Andy Montoya
A cheese board is a classic addition to any gathering or celebration, and a well-curated selection of cheeses is sure to impress. There are more than 1800 different types of cheese worldwide, which can be grouped by type of milk, texture, age, country of origin, flavour and preparation. When it comes to building a cheese board, a good rule of thumb is to choose three to five cheeses with different flavours and textures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, hard, semi-hard, semi-firm |
| Flavour | Mild, sharp, tangy, nutty, creamy, funky |
| Milk | Goat, cow |
| Type | Blue, cheddar, parmesan, gouda, brie, feta, mascarpone, burrata, cottage, cream, neufchatel, queso blanco, gorgonzola, stilton, Danish blue, manchego, gruyère |
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Blue cheeses
- Marbled blue jack
- Gorgonzola
- Cabrales
- Stilton
- Danish blue
When building a cheese board, it is important to consider the different flavours and textures of the cheeses you are selecting. Blue cheeses can be a great addition to a cheese board as they offer a strong, tangy flavour that can be a nice contrast to other, milder cheeses. They also tend to have a crumbly texture, which can add variety to the cheeses you are serving.
However, it is worth noting that blue cheeses are not to everyone's taste due to their strong flavour and distinctive appearance. If you are creating a cheese board for a gathering or celebration, it may be a good idea to include a variety of different cheeses to cater to different preferences.
In addition to blue cheeses, some other popular choices for a cheese board include sharp cheddar, creamy brie, tangy goat's cheese, and nutty gouda. These cheeses offer a range of different flavours and textures that can complement each other well.
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Soft cheeses
Some popular soft cheeses include goat's cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, mascarpone, burrata, stracchino, ricotta, neufchatel and queso blanco. These cheeses are often served with crackers, fruits, and other accompaniments. For example, goat's cheese is commonly served on charcuterie boards with jams or mixed into salads.
When selecting soft cheeses for a cheese board, it is important to consider the different flavours and textures available. For example, goat's cheese is tangy and soft, while cream cheese is often milder and smoother. By offering a variety of soft cheeses, you can provide your guests with a range of flavours and textures to enjoy.
In addition to soft cheeses, a well-curated cheese board should also include a selection of other cheeses with different textures and flavours. For example, sharp and crumbly cheeses such as cheddar or Parmesan, firm and nutty cheeses such as Manchego or Gruyère, or tangy and funky blue cheeses. By offering a variety of cheeses, you can create a well-rounded and impressive cheese board for your guests to enjoy.
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Sharp and crumbly
When selecting a cheddar for your cheese board, consider the age of the cheese. Younger cheddars tend to be milder in flavour, while older cheddars can be sharper and more complex. The colour of the cheese can also vary, with some cheddars having a pale yellow hue and others a deeper orange colour.
When it comes to Parmesan, it is important to choose a high-quality cheese that has been aged for at least 12 months. This will ensure that the cheese has a strong, savoury flavour and a firm, crumbly texture. Parmesan is often sold in wedges or blocks, and it can be grated or shaved over dishes to add a depth of flavour.
Both cheddar and Parmesan are versatile cheeses that can be enjoyed on their own or used as ingredients in recipes. They are also excellent choices for a cheese board, as they offer a contrast in texture and flavour to softer, milder cheeses such as Brie or goat's cheese.
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Tangy and funky
A cheese board is a great way to showcase a variety of cheeses, and a well-curated selection of cheeses is sure to impress. When it comes to creating a cheese board with tangy and funky cheeses, blue cheeses are a perfect choice. Blue cheeses, such as marbled blue jack, gorgonzola, cabrales, stilton, and Danish blue, offer a distinctively tangy and pungent flavour profile. Their characteristic veining and marbling add a unique texture and appearance to the cheese board.
Goat's cheese is another tangy option that can add a bright and vibrant note to your cheese board. Its tanginess is attributed to the presence of fatty acids, resulting in a more pungent flavour compared to cow's milk cheese. Goat's cheese often comes in a soft texture, making it a delightful contrast to the firmer blue cheeses.
For a truly indulgent and funky experience, consider adding a wedge of Brillat-Savarin to your cheese board. This rich and creamy cheese is sure to impress with its decadent flavour and texture. Combining it with crostini or crackers will create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
When selecting cheeses for your board, aim for a variety of flavours and textures. The tangy and funky cheeses can be balanced with other options, such as sharp and crumbly cheddar or Parmesan, firm and nutty Manchego or Gruyère, or ripe and oozy Brie. By offering a range of cheeses, you can cater to different taste preferences and create a well-rounded cheese board that will be a conversation starter at any gathering.
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Ripe and oozy
When selecting cheeses for your board, it is important to consider a variety of flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to choose three to five cheeses that offer a range of experiences. For example, you could include a sharp and crumbly cheese like cheddar or Parmesan, a soft and bright cheese like goat's cheese, and a firm and nutty cheese like Manchego or Gruyère.
Goat's cheese is a tangy, soft cheese made from goat's milk. Its unique flavour is due to the presence of fatty acids, making it more pungent than cow's milk cheese. It is often served on charcuterie boards with jams or mixed into salads.
Other ripe and oozy cheeses to consider for your board include Camembert, Robiola, and Taleggio. These cheeses have a similar texture to Brie but offer different flavour profiles that can elevate your cheese board. By including a variety of ripe and oozy cheeses, you can provide your guests with a delightful sensory experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft cheeses include goat's cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, mascarpone, burrata, stracchino, ricotta, neufchatel and queso blanco.
Blue cheeses include marbled blue jack, gorgonzola, cabrales, stilton and Danish blue.
Firm and nutty cheeses include Manchego and Gruyère.
Sharp and crumbly cheeses include cheddar and Parmesan.
