A great cheeseboard is all about variety – from the flavours and textures to the colours and presentation. It’s the perfect way to get people chatting, whether you’re hosting a relaxed evening with friends or a more polished dinner party.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to create a cheeseboard that offers a mix of creamy, tangy, sharp, and sweet options, along with the right accompaniments to bring it all together. Whether you’re a cheese expert or a beginner, you’ll be able to put together a spread that looks impressive and tastes even better.
The Cheeses
A balanced cheeseboard should offer a variety of flavours and textures. Aim for at least three to five types of cheese, depending on the size of your gathering and the board itself. Include:
- Soft Cheese: Brie or Camembert bring a creamy richness. For a tangy alternative, try goat’s cheese.
- Semi-Soft Cheese: Options like Havarti or Fontina provide a milder, buttery flavour.
- Hard Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, or Manchego add a firm texture and sharp taste.
- Blue Cheese: Stilton or Gorgonzola introduce a bold, tangy note.
- Fresh Cheese: Ricotta or mozzarella balls can add a light, refreshing element.
Accompaniments
Cheese pairs beautifully with an array of accompaniments that enhance its flavours and offer variety. Include a mix of sweet, savoury, and crunchy options:
- Crackers and Bread: Offer a mix of plain and flavoured crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks to suit different cheeses.
- Fresh Fruit: Grapes, figs, apple slices, and pear wedges bring sweetness and freshness.
- Dried Fruit: Apricots, dates, and raisins add a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios provide a satisfying crunch.
- Preserves and Honey: Fig jam, quince paste, or a drizzle of honey elevate the cheese’s flavour profile.
- Pickles and Olives: Add a savoury, tangy contrast with gherkins or marinated olives.
Presentation Tips
- Choose the Right Board: Use a wooden, slate, or marble board to create a rustic or elegant look.
- Cut and Arrange: Pre-cut harder cheeses into slices or cubes for easy serving, while leaving softer cheeses whole with a knife for guests to cut themselves.
- Balance the Layout: Place cheeses evenly across the board and fill gaps with accompaniments.
- Label the Cheeses: Use small tags or labels to identify the types of cheese for an informative touch.
Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a decorative touch. Ensure there are enough serving utensils, such as cheese knives and small spoons for jams. Don’t forget to take the cheeses out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow their flavours to fully develop.