Is it just me… or is there something about a good cheese board that gets you excited? It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Not only are they beautiful to look at, they're also delicious to eat. They're even great conversation starters as guests ask about the flavours on your board.
Whether you’re a "Turophile" (Cheese Lover) or new to the world of cheeses, choosing the perfect options for your guests does not have to be a challenge. You can knock it out of the park by following a few basic guidelines:
Choose Your Board
First off, choose the board or platter you wish to display these items on. Stone platters or treated wood/epoxy boards make for a stunning backdrop. There are always a few available for purchase at our store if you're looking for something new!
Add Cheeses From Various Categories
We suggest 3-5 different cheeses for a good selection. When choosing cheeses, pick something from your staple categories:
- Aged (Aged Cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda)
- Soft (Brie, Camembert, Goat)
- Firm (Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Edam)
- Blue (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton)
Once these have been selected, you may want to add one unique cheese into the mix that will get people talking. I would suggest something like black lemon gouda, a soft goat cheese like our Pyramids or a seasonal flavour like sage derby or mango stilton.
Add Some Cured Meats
Next you will want to choose your charcuterie (cured meats). Prosciutto, salami, sopressata, chorizo even smoked duck breast or smoked salmon are great choices. Vary your textures from soft, melt-in-your-mouth prociutto to robust and chewy salametti.
Empty The Pantry
After all that meat and cheese, balance those rich flavors by accenting the board with acidic pickles, crunchy nuts, whole grain or spicy mustard, and something sweet like chocolate, fig jam, a drizzle of honey, chutney or preserves.
I feel that breads and crackers are a must have on boards, as they are not only a vessel to get some delicious cheeses into your mouth, but also to cleanse your palette from one cheese to another. Try sliced baguette, focaccia, bread sticks, and a variety of crackers in different shapes, sizes, and flavours. Offering a variety of textures and flavours adds a thought provoking experience to the show.
Garnish With Herbs & Something Fresh
Now it's time to finish off your board with some garnishes to give your board the look and feel you want. This is a great way to give your cheese board a seasonal touch. Use edible flowers or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Finally, pair the decadence of charcuterie with something lively or refreshing, like berries or apples, depending on the season. Figs, pomegranate seeds, and grapes also work well here.
Labels & Tools
Finally, always make sure to use cheese markers, so your guests know what cheeses they love and make sure to have utensils like spoons, knives, toothpicks and cocktail napkins available. Be sure to serve cheeses at room temperature to bring out their true flavour.
We hope this guide was helpful. We would love to see what you create, so please share your beautiful board creations with us on social media by using the hashtag #TheCheeseWedge! Happy building!
- Kirby & J