Cheese Selection Guide For Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are a delightful way to serve a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and more. When it comes to selecting cheeses for your charcuterie board, the key is to offer a diverse range of textures and flavours. A well-curated cheese selection can impress your guests and elevate your charcuterie board to the next level. Here are some popular cheese choices to consider:

Soft cheeses: goat's cheese, cream cheese, feta, mascarpone, burrata, ricotta, etc

Soft cheeses are a staple of any charcuterie board, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate soft cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, feta, mascarpone, burrata, and ricotta into your charcuterie board:

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile option for a charcuterie board, as it comes in a variety of flavours and styles. Some options for goat cheese on a charcuterie board include:

• Original goat cheese: This can serve as a "safer" option for those who are unfamiliar with goat cheese, as well as a refreshing flavour for goat cheese connoisseurs.
• Chipotle honey goat cheese: This variety adds a pleasantly piquant flavour to your charcuterie board for guests who enjoy a little heat.
• Goat cheddar cheese: Offering a hard goat cheese, such as goat cheddar, provides a change of texture and elevated flavour to your board.
• Rolled cranberry cinnamon goat cheese: This combination of fresh goat cheese, warm cinnamon, and tart cranberry adds a burst of colour and an extra dimension of texture to your charcuterie board.
• Mediterranean goat cheese: The robust, refreshing flavour of a Mediterranean-inspired goat cheese makes for a satisfying spread, especially on pita bread.

When building a goat cheese charcuterie board, consider pairing the cheese with items like dry salami, dry chorizo, smoked bresaola, prosciutto, or pâté. For the finishing touches, add crackers, crostini, flatbreads, fruits, nuts, olives, veggies, and spreads such as fig, honey, or pepper jelly.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that can be used in a variety of ways on a charcuterie board. Here are some ideas:

• Cream cheese with jalapeño jelly: This combination adds a spicy kick to your charcuterie board.
• Whipped cream cheese: Cream cheese can be whipped with a food processor or mixer to create a dip or spread for crackers, bread, or veggies.

Feta

Feta is a salty, briny cheese that can be crumbled or whipped and used in a variety of ways on a charcuterie board:

• Whipped feta dip: Combine feta with cream cheese and heavy cream in a food processor to create a light and fluffy dip for pita chips or bread.
• Feta-stuffed olives: Green olives stuffed with feta add a salty, briny element to your charcuterie board.
• Feta spread: Combine feta with olive oil, sea salt flakes, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest for a spread on crackers or bread.

Burrata

Burrata is a young mozzarella cheese with a fresh and light flavour. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your charcuterie board:

• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with pepper (and Kosher salt, optionally).
• Garnish with fresh basil, as basil and mozzarella are a match made in heaven.
• Spread on sliced baguette bread or crackers.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury applications on a charcuterie board:

• Whipped ricotta: Combine ricotta with milk, cream, or yogurt in a food processor to create a dip or spread. Add salt and any desired spices, herbs, or sweet flavours like honey, mint, or vanilla.
• Topped with seasonal fruits or vegetables: In the summer, try chopped fresh tomatoes marinated in olive oil with herbs and garlic. In cooler months, try roasted citrus with a drizzle of honey.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury applications. While it is not mentioned in the sources in the context of charcuterie boards, its similarity to cream cheese and ricotta suggests that it could be used in similar ways. Some ideas include:

• Whipped mascarpone: Combine mascarpone with milk, cream, or yogurt in a food processor to create a dip or spread. Add salt and any desired spices, herbs, or sweet flavours.
• Topped with seasonal fruits or vegetables.

Blue cheeses: gorgonzola, stilton, Danish blue, etc

Blue cheese is a memorable addition to any charcuterie board, with its distinctive marbling and pungent aroma. Here are some classic blue cheeses to consider:

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a hard, ripe cheese from northern Italy, specifically the Lombardy region. It is characterised by its deep blue veining, created by a special type of mould. Depending on how it's aged, gorgonzola can be either solid and crumbly or creamy and buttery. Its flavour is pungent, nutty, earthy, and salty. There are two types: gorgonzola dolce, which is sweeter and creamier, and gorgonzola piccante, which is spicier and crumblier. When it comes to presentation, pair gorgonzola with grapes, honey, and pistachios on your charcuterie board.

Stilton

Stilton is a traditional English cheese that dates back to the 17th century. It has a unique appearance with blue veins radiating from the centre, and a mixed soft and crumbly texture. Its flavour is rich and creamy, starting mellow with nutty and sweet notes, and finishing with a sharp aftertaste. On a charcuterie board, pair stilton with honey, walnuts, and sliced apples.

