Cheese Board Companion Gifts: What To Give Alongside

A cheese board is a great gift for foodies, wine lovers, and professionals of all ages. But what goes with a cheese board for a gift? Well, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Common choices include portable utensils, small containers like ramekins, cured meats, fruit, nuts, vegetables, crackers, bread, and sauces like mustard or honey.

If you're looking for something more unique, you could consider a personalised cheese board, a cheese subscription box, or even a cheese-making kit. For the bookworm cheese lover, you could gift them a book about cheese, such as 'The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love'.

So, whether you're shopping for a birthday, the holidays, or just because, there are plenty of gift options to delight the cheese lover in your life.

Cheese knives and boards

Types of Cheese Boards

Cheese boards come in various styles, materials, and sizes. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a cheese board:

• Material: Cheese boards are commonly made from wood, such as acacia, mango, or 19th-century European pine, or natural stones like marble or slate. Wooden boards bring a warm and natural feel to your table, while marble adds a sleek and elegant touch.
• Shape and Size: Cheese boards come in different shapes, including rectangular and round. Rectangular boards with handles are classic and convenient for transport, while round boards offer more space for displaying meats, cheeses, crackers, and other treats. Consider the number of people you plan to serve when choosing a size.

Types of Cheese Knives

When it comes to cheese knives, there are a few types to consider:

• Specialty Cheese Knives: These include wire cutters, paddle cutters, and spreaders designed specifically for cutting and serving cheese. Soft or crumbly cheeses, for example, require a wire cutter for smooth and clean cuts.
• Multifunctional Tools: Some cheese knives are designed with multiple functions in mind. For example, the Messermeister Oliva Elite knife can be used for cutting cheese and tomatoes.
• Sets: Cheese knives often come in sets, offering a variety of knives for different types of cheese. You can find sets with three to four knives, or even larger sets for a complete entertaining experience.

Tips for Choosing Cheese Boards and Knives

• Durability and Maintenance: Look for cheese boards and knives made from durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For wooden boards, consider those with sealants to ensure long-lasting use.
• Style and Coordination: Choose a cheese board that fits your style and complements your other serving platters and utensils. Some cheese boards and knives come in coordinated sets, adding a cohesive look to your table.
• Accessories: Don't forget the accessories! Chalkboard cheese markers, soapstone chalk, and woven serving baskets can enhance your cheese board presentation and make it easier for guests to identify different cheeses.

Cheese accompaniments

Cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavour and make it more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for cheese accompaniments that can be gifted along with a cheese board:

• Fruits and Nuts: Dried fruits and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and apricots can provide a crunchy texture and a burst of sweetness to complement the cheese.
• Spreads and Condiments: Honey, especially artisanal varieties such as thyme and herb honey, can be drizzled over strong cheeses like blue cheese. Other condiments like mustard, relish, and jams can also be paired with certain cheeses.
• Crackers and Bread: Artisanal crackers and bread, such as Carr's table water crackers or a rustic loaf, are essential for any cheese board and provide a neutral base to showcase the flavours of the cheese.
• Meats: Cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and soppressata are classic charcuterie board items that pair well with cheeses.
• Olives: Blue cheese-stuffed olives or table olives marinated in herbs and spices can add a savoury touch to the cheese board.
• Sweets: For those with a sweet tooth, dark chocolate caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, or biscotti can be paired with certain cheeses for a delightful contrast of flavours.
• Drinks: A glass of wine, especially red wine, is a classic pairing with cheese. Alternatively, a bottle of bubbly can be a festive touch.

Cheese storage

Cheese is a living food, and as such, it needs to breathe. This is the guiding principle of storing cheese. The best way to store cheese is to use a reusable, durable, and easy-to-clean container. It should be long-lasting, sustainable, and zero-waste, using natural materials like wood.

