Cheese Charcuterie: Selecting The Perfect Cheeses For Your Board

A charcuterie board is a delightful combination of flavours, textures and aesthetics. When selecting cheeses for a charcuterie board, it is important to offer a variety of textures and flavours to cater to different tastes. A good rule of thumb is to choose three to five cheeses with different flavours and textures. For example, sharp and crumbly cheddar or Parmesan, soft and bright goat cheese, firm and nutty Gruyère, tangy and funky blue cheese, or ripe and oozy Brie. It is also important to consider the number of guests when selecting the amount of cheese, with a general guideline of 2-3 ounces of cheese per person.

Hard cheeses

Cheddar

A popular and familiar choice, cheddar is a versatile hard cheese that pairs well with many other foods. Its sharp and crumbly texture contrasts nicely with softer, creamier cheeses. It goes well with apples, walnuts, pecans, pears, honey, grapes and dates.

Parmesan

Parmesan is often used as an ingredient, but it also works well as a table cheese. It has a salty, nutty, crunchy texture and pairs well with apples, grapes, dried fruit, membrillo and fig jam.

Piave

This hard cheese from the Dolomite Mountains in Italy is similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano. It has a full-bodied flavour with a delicate balance of subtle, sweet nuttiness and intensely savoury, fruity notes from its long ageing process. Piave goes well with punchy jams, spiced meats and other cheeses. It's also versatile when it comes to wine, pairing well with both Italian reds and Bordeaux Blancs.

Manchego

A firm, buttery cheese from Spain, Manchego has a unique flavour that pairs well with figs, crusty French bread, almonds, green olives and prosciutto.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a firm and nutty Swiss cheese with a rich, creamy and slightly sweet flavour. It pairs well with salami, ham, grapes, figs, honey and mustard.

Soft cheeses

Brie

A definite crowd-pleaser, brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It pairs well with apples, French bread, cherries, dates, figs, pistachios, and strawberries. For a festive touch, cut a wedge out of the cheese and top it with fresh blackberries, a drizzle of honey, and a rosemary sprig. You can also warm the brie so it's nice and melted, bringing out its flavour.

Camembert

Camembert is similar to brie in texture and taste but has a slightly tangier, more pungent flavour. It's a great choice for those who like their soft cheeses a little stronger.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, has a tangy, sharp flavour with a creamy texture. It's a good option for those who want something a little different from the usual brie or camembert. Goat cheese pairs well with sweet and juicy grapes or apples, as well as dark chocolate. For a simple, yet elegant presentation, serve a log of goat cheese with interesting jam or honey drizzled on top and served with crackers.

Robiola Bosina Due Latte

This Italian cheese is described as the best Brie-style cheese by some. It has a whisper-thin rind and notes of berries, with a mild, milky, gooey centre.

Burrata

Burrata is an Italian cow's milk cheese made from fresh mozzarella and cream. It has a firm outer casing and a soft, creamy interior filled with stringy curd and fresh cream. It has a simple, milky, buttery flavour and is delicious when paired with good bread or crackers, fresh fruit, or salty meats.

Chabichou du Poitou

This small, spreadable goat cheese has a tangy, wrinkled gray-blue rind, a decadent, gooey outer edge, and a dense, creamy centre. Its flavour is relatively mild and crowd-pleasing, ranging from nutty and buttery to bright, acidic, and sweet. It's soft enough to be scooped up with a sturdy cracker and is heavenly when spread on warm crusty bread with a drizzle of honey.

Delice de Bourgogne

This French cheese is a bloomy rind triple-cream cow's milk cheese with a fat content of around 75%. It has a slightly tangy, irresistibly smooth, rich, and creamy texture. It pairs well with light-bodied white wine, bubbles, or a locally brewed beer. When left to temper, this cheese spreads like a dream over crackers or fresh bread.

Flavourful cheeses

When creating a charcuterie board, it's important to include a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Here are some flavourful cheeses to consider:

Cheddar

A popular and well-loved cheese, cheddar comes in a range of varieties, from white sharp cheddar to medium cheddar, and even cheddar with a kick from Scotch bonnet chillies. It pairs well with green apples, walnuts, pecans, pears, honey, grapes and dates.

Brie

A soft, creamy cheese, brie is a beautiful addition to any charcuterie board. It can be cut into a wedge and topped with fresh blackberries, honey and rosemary, or warmed until melted. Brie goes well with apples, French bread, cherries, dates, figs, pistachios and strawberries.