Danish Blue

Danish Blue (or Danablu) is a milder variety of blue cheese, making it ideal for those new to this type of cheese. It has an earthy flavour that starts pungent and finishes smooth and creamy. It is a good alternative to gorgonzola or stilton, with a similar flavour profile and appearance.

When assembling a charcuterie board, it's important to include a mix of hard and soft cheeses, as well as salty and sweet options. Blue cheeses, with their strong flavours and distinctive appearance, can be a great way to add variety and interest to your selection.

Semi-hard cheeses: gouda, cheddar, manchego, etc

Semi-hard cheeses are a great choice for a charcuterie board, offering a range of flavours and textures to delight your guests. Gouda, cheddar, manchego, and similar semi-hard cheeses are popular and versatile options that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other foods.

Gouda, a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, is one of the world's most popular cheeses. It has a rich, caramelised flavour and a springy texture. Younger goudas are mild and creamy, while aged varieties are deep, nutty, and buttery, with a crystallised appearance. Gouda is a versatile choice that pairs well with other foods, and its long production history—dating back to the 12th century—attests to its enduring popularity.

Cheddar, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, is another excellent choice for charcuterie. Originating in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, cheddar is now enjoyed worldwide. Cheddar has a unique "cheddaring" process, in which the curds are broken up to eliminate air and liquid before being stacked and pressed for ageing. This technique gives cheddar its signature texture and flavour. Young cheddars tend to be mild and creamy, while aged cheddars develop a sharper bite and a crumbly texture. On a charcuterie board, you can cut cheddar into bite-sized cubes or wedges and pair it with sliced apples or grapes.

Manchego, a semi-soft sheep cheese from Spain, is another tasty option for your charcuterie board. It has an earthy, tangy, and nutty flavour with grassy aromas. Its strong flavour means a little goes a long way. Manchego pairs well with salty, spicy meats, and it can be served with bread, marinated olives, and marcona almonds.

In addition to gouda, cheddar, and manchego, other semi-hard cheeses to consider for your charcuterie board include fontina, muenster, butterkäse, colby, edam, emmental, jarlsberg, gruyere, and Monterey Jack.

When building your charcuterie board, remember to include a variety of textures and flavours. Pair your semi-hard cheeses with cured meats, soft and hard cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and other accompaniments to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread.

Hard cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino, etc

Hard cheeses are a must-have on any charcuterie board, providing a contrast of textures and flavours. When selecting hard cheeses, consider the following options:

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan as it is commonly known, is a classic Italian hard cheese. It has a strong, nutty flavour and a granular texture. Parmigiano Reggiano is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or grated over other foods. Its savoury taste pairs well with rich, salty meats and it can be served with bread, crackers, or fruit.

Pecorino

Pecorino is a sheep's milk cheese with a tangy, nutty flavour and a firm texture. It is produced in many parts of Italy, with each region having its own distinct variety. Pecorino Romano, for example, is a popular variety that is known for its salty, sharp flavour. Pecorino pairs well with cured meats and can be served with crackers, bread, or fruit.

Manchego

Manchego is a semi-hard to hard sheep's milk cheese from Spain. It has a deep yellow colour and a tangy, nutty flavour with grassy aromas. Manchego has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It pairs well with salty, spicy meats and can be served with bread, marinated olives, and nuts such as marcona almonds.

Other Hard Cheeses

In addition to the above, there are several other hard cheeses that can be considered for a charcuterie board. Some options include aged gouda, which has a deep, nutty and buttery flavour; vintage cheddar, which has a sharp, earthy taste; and Beaufort, a French cheese with a sweet, nutty flavour.

Creamy options: blue cheese, goat cheese, etc

When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to include a variety of textures and flavours. Creamy cheeses are a great option to include on a charcuterie board, and there are several types to choose from.

Blue cheese is a popular choice for charcuterie boards, with its strong, sharp flavour and creamy texture. It pairs well with rich meats, or a sweeter option like jam or honey. A popular variety of blue cheese is the St. Rocco Triple Crème Brie, which is rich and luxurious.

Goat cheese is another excellent option for charcuterie boards. It has a tangy, soft flavour and often comes in a log or roll, making it easy to slice and serve. Goat cheese comes in a variety of flavours, including honey, cranberry, and orange peel. These flavoured varieties often incorporate lavender, herbs, spices, wines, and berries, which can add an interesting twist to your charcuterie board.

Frequently asked questions