• In general, cheese should be stored in the refrigerator until about an hour before you’re ready to eat it. The cold temperature helps to preserve it and keep premature mold growth at bay. It's best to keep cheese in the cheese drawer or crisper to protect it from the drying air of the fridge.
• However, there are exceptions. Cheese that you plan to melt, such as mozzarella or cheddar, doesn't need to come to room temperature before eating. On the other hand, cheeses intended for a cheese board should be brought to room temperature before serving.
• Plastic wrap is not ideal for cheese storage as it cuts off the air supply, traps in moisture, and lets in light, which can negatively affect the cheese's flavor and texture. If you must use plastic wrap, remove it as soon as you get home and let your cheese breathe.
• Aluminum foil is also not recommended for cheese storage, as it can create similar issues to plastic wrap. It can affect the flavor of certain cheeses and doesn't allow the cheese to breathe properly.
• Cheese paper or reusable, compostable food wraps are better options. They provide airflow and humidity, which are crucial for keeping cheese fresh and flavorful. When using cheese paper, ensure that all parts of the cheese are covered to prevent drying.
• Another option is to use a cheese storage bag, such as the Formaticum bags recommended by professional cheesemongers. These bags are made of porous, waxed paper with micro-perforations that regulate humidity and allow the cheese to breathe, creating a cave-like environment.
• For long-term storage, consider investing in a Cheese Grotto, a sustainable, and economical cheese storage box that maintains the proper moisture level to keep your cheese tasting great for longer.

Cheese-themed gifts

Cheese boards and platters

A cheese board is a great gift for any cheese lover. You could opt for a personalised or custom board, or one made from repurposed bamboo chopsticks, Italian olivewood, or agate. For a unique twist, you could give a board in the shape of a shark, or a swivel board that expands to reveal knives.

Cheese knives and tools

Cheese knives are an essential for any cheese lover, and make a great gift. You could also give them a cheese grotto, storage papers or bags, or a cheese melter.

Cheese accompaniments

There are lots of foods that go well with cheese, and these make great gifts. You could give them crackers, bread, mustard, honey, fruit, nuts, or chocolate. Or, for something more unusual, how about cheese biscuits, candied pecans, or dates stuffed with gorgonzola?

Cheese subscriptions and boxes

If your friend loves discovering new cheeses, you could give them a subscription box or a one-off box of selected cheeses.

Cheese-themed extras

For a light-hearted gift, you could give them a cheese-themed book, poster, candle, item of clothing, or jewellery.

Cheese books

There are several books about cheese that can be gifted along with a cheese board. Here are some options:

The New Rules of Cheese by Anne Saxelby

This richly illustrated book by lauded cheesemonger Anne Saxelby is perfect for all cheese fans, from newcomers to experts. It covers the history and fundamentals of cheese-making, tips on selecting, tasting, serving, and pairing different varieties of cheese, and even includes a brief history of cheese and why it's good for you.

World of Cheese

This book categorizes cheeses by country, giving descriptions of their look, smell, and taste, along with pictures and suggested pairings. It is a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about different types of cheese and how to pair them.

The Cheese Lover's Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst

This book is an excellent A-Z cheese companion, written in an encyclopedic style. It is a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the world of cheese with ease.

Reinventing the Wheel: Milk, Microbes and the Fight for Real Cheese by Bronwen and Francis Percival

Wine and Spirits Book of the Year 2017. This book delves into the world of milk, microbes, and the art of crafting real cheese. It is a great read for those who want to understand the science and history behind cheese-making.

Liz Thorpe's Book of Cheese

Liz Thorpe's book is a game-changer, as she lays out "gateway cheeses" and creates flavour and texture families around them. This book has been used to train employees behind the cheese counter, and it will help you navigate the vast world of cheese with ease.

Taste of Home Boards Platters & More

This book provides over 50 charcuterie board ideas, guaranteed to impress your guests. It is a great resource for those who want to learn how to assemble a beautiful and delicious cheese board.

In addition to these books, you can also consider pairing the cheese board with some accessories, such as chalkboard cheese markers, cheese knives, and other charcuterie items like cured meats, crackers, honey, and mustard.

Frequently asked questions