
Finally, don't forget to put out some knives for spreading the softer cheeses, and maybe a cheese wire or two for the harder ones.
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How to arrange the items on the board
A cheese board is a great way to keep your guests happy, whether it's for a dinner party, a happy hour, or a holiday get-together. It's easy to put together and offers something for everyone. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to arrange the items on your cheese board to make it look perfect:
Step 1: Choose Your Cheeses
Select three to five cheeses with different flavours and textures. Go for a variety of soft, hard, fresh, and creamy cheeses. Consider your audience: if they are adventurous eaters, choose pungent, washed-rind or blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. For a milder option, crowd-pleasing cheeses like goat cheese, brie, Gruyère, or camembert are excellent choices.
Step 2: Add the Extras
Now, it's time to add some extras to complement your cheeses. Choose at least one item from each category:
- Something sweet: dried fruits like apricots or dates, fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears, or even chocolate-covered nuts can help balance the salty and funky cheeses.
- Something briny: olives, cornichon pickles, or capers add a nice contrast to the other flavours.
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, or cashews add texture and crunch to your cheese board.
- Spreads: jams, honey, pesto, or fancy mustard can be added to small bowls on the board for guests to mix and match with the cheeses.
Step 3: Arrange the Starches
Crackers, torn baguette, or bread provide a base for your cheeses. Arrange them around the board, leaving some space for the other items. If choosing flavoured crackers or bread, opt for more neutral options like plain sourdough, French baguette, or neutral crackers to avoid masking the flavour of the cheese.
Step 4: Fill in the Gaps
Finally, fill in any remaining gaps on your cheese board to make it look abundant and inviting. You can use additional nuts, small pieces of fruit, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add colour and break up the red, white, and brown hues often found on cheese boards.
Remember, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! You can always adjust the quantities and items based on the size of your board and the number of guests you're serving. Enjoy creating your perfect cheese board!
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How to prepare the cheese before serving
Preparing the cheese before serving is a crucial step in creating a delicious and visually appealing cheese board. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:
Firstly, decide on the types of cheese you want to include. A good rule of thumb is to select three to five cheeses for a standard-sized cheese board, and up to five for a larger board. Consider choosing cheeses with different flavours and textures to add interest and variety. For example, you could include a soft cheese like brie or camembert, a hard cheese such as Gruyère, and a blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Stilton. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for pungent, washed-rind cheeses or strong "stinky" blues. Alternatively, play it safe with milder, crowd-pleasing options like goat cheese or a mild, milky brie. You could even create a theme for your cheese board, such as "goat's milk" or "Alpine-style".
Once you've selected your cheeses, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving. This step is important, as it ensures the cheese is at its optimal flavour and texture. Aim to take the cheeses out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before serving. If you want to plan ahead, you can place the cheese on a platter or wooden board, cover it with a damp tea towel, and leave it for two to three hours to reach room temperature without drying out.
To add extra flavour and texture to your cheese board, consider pairing the cheeses with complementary items. Dried fruits, nuts, olives, crackers, and bread are all excellent choices. If you want to get creative, include some sweet elements like honey, jam, or chocolate-covered almonds. You can also add something briny, such as pickles or capers. These additions not only taste great but also help fill any gaps on the board, making it look abundant and inviting.
Finally, when it comes to arranging the cheese board, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Cut or slice the cheese into portions before placing them on the board, making it easy for guests to serve themselves. Wash and prepare any fresh fruits, slicing larger ones into smaller pieces. Arrange the cheese, fruits, and other components on the board, filling in any gaps to create a full and inviting display. If you have a variety of items, place them in multiple spots on the board to make it look abundant and well-rounded.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese board is a wooden board or platter with a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers or bread. It can also include meats, chocolates, olives, and spreads like jam or honey. A cheese board is meant to look abundant, with a variety of colours, textures, and flavours.
Most sources recommend having three types of cheese on a cheese board, but you can have up to five for a large board.
It is recommended to have a variety of flavours and textures. You can have a theme, such as "goat's milk" or "Alpine-style", or you can choose a few very different cheeses. Consider your audience: if they are adventurous eaters, you can include pungent, washed-rind or blue cheeses. If you are serving a crowd with varied tastes, it is better to stick to milder, crowd-pleasing cheeses like goat cheese, Gruyère, or brie.
You can include any fruits or vegetables you have on hand. Seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, or grapes are a good choice. In the fall and winter, you can add festive sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme. If you are using larger fruits like apples and pears, slice them ahead of time and squeeze some lemon juice on them to prevent browning.
You can serve the cheese on a nice wooden board or platter. If you are serving bread, it is recommended to use plain sourdough or a French baguette to avoid masking the flavour of the cheese.
