The Ultimate Guide To Building A Cheese Board

what kind of cheese to put on a cheese board

A good cheese board should have a variety of cheeses, including different flavours, textures and shapes. You should include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one blue cheese, and one soft cheese. You can also add something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk. If you're serving a large party, you might want to include five or six cheeses.

Characteristics Values
Number of cheeses 3-6 different cheeses
Texture Hard, semi-hard, soft
Flavour Blue, dill havarti, gouda, brie, cheddar, feta, parmesan
Shape Square, round, triangle, sliced
Colour Add colour with fruit

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How many cheeses to include

When it comes to how many cheeses to include on a cheese board, it's a good idea to include a variety of flavours, textures and shapes. You want to give your guests plenty of choice, so aim for at least four or five different cheeses. If you're serving a large party, five to six cheeses should be plenty.

If you're serving the cheese board as an appetiser, you'll only need about 1 ounce of cheese per person. If it's the main event, go for up to 2 ounces per person. It's always a good idea to have extra on hand to replenish the board as needed.

A good rule of thumb is to include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one blue cheese and one soft cheese. You might also want to add something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk. Don't be afraid to repeat segments on the board to fill space.

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Hard, semi-hard and soft cheeses

When creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to include a variety of cheeses, including hard, semi-hard, and soft cheeses. This will give your guests a range of textures and flavours to choose from.

For hard cheeses, you could include Parmesan, which can be broken into large chunks. For semi-hard cheeses, cheddar is a popular choice and can be sliced and fanned across the board. Other semi-hard cheeses to consider include dill havarti and gouda.

When it comes to soft cheeses, brie is a classic option. You can cut it into bite-sized slices or wedges, and provide cheese knives for your guests to slice as desired. Another soft cheese to consider is Greek feta, which can be sprinkled with crushed pepper flakes for added flavour.

In addition to the cheeses themselves, you can add interest to your cheese board by including crackers, nuts, and sliced fruit such as grapes or clementines. You might also want to offer condiments such as tapenade, olives, honey, or jam.

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Flavours, textures and shapes

When it comes to flavours, textures and shapes, the secret to a really good cheese board is variety. You want to give your guests loads of choice. A good rule of thumb is to include at least one hard (or semi-hard) cheese, one blue cheese and one soft cheese. You could also add something unusual and a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk.

For example, you could include a soft, crumbly blue cheese, a semi-hard cheese like cheddar, and a soft round cheese like brie. You could also add a hard cheese like Parmesan, which can be broken into large chunks with a fork.

To add interest, vary the shapes of the cheese on your board. Include squares, rounds, triangles and slices. You could also add different colours, such as a Greek feta with a sprinkle of crushed pepper flakes.

Remember to take your cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to get to room temperature. This way, the cheese won't be rock hard or too cold.

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Unusual cheeses

When it comes to creating a cheese board, variety is key. You'll want to include a range of flavours, textures and shapes to create visual interest and give your guests plenty of choice.

For a truly unusual cheese board, consider including some less common cheeses made with goat's or sheep's milk. You could also try adding a cheese with an interesting flavour or shape, such as dill havarti.

  • Greek feta with a sprinkle of crushed pepper flakes
  • A different variety of cheddar, such as a square or triangle
  • Blue cheese, such as a strong and tangy Roquefort or a milder Danish Blue
  • Brie, a soft and creamy French cheese
  • Parmesan, a hard Italian cheese with a strong flavour
The Best Cheeses to Pair with Gnocchi

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Where to buy cheese

When it comes to buying cheese for a cheese board, it's a good idea to go to a local cheese shop and ask for guidance if you're unsure what to choose. For high-quality yet inexpensive cheese, try Trader Joe's or Aldi.

If you're in the UK, you can also try Paxton & Whitfield, Neal's Yard Dairy, or La Fromagerie. If you're in the US, you can try Murray's Cheese, Di Bruno Bros, or St James Cheese Company.

If you're looking for a specific type of cheese, you can also try specialist online retailers, such as iGourmet or Formaggio Kitchen. These retailers often have a wider selection of cheeses than your average supermarket.

When selecting what cheeses to put on your cheese board, it's a good idea to include a variety of flavours, textures, and shapes. This makes for a more interesting and delicious cheese board. You could include at least one hard (or semi-hard) cheese, one blue cheese, and one soft cheese. You could also add something unusual, such as a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk, or a flavoured option like dill havarti.

Frequently asked questions

It's recommended to have at least three or four different types of cheese on a cheese board, but you can have up to five or six.

It's a good idea to include a variety of flavours, textures and shapes. Include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one blue cheese and one soft cheese. You could also add something unusual, like a cheese made with goat's or sheep's milk.

If you're serving the cheese board as an appetiser, you'll need about 1 ounce of cheese per person. If the cheese board is the main event, go for up to 2 ounces per person.

For high-quality yet inexpensive cheese, try Trader Joe's or Aldi. For expert guidance on your selections, visit your local cheese shop.

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