Randy Chandler
A cheese board is a great way to impress your guests and is perfect for entertaining. It's easy to put together and offers something for everyone. When creating a cheese board, it's important to include a variety of cheeses, fruits, crackers, breads, and spreads to create a beautiful and delicious display. The type of fruit you put on a cheese board can vary depending on the season and your personal preferences, but some popular options include apples, pears, berries, grapes, and dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, and figs. By combining different flavours and textures, you can create a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, Pears, Persimmons, Blackberries, Strawberries, Grapes, Apricots, Pomegranates, Cherries, Plums, Figs, Mangoes, Berries, Clementines, Dates, Stone Fruits |
| Extras | Dark chocolate, Honey, Jams, Preserves, Pickles, Bread, Crackers, Nuts, Meats, Cheeses |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Summer fruits: berries, plums, and cherries
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious stone fruits and berries. The season offers an array of colourful and tasty treats that can be paired beautifully with cheese. Here are some ideas for a summer fruit and cheese board:
Berries
Berries are a wonderful addition to any cheese board. Their bright colours and juicy sweetness can complement a variety of cheeses. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all excellent choices. For a special touch, drizzle some honey over the berries or fill the spaces between the berries and cheese with nuts. Another idea is to blend ricotta with honey and serve it as a dip for strawberries and crackers.
Plums
Plums are summer's all-stars, and they can be a fantastic addition to your cheese board. Try charring halved plums in a skillet with butter until slightly caramelised, then arrange them on a platter and crumble your favourite cheese around them. Season with salt and pepper, and perhaps a drizzle of oil. The sweetness of the plums pairs beautifully with salty cheeses.
Cherries
Cherries are another summer favourite, and they work surprisingly well with cheese. Look for a sharp, aged cheddar that has been mixed with cherries, or simply pair fresh cherries with a creamy Brie. The sweetness of the cherries is a perfect match for the saltiness of cheddar or the mild, buttery flavour of Brie.
Remember, when creating a cheese board, variety is key. Offer an assortment of cheeses and fruits to your guests, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Enjoy the process and impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious summer fruit and cheese board!
The Art of Quiche: Cheese, Please!
You may want to see also
Winter fruits: figs, apples, clementines, and pomegranates
When creating a cheese board, you can customise it with all your favourite fruits and cheeses. Here are some ideas for a winter fruit cheese board, focusing on figs, apples, clementines, and pomegranates:
Figs
Fresh or dried figs go well with a variety of cheeses. For a classic combination, pair figs with brie, camembert, or goat cheese. For a bolder pairing, try figs with Manchego cheese. Fig jam or spread is also a great addition to a cheese board, adding a nice amount of sweetness. It pairs well with fruit, bread, and cheese.
Apples
Apples are a versatile fruit that goes well with many different cheeses. Thinly sliced apples, such as Envy, Pink Lady, Opal, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples, are delicious options. Apples pair well with stronger cheese flavours like Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or crumbly cheeses. They also go well with mild cheddar and honey.
Clementines
Clementines are a great addition to a winter cheese board, providing a burst of juicy sweetness. They pair well with soft cheeses such as goat cheese or brie. Clementines can also be paired with crackers and honey for a delicious combination.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates add a beautiful presentation to the cheese board with their sweet-tart flavour. They go well with goat cheese, feta, or Swiss cheese. Segmenting the pomegranate ensures a gorgeous spread. Pomegranates can also be paired with other fruits, such as apples or figs, for a tasty combination.
Remember, when creating a cheese board, it's essential to include a variety of textures and colours to make it impressive and delectable. Start with the cheeses as the anchor of the board, and then fill in with the fruits and other accompaniments. Enjoy creating your winter fruit cheese board!
Mac and Cheese: Salty or Not?
You may want to see also
Dried fruits: apricots, cherries, figs, and mango
Dried fruits are a fantastic addition to a cheese board, adding a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture. Apricots, cherries, figs, and mango are all excellent choices when it comes to dried fruit for your cheese board.
Apricots
Apricot spread or dried apricots can be the star of your cheese board. You can build your cheeseboard around an apricot spread by selecting cheeses and charcuterie that complement the fruit. Bonne Maman Intense Apricot Spread is a good choice for a spread.
Cherries
Cherries are versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms with cheese, including raw, pickled, cooked in a jam, or tossed in a salad. Their bright hues and sweet and juicy nature add a nice contrast to many types of cheese. When it comes to pairing cherries with cheese, consider the following:
- Hard and salty cheeses: Aged gouda, cheddar, manchego, pecorino, asiago, or gruyere.
