Charcuterie Boards: Exploring The Perfect Cheeses

Charcuterie boards are a delightful combination of flavours, textures, and aesthetics. The best charcuterie boards include a mix of soft, hard, stinky, and crumbly cheeses. When it comes to selecting the cheese for your charcuterie board, it is best to choose a variety of different textures and flavours. This includes creamy, sharp, mild, spicy, tangy, and nutty cheeses. Here are some of the most popular cheeses to include on a charcuterie board:

- Cheddar

- Brie

- Gouda

- Blue Cheese

- Goat Cheese

- Manchego

- Boursin Cheese

- Pepper Jack Cheese

- Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan

Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, and cream cheese

Soft cheeses are a staple of any charcuterie board, and there are several varieties to choose from. Here are some tips for including brie, camembert, goat cheese, and cream cheese on your next charcuterie board:

Brie

Brie is a versatile, mild French cheese that can be served as-is or cooked. It pairs well with sweet accompaniments like fig butter, orange marmalade, or blackberry jam, as well as candied pecans, grapes, apples, and baguette slices or mini toasts. If you want to cook the brie, you can bake it in the oven with a drizzle of honey and some pistachios on top.

Camembert

Like brie, camembert is a soft, mild French cheese. To include it on your charcuterie board, you can bake it in the oven with honey and pistachios and garnish it with rosemary sprigs. Place the baked camembert on the board alongside other cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and proteins such as prosciutto, salami, or smoked salmon.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a creamy cheese with a tangy flavor. It pairs well with both sweet and savory items. Some good pairings include grapes, apples, dark chocolate, honey, and garlic and herb-flavored crackers. Goat cheese is easily spreadable, so it's a good idea to include a variety of crackers on your board.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft cheese that can be served with pepper jelly or jalapeño jelly on top. It can be a good contrast to some of the stronger-flavored cheeses on a charcuterie board.

When assembling your charcuterie board, remember to use a variety of textures and flavors, and to include odd numbers of cheese (3, 5, or 7) depending on the number of people you're serving. Place the cheeses first, then add meats, and fill in the gaps with accompaniments like nuts, fruits, crackers, and dips.

Hard cheeses: Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Manchego

Hard cheeses are a staple of any charcuterie board. Here are some tips for including cheddar, parmesan, gruyère, and manchego on yours:

Cheddar

Cheddar pairs well with any cured meats. You can also place cashews, apples, and dark chocolate nearby.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard, dense cheese with a nutty, fruity, and savoury flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be grated over pasta, stirred into risotto, or shaved over a salad. Parmesan also works well with meats, fruits, and nuts.

Gruyère

Gruyère has a nutty flavour that pairs well with salami or ham, as well as grapes, figs, honey, and mustard.

Manchego

Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, which gives it a crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavour. It is identifiable by its zigzag pattern and orange rind. Manchego pairs well with fresh figs, quince paste, Spanish green olives, Spanish chorizo or any other cured meats, and walnuts or Marcona almonds.

Blue cheese: Roquefort, Stilton, and Gorgonzola

Blue cheese is a bold and tangy cheese variety that can add a delightful element to any charcuterie board. When selecting blue cheese for your charcuterie board, consider choosing from the diverse range of varieties available, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton, to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Roquefort is a distinctive blue cheese variety known for its rich and creamy texture and sharp, salty flavour. It is produced in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of France and is protected by law, ensuring traditional manufacturing methods. This cheese is aged in the natural caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, contributing to its unique flavour and texture.

Stilton, on the other hand, is a traditional English blue cheese produced in the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. It has a strong, tangy flavour and a creamy texture, often described as a milder alternative to Roquefort. Stilton is typically aged for several weeks to develop its characteristic blue veins and flavour.

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that offers a slightly different flavour profile compared to Roquefort and Stilton. It is made from unskimmed cow's milk and matured for a shorter period, resulting in a creamy texture and a milder, sweeter taste. Gorgonzola is often used in cooking, adding depth and flavour to pasta dishes, salads, and sauces.

