A beautifully arranged cheese board can be the centrepiece of any social gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal occasions. It’s a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. See our range of gourmet hampers with all of the essentials for a cheese board including board and knife. Creating the perfect cheese board is a fine art that involves balancing flavours, textures, and visual appeal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to crafting a stunning cheese board that will impress your guests, whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or a novice host.

1. Choosing the Right Cheese

The foundation of any cheese board is, of course, the cheese. A good variety of cheeses will ensure that there’s something for everyone, from the adventurous cheese lover to those who prefer milder flavours. When selecting cheese, aim for a mix of the following categories:

Hard Cheese: This includes aged cheeses with a firm texture and bold flavour, like cheddar, Parmesan, or Manchego. Hard cheeses are usually more savoury and can provide a satisfying crunch when paired with crackers or nuts.
Soft Cheese: Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese are classic examples of soft cheeses. Their creamy texture makes them perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crackers, and they add a touch of luxury to the board.
Blue Cheese: For the more daring palate, blue cheese such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola offers a pungent, salty taste. Not everyone enjoys blue cheese, so it’s a good idea to include it as an option, but make sure it’s separate from the milder cheeses.
Semi-Soft Cheese: Havarti, Gouda, or Fontina fall into this category. These cheeses are great for those who enjoy something in between hard and soft, with flavours that can range from mild to nutty.
Flavoured Cheese: For an added twist, consider including a cheese that’s infused with herbs, truffle, or spices. These can introduce new and interesting flavours to your cheese board.

How Much Cheese Should You Buy?

As a general rule, aim for about 50 to 100 grams of cheese per person if the cheese board is the main attraction. If it’s part of a larger spread, you can reduce that amount slightly. For a cheese board intended for a smaller group of 4 to 6 people, about 300 to 400 grams of cheese should suffice.

2. Accompaniments: The Perfect Pairings

While the cheese is the star of the show, the accompaniments can elevate the experience by adding a variety of textures and flavours that complement and contrast the cheese. Here are some must-have additions to make your cheese board shine:

Crackers and Bread

Crackers: A variety of crackers will add different textures and flavours. Consider including thin water crackers, wholegrain or seeded crackers, and even flavoured ones like rosemary or black pepper.
Bread: A sliced baguette, crusty sourdough, or even soft focaccia can be a great vehicle for spreading soft cheeses. Make sure the bread is fresh and sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy access.

Fresh and Dried Fruits

Fruits add a burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with cheese. For a well-rounded cheese board, include both fresh and dried fruits:

Fresh fruits: Grapes, apple slices, pear, figs, and berries are fantastic choices. The juicy sweetness and acidity of fresh fruit can cut through the richness of the cheese.
Dried fruits: Apricots, figs, and dates offer concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture that complements harder cheeses.

Nuts

Nuts bring a satisfying crunch to your cheese board. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are great options. If you’re feeling adventurous, try spiced or honey-roasted nuts for added flavour.

Jams, Honey, and Chutneys

Sweet spreads like honey, fig jam, and fruit chutneys can create delightful contrasts with the savoury flavours of the cheese. Honey pairs especially well with blue cheese, while fig jam or chutney is a natural partner for soft cheeses like Brie.

Cured Meats (Optional)

For a more substantial cheese board, adding a selection of cured meats can take it to the next level. Prosciutto, salami, or chorizo are great choices that pair well with many types of cheese. Be mindful of your guests’ dietary preferences, and consider providing vegetarian options as well.

4. Cheese Board Etiquette and Serving Tips

Once your cheese board is assembled, you’ll want to make sure it’s easy and enjoyable for your guests to serve themselves. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Cheese Knives: Provide a separate knife for each type of cheese to prevent the flavours from mixing. A small fork or toothpicks can also help guests pick up smaller items like olives or nuts without using their hands.
Room Temperature: Cheese tastes best at room temperature, so be sure to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to fully develop.
Labelling: If you’re serving a variety of cheeses, it can be helpful to label each one. This way, guests can easily identify the cheeses and choose based on their preferences. Small chalkboards, paper labels, or even handwritten cards are all great options.
Wine Pairings: If you’re serving wine with your cheese board, consider pairing it with the cheeses for an enhanced tasting experience. Here are some classic pairings:
- Red wine: Pairs well with hard cheeses like cheddar or Gouda.
- White wine: Complements soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
- Sweet wine: Ideal for blue cheese or goat cheese, as the sweetness balances out the strong flavours.

5. Cheese Board Ideas for Different Occasions

Your cheese board can be customised to suit any occasion, from an intimate night in to a festive holiday party. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

For a Casual Gathering

Keep things simple with a few varieties of cheese, some crackers, and a handful of grapes or dried fruit. This type of cheese board is perfect for a low-key evening with friends or family.

For a Formal Dinner Party

Impress your guests with a more elaborate cheese board that includes a wide variety of cheeses, fresh fruit, jams, and a selection of crackers and bread. You can also include higher-end cheeses like truffle Brie or aged cheddar to make the board feel more special.

For a Seasonal Theme

Get creative with seasonal ingredients to add a festive touch to your cheese board. For a summer gathering, include fresh berries, peaches, and watermelon slices. In winter, opt for dried fruits, nuts, and spiced jams.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect cheese board is all about balance – from the selection of cheeses to the arrangement of accompaniments and the visual appeal. By carefully curating your choices and presenting them in an inviting way, you’ll ensure your guests enjoy not just a snack, but a complete sensory experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual night with friends or a grand celebration, the cheese board will always be a crowd-pleaser. With the right combination of flavours, textures, and presentation, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Check out our range of cheese board gift baskets which include the perfect sweet treats, artisanal snacks and creamy cheese’s that make the perfect gift, or entertaining piece for anyone.