Frederic Melton
A cheese board is a great appetizer for any occasion, from dinner parties to holidays. The perfect cheese board offers a variety of flavours, textures and colours, with a mix of cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, meats and condiments. When creating a cheese board, it is recommended to select around three to five different types of cheese, including a mix of hard, soft and blue cheeses, and to take the cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. In addition to cheese, crackers, nuts, fruits and meats such as prosciutto or salami are common additions, along with condiments such as honey, jam, chutney or mustard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3-5 different types |
| Type of cheese | Hard, soft, blue, goat's or sheep's milk, unusual |
| Sweet elements | Honey, jams, chutney, dried fruits, fresh fruits, chocolate |
| Crunchy elements | Nuts, crispy chickpeas, crackers |
| Salty elements | Olives, cornichons, pickles |
| Color | Seasonal fruits, fresh herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese types and textures
When it comes to creating the perfect cheese board, variety is key. Aim for a mix of flavours and textures, with 3-5 different cheeses. It is recommended to include at least one hard or semi-hard cheese, one soft cheese, and one blue cheese. Here are some popular options for each category:
Hard Cheeses:
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Pecorino
- Asiago
- Comte
- Swiss
- Manchego
- Smoked Gouda
Semi-Hard Cheeses:
- Aged Cheddar
- Gruyere
- Edam
- Havarti
- Fontina
Soft Cheeses:
- Camembert
- Brie
- Whipped Ricotta
- Boursin
- Raclette
- Mozzarella
- Goat Cheese (Chevin)
Blue Cheeses:
- Gorgonzola
- Stilton
- Roquefort
- Danish Blue
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and include some unusual cheeses, such as those made with goat's or sheep's milk. You can also add a variety of textures by slicing the cheeses into different shapes, such as cubes or wedges.
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Sweet and salty elements
When it comes to sweet and salty elements, there are many options to choose from. You can add dried fruits, such as cranberries, apricots, or figs, or fresh fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, and berries. Seasonal fruits like figs, plums, clementines, and pomegranates in the winter, and berries and grapes in the summer, can add a nice touch. Honey is another sweet element that pairs well with cheese. Jams, such as fig or apricot jam, and fruit preserves can also add sweetness to your cheese board. If you're feeling whimsical, you can even add festive chocolates, chocolate Easter eggs, or Halloween candy, depending on the occasion.
On the salty side, briny olives, cornichons, and pickles are great options. Pickled vegetables, such as onions, radishes, and capers, can also add a nice salty, tangy element. Meats like prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and capicola can provide a savory, salty contrast to the sweet elements. If you're looking for something crunchy, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans are a great choice. Blue Diamond Almonds come in flavors like Rosemary and Sea Salt, Pink Himalayan Salt, Garlic Herb and Olive Oil, and Black Truffle, which can add an interesting twist to your board.
Remember, the key to a great cheese board is variety. You can mix and match different sweet and salty elements to create a balance of flavors and textures that will delight your guests.
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Crunchy foods
When it comes to crunchy foods, nuts are a great option to add to your cheeseboard. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, candied pecans, and pistachios can be paired with a selection of fine cheeses. For example, Blue Diamond Almonds offer crafted gourmet almonds with their skins removed, providing a smooth texture and unique taste. Their flavours include rosemary and sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, garlic herb and olive oil, and black truffle.
Another crunchy option is crackers. A variety of crackers can be used, such as breadsticks, crostini, or sliced baguette. These can be paired with cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Aged Cheddar, or Asiago. Crispy chickpeas are also a crunchy option to add to your cheeseboard.
In addition to nuts and crackers, fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes can add a crunchy texture to your cheeseboard. These fruits can be sliced and washed ahead of time to make them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Lastly, for a whimsical touch, you can add some festive chocolates, such as Christmas-themed treats or chocolate Easter eggs, depending on the season. These crunchy additions will add a unique element to your cheeseboard and delight your guests.
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Fruits and vegetables
When preparing a cheese board, it's important to consider colour, texture, flavour, and visual harmony. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are a great way to add colour and freshness to your cheese board.
For a summer cheese board, stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines make a lovely focal point. Fresh berries, such as strawberries, are also a great addition, offering a tangy contrast to the cheeses. Other summer vegetables that pair well with cheese include baby zucchini, peeled rainbow baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, husk cherries (pineapple tomatillos), and blistered shishito peppers.
In the fall or winter, grapes and dried fruits are a good choice. You can also add dried apricots, dates, and even dark chocolate for a sweet contrast.
When selecting fruits and vegetables, look for those that contribute different textures and colours. Carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and kale chips can add a nice crunch to your cheese board.
Don't be afraid to improvise and experiment with different combinations of fruits and vegetables to create a unique and personalised cheese board that your guests will love.
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Meats
Meat is an essential component of a charcuterie or cheese board, providing a variety of textures and flavors that complement the cheeses on offer. When selecting meats for your board, consider choosing from the following options:
Cured Meats
Cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and sopressata, are classic choices for a charcuterie board. These meats are typically sliced thinly and can be folded or rolled in a variety of ways to create visual appeal. Other cured meat options include genoa salami, cured sausages, Parma ham, and coppa.
Soft Meats
Soft meats like prosciutto can be draped or rolled onto the board, adding a delicate texture to the spread. They pair well with creamy cheeses such as burrata or brie, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Spicy Meats
If you want to add a kick to your cheese board, include some spicy meats such as chorizo or a spicy salami. These pair particularly well with creamy cheeses like drunken goat or fontina, which help to balance the spice.
Firm Meats
For a contrasting texture, include some firmer meats like chorizo or salami, which can be sliced thinly and served as-is. These meats provide a satisfying bite and can stand up to stronger cheeses such as blue cheese or a sharp cheddar.
When arranging the meats on your board, consider folding or rolling them in visually appealing ways. Fan them out like a deck of cards or drape them gently to create height and interest. Place the meats alongside the cheeses, filling in the gaps with smaller accompaniments like nuts, fruits, and crackers. Aim for a balance of flavors and textures, creating a delightful spread that will impress your guests and satisfy their appetites.
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Frequently asked questions
A variety of cheeses, crackers, bread, nuts, fruits, and charcuterie.
Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Aged Cheddar, Asiago, Gouda, Camembert, Brie, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort, Danish blue, Mozzarella, Manchego, Raclette, and Fontina.
Apples, pears, grapes, figs, berries, plums, clementines, pomegranate, almonds, walnuts, and dried fruits.
Something sweet like honey, jam, or chocolate, and something salty like olives, cornichons, or pickles. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