When adding these blue cheeses to your charcuterie board, consider the following tips:

• Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavour and texture.
• Cut the cheese into wedges to showcase the blue veins or crumble it for a less structured presentation.
• Pair blue cheese with complementary ingredients such as garlic bread, pecans, grapes, honey, or crackers.
• Experiment with different combinations of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments to create a unique and tantalising flavour experience.

Spicy cheese: Pepper Jack

A charcuterie board is a delightful way to showcase a variety of flavours and textures, and Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent choice to bring a spicy kick to your selection. This semi-soft cheese, originating in the United States, combines the creamy texture of Monterey Jack with the fiery spice of peppers, creating a unique and tantalizing taste experience.

When selecting cheeses for your charcuterie board, it is essential to consider both flavour and texture. Pepper Jack offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of crackers. Its spice and tang complement the salty notes of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni. To balance the heat, you can add sweet and refreshing fruits like apples, grapes, or pears. The versatility of Pepper Jack also allows it to shine when paired with wines or beers.

The spice factor in Pepper Jack cheese ranges from mild to medium heat, making it accessible to those who enjoy a touch of spice without being overwhelmed. This cheese is typically made with jalapeños, but you can also find varieties that include habaneros, serrano peppers, or even ghost peppers for an extra kick. The heat and creaminess of Pepper Jack make it a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes beyond the charcuterie board.

When creating your charcuterie board, presentation is key. Arrange the Pepper Jack cheese alongside the cured meats, fruits, crackers, and other accompaniments in a visually appealing way. Use an odd number of cheeses, such as 3, 5, or 7, depending on the number of people you are serving. Fold the meats in half or roll them into ribbons to add interest and make them easy to pick up. Add pops of colour with red apples, red and green grapes, strawberries, and other vibrant fruits or berries.

To store your Pepper Jack cheese and keep it fresh, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it. Avoid freezing, as this can affect its creamy texture. With its bold flavour and spicy kick, Pepper Jack cheese is a delightful addition to any charcuterie board, adding a touch of excitement to your tasting experience.

Flavoured cheese: Honey, chilli, mustard, herbs, and truffle

Flavoured cheeses are a great way to add variety to your charcuterie board and impress your guests. Here are some ideas for flavoured cheese with honey, chilli, mustard, herbs, and truffle:

Honey

Honey is a fantastic way to sweeten up a cheese and add a touch of luxury. Whipped ricotta with truffle honey is a perfect example of this, where the ricotta is blended with herbs and garlic, then drizzled with truffle honey and served with sliced bread and fresh fruit. Alternatively, you could simply drizzle honey over a cheese of your choice, such as a mild, creamy cheese like brie or goat cheese, to add a touch of sweetness.

Chilli

For those who like it hot, chilli-flavoured cheese is a great option. Look for a cheddar blended with chilli and lime for a zesty kick, or try a cream cheese with jalapeño jelly on top. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even make your own cream cheese by blending it with fresh jalapeños and spreading it on crackers or bread.

Mustard

Mustard is a classic condiment that pairs perfectly with cheese. For a subtle flavour, try whole grain mustard as a dip or spread on your charcuterie board. Or, for a more intense mustard kick, seek out a mustard-flavoured cheese, such as the Ford Farm Cheddar with Mustard and Ale.

Herbs

Herbs can add a wonderful freshness to cheese. Try a soft goat cheese infused with herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or blend your own by mixing fresh herbs into a bowl of ricotta. You could also garnish your cheese with fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

Truffle

Truffle is an indulgent and luxurious flavour that can elevate any cheese. For a real treat, seek out the Ford Farm 'Truffler' – a cheddar blended with prized black truffles. The aroma and flavour of the truffles will be sure to impress your guests. Alternatively, look for a truffle-infused honey to drizzle over a mild cheese of your choice.

When selecting flavoured cheeses for your charcuterie board, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Choose a variety of hard and soft cheeses, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your very own flavoured cheese board!

Frequently asked questions