Select Your Cheeses
The key to a truly show-stopping cheese board is a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. I like to make sure I include a mix of soft, creamy cheeses, sharp and tangy ones, and some that are bold and rich. Here are a few must-haves to consider:
Mature Cheddar: Rich and full of flavour, it adds a classic touch to your board and pairs well with almost everything.
Goat’s Milk Cheese: Light, tangy, and creamy, this one cuts through the richness of the other cheeses. It adds a nice variety in both texture and taste.
Blue Cheese: For those who enjoy a bit of a bold kick, blue cheese adds a creamy yet pungent element that’s perfect for mixing with the milder cheeses.
Brie or Camembert: Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I love these for their delicate texture and their ability to balance out stronger flavours.
Aged Gouda: With its caramelised sweetness and crunchy crystals, aged Gouda brings a lovely sweetness and nuttiness to the mix.
Add Your Accompaniments
A cheese board isn’t complete without a few tasty additions to bring everything together. I always like to mix in both sweet and savoury elements to balance the richness of the cheeses.
Breads and Crackers: Freshly sliced baguette, crunchy crackers, and whole grain breads are perfect for serving with cheese. A variety of textures really adds dimension to the board.
Nuts: I love adding a handful of almonds, walnuts, and cashews for a satisfying crunch. The nuttiness works so well with cheese, and they’re easy to snack on.
Dried Fruits: Dried figs, apricots, and raisins are a must-have for me. The sweetness is a great contrast to the saltiness of the cheese and adds a touch of elegance.
Fresh Fruits: Grapes, apples, and pears are fresh and juicy and complement any cheese. I always find that a crisp green apple pairs perfectly with a soft Brie or a tangy goat cheese.
Fresh Veggies: I love adding fresh veggies to the board for a light, crunchy balance to the rich cheeses. Carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes are always a hit. You can also add celery sticks, radishes, and bell pepper strips for extra colour and crunch. These veggies not only add variety but also help cleanse the palate between cheese bites.
While cheese is the star of the show, there are a few extra treats I always like to include. For that extra touch, nothing beats the addition of biltong, dry wors, and cabanossi. The smoky, savoury flavours of these dried meats are a fantastic contrast to the creaminess of the cheeses and offer something for the meat lovers at your table.
Dips and Sauces
Adding a few dips to your cheese board gives guests more ways to enjoy the cheeses and nibbles. I love a variety of dips to complement both the cheese and fresh veggies. Here are some options:
Hummus: Smooth and creamy, hummus is a great addition to a cheese board. It pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber, and also works well with cheese.
Pesto: A bold, herby option that adds a burst of flavour to the board. Pesto pairs particularly well with softer cheeses like Brie or goat’s cheese.
Olives Tapenade: This olive-based spread is rich and savoury and adds a touch of Mediterranean flair to your board. It’s great for pairing with crusty bread or crackers.
Sweet Chutneys: A fruit chutney or even a spicy tomato chutney adds a nice contrast to the cheese. The sweet-spicy combination enhances the cheese’s flavours and makes each bite more interesting.
Garnish and Decorate for Visual Appeal
I’ve realised that the beauty of a cheese board is all in the presentation. It’s not just about the flavours — it’s about creating an aesthetic experience for your guests. The best cheese boards have a natural flow, where each element complements the next.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil sprigs are my go-to for adding a touch of green to the board. They look stunning against the cheeses and offer a subtle fragrance that’s incredibly inviting.
Edible Flowers: If you’re looking to make your board really stand out, a few edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies can transform your spread into a work of art.
Honey and Olives: I love adding a jar of honey for drizzling over soft cheeses. It’s a simple addition but so effective. A few olives around the edges also add a touch of saltiness that pairs beautifully with everything else.
Arrange It Beautifully
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to arrange the board. I’ve learned that it’s best to start with the larger cheeses and space them out across the board. Then, I fill in the gaps with the smaller items like fruits, nuts, and dried meats. The key is to keep the arrangement inviting and effortless, with no gaps and plenty of colour.
I like to let my cheese spill over the edges of the board for a more rustic, generous feel. The goal is for it to look abundant and welcoming. Think of the cheese board as an edible masterpiece where the beauty of the spread comes from the variety of textures, colours, and shapes.
I can tell you from experience that when I get the cheese board just right, it’s the first thing people notice, and it always sets the tone for a wonderful evening. It's the kind of spread that invites people to gather around, graze, and chat, leaving you with a room full of satisfied guests. With these tips, you'll be able to create a board that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious, ensuring you are the host with the most.