Gouda

Known for its rich, unique flavour and smooth texture, gouda is a flavourful choice. It pairs well with fruits such as apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and pears.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a tangy, creamy cheese that can be spread on crackers. It is often sold in logs with cranberry or blueberry, adding a touch of sweetness.

Manchego

A firm, buttery cheese from Spain, manchego has a nutty flavour. It pairs well with figs, crusty French bread, almonds, green olives and prosciutto.

Boursin Cheese

A combination of classic Gournay Cheese and herbs and spices, boursin is perfect for spreading on crackers and adding a kick of flavour to your charcuterie board.

Pepper Jack Cheese

If you want to add some spice to your board, pepper jack cheese is an excellent choice. It pairs well with crackers, apples, honey and pears.

Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese

A strong, pungent cheese, blue cheese is loved by some and hated by others. It pairs well with apples, honey, pears, almonds, figs, hazelnuts and candied walnuts.

Burrata or Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Soft, creamy and mild, burrata or marinated mozzarella balls are always a popular choice. They pair well with olive oil, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, prosciutto, tomatoes and Italian cured meats.

Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan

The famous Italian cheese, parmesan, is known for its sharp, nutty flavour. It can be cut into wedges or crumbled, and pairs well with figs, pears, dates, balsamic vinegar, walnuts, stone fruits, grapes and honey.

Cured meats

Types of Cured Meats

When choosing cured meats for your charcuterie board, variety is key. Aim for a mix of different flavours and textures to keep things interesting. Here are some popular options:

• Prosciutto: A classic Italian cured meat, prosciutto is salty and silky, made from curing the whole hind leg of a pig. It is typically served paper-thin and pairs well with fresh mozzarella, burrata, or hard cheeses like Parmesan.
• Salami: Salami is a dry-cured sausage that comes in many varieties. Look for both thinly sliced and thicker options to add texture to your board.
• Soppressata: A coarsely ground, fatty dry-cured salami from Italy, usually sold as "hot" or "sweet" varieties. Spicy soppressata is made with Calabrian chillies and has a bright red colour.
• Capicola: An Italian dry-cured salami with a perfect amount of saltiness that pairs well with fresh mozzarella.
• Coppa: Another Italian dry-cured salami with a similar flavour profile to capicola.
• Pepperoni: A spicy, cured sausage that adds a kick to your charcuterie board.

Presentation and Pairings

When arranging your cured meats on the board, try folding or rolling them to create a ribbon-like design. Group them in small clusters rather than spreading them out uniformly, and feel free to get creative with the shapes. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Fig Jam: Cured meats like prosciutto go well with sweet and tangy fig jam.
• Honey: The saltiness of the meats is balanced by a drizzle of honey.
• Cheese: As the focus of your charcuterie board, pair your cured meats with a variety of cheeses. Soft cheeses like brie and camembert, hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda, and more adventurous options like blue cheese and goat cheese offer a range of textures and flavours.
• Fruits: Try pairing your cured meats with fresh or dried fruits like apples, grapes, berries, or figs.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some nuts like macadamia almonds, pistachios, or candied pecans around the board to fill any gaps.
• Crackers and Bread: Include crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette to provide a base for your guests to enjoy the meats and cheeses.

Accompaniments

Sweet Accompaniments

Add a touch of sweetness to your charcuterie board with honey or jams. Honeycomb or honey pairs beautifully with sharp white cheddar and crisp apples. Fig jam is a popular choice, but you can also offer a variety of jams such as cherry, mango pepper, apricot, or berry jam. For a unique twist, include some chocolate-covered nuts or a few pieces of high-quality dark chocolate.

Crunchy Accompaniments

Nuts are a must-have on a charcuterie board. Include a variety of nuts such as cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and candied pecans. If you want to get creative, try seasoned macadamia nuts or candied pecans. Crispy chickpeas are another unexpected crunchy element that can surprise your guests.

Salty Accompaniments

Olives and cornichons are classic salty additions to a charcuterie board. Look for marinated olives such as chili and tangerine olives, or green olives stuffed with garlic or feta. Cornichons are tiny, crunchy pickles that add a tangy, salty bite.

Spreadable Accompaniments

Offer a variety of spreads and dips to elevate your charcuterie board. Hummus, tapenade, mustard, and pesto are all excellent choices. For something different, try a cold spinach dip, pimento cheese dip, or even a cheeseball.

Fresh and Dried Fruits

Fruits are a must-have on a charcuterie board, providing a burst of colour and freshness. Include a mix of fresh and dried fruits such as grapes, apples, pears, oranges, berries, apricots, cherries, and mangoes dried apricots, dried oranges, and dried cherries are excellent choices if you're looking for something less perishable.

Frequently asked questions