- Soft and salty cheeses: Feta and goat cheese.
- Soft and mild cheeses: Camembert, brie, cream cheese, ricotta, and buffalo mozzarella.
- Blue cheeses: Gorgonzola, roquefort, stilton, or Maytag Blue cheese.
Figs
Figs are a classic pairing with cheese and can be used in various ways. Fresh figs add a touch of sweetness, while fig jam or spread can be paired with bread and cheese for a delightful combination. Orchard Choice and Sun-Maid California Figs are great options to consider.
Mango
Mango, especially when prepared as a mango-citrus jam, pairs well with creamy fresh ricotta, fresh or aged goat cheese, cream cheeses, or a mild cheese. This jam can be served with crackers and salty nuts or atop toasted bread and whipped ricotta.
Remember, when creating a cheese board, variety is key. Offer an assortment of cheeses with different shapes, sizes, and textures to keep things interesting. Don't forget to bring the cheese to room temperature to allow for optimal flavor.
Sirloin Steak: Best Cheeses to Melt and Top
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen [Set of 3] Wood Cutting Board for Chopping Meat, Vegetables, Fruits, Cheese, Knife Friendly Serving Tray with Handles](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81gLwPfpWbL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Fruits for soft cheeses: apples, French bread, and strawberries
Apples, French bread, and strawberries are excellent accompaniments to soft cheeses. Here are some ideas for how to pair them:
Apples
Apples and cheese are a classic combination, offering the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury. When it comes to soft cheeses, opt for a mild cheddar, which pairs well with green apples, or brie, which also goes beautifully with apples. Avoid pairing apples with flavoured cheeses; instead, stick with cheese in its simplest form. For a fun presentation, try fondue with apple slices for dipping.
French Bread
French bread is a versatile option that can be paired with a variety of soft cheeses. For a simple yet satisfying combination, try baking French bread with butter and olive oil, then topping it with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic and herbs to this combination for a cheesy garlic bread that will complement soft cheeses.
Strawberries
Strawberries can be a unique and delicious addition to a cheese board. For a simple option, fresh strawberries can be paired with soft, creamy cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella. Alternatively, try making cheesecake-stuffed strawberries, which can be made with cream cheese or ricotta cheese and topped with chocolate shavings, graham cracker crumbs, or chocolate chips.
Beef Stroganoff: Cheese or No Cheese?
You may want to see also
Fruits for mild cheddar: apples, pears, and honey
Mild cheddar is a universally appealing cheese, and pairs nicely with fruits like green apples, pears, and honey.
When it comes to apples, there are several varieties that complement mild cheddar well. Granny Smith apples are a great choice, as their tartness and crispness provide a nice contrast to the cheese. Honeycrisp apples, with their sweet and juicy flavour, also make a delicious pairing. Other apple varieties such as Pink Lady, Opal, and Fuji apples can also be considered.
Pears are another excellent fruit to pair with mild cheddar. Bosc pears, with their sweet and aromatic flavour, are a good option. D'Anjou and Barlett pears are also great choices, as their mild and crisp texture can complement the cheese well.
Honey is a versatile addition to a cheese board and can enhance the flavour of both apples and pears. It adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the sharpness of the cheddar. You can also consider drizzling honey over baked apples or pears for a warm and comforting dessert.
To further enhance your cheese board, consider adding some walnuts, pecans, or other nuts, which pair well with mild cheddar and provide a crunchy texture. Fresh or dried fruits, such as grapes or dates, can also be included to add variety and a burst of flavour.
Remember, the beauty of creating a cheese board is that you can customise it to your taste and get creative with your favourite fruits and cheeses!
The Perfect Pairing: Berries and Bleu Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fresh berries and stone fruits like plums or cherries are great options for summer. Apples, pears, and grapes are also good choices, but avoid super juicy fruits like watermelon or peaches that can make a mess on the board.
Figs, sliced apples, pears, plums, clementines, and pomegranates are perfect fruits for a winter cheese board.
Apples, cherries, dates, figs, and strawberries pair well with Brie or Camembert. Pears and Gouda are also a great combination.
Parmigiano-Reggiano pairs well with figs, pears, dates, stone fruits, and grapes.
Wash any fresh fruits and slice larger fruits like apples and pears ahead of time. You can squeeze lemon juice on apples and pears to prevent browning. Arrange the fruits on the board and fill in any gaps with other items like crackers or cheeses.
