I can’t even remember when I did not have a cheeseboard at one of our gatherings. I find it to be a simple, effortless, and fun way to entertain. And especially when we pair it with some good wines.
When it comes to food in general, I’m a big fan of utilizing seasonal ingredients. With that in mind, I think it’s time we changed the way we think about cheeseboards, designing them, like other foods we serve, to reflect the seasons, our mood, and our palette. Why would you want to serve the same cheeseboard in May as in October or December?
In this post, I will walk you through how to assemble a beautiful, eye-catching, seasonal cheeseboard effortlessly for all you’re your gatherings.
Here are some of my favorite in-season combinations:
In Autumn, we’re going to mix and match some modern British and Irish cheeses. A fine, good cheddar, a snowy white-rinded Tunworth, and maybe even a mellow blue cheese will work, as well.
Winter, a lot of entertaining is happening. Serve three or more contrasting cheeses. Some of my favorites are Stilton, a Roquefort, and a mild Harbourne Blue; serve them with a collection of dried fruits, such as figs or raisins dates, some good honey, even better if you have some truffle honey, a handful of walnuts. Echo the dried fruit flavors with rosemary bread and artisan crackers.
Spring and early Summer, is the ideal time to enjoy fresh young goat’s cheeses. Choose two or three for contrast: one that is young, light, and airy; one that has matured a little longer; and one that has been rolled in herbs. Bread should also be light, such as toasted ciabatta and some crisp artisan crackers, served alongside a light green salad.
Goat Brie (France & Canada) Bonne Bouche (U.S.) Drunken Goat (Spain), Humboldt Fog (U.S.) Aged Goat Gouda (The Netherlands) Montchevré (U.S.)
Let’s talk about Where to get Cheeses?
My best advice for choosing cheeses, though. Get to know the team members at your local favorite grocery store cheese counter! My go-to place for good quality aged, unique cheeses is Whole Foods. I find them to have a wide variety of selections, and they also have a dedicated cheese specialist available to assist. If you have specific preferences in mind, I suggest your local Trader Joe’s, as they tend to have more reasonable pricing on their cheese and crackers.
Let’s talk accompaniments?
Bread or Crackers? I like to serve both, as some people are bread eaters, while others love crackers. I prefer to add a variety of mixed nuts, from lightly seasoned to sweet, as they provide textural contrast and a complementary flavor. I like to add Marcona almonds and candied pecans, as it’s nice to have some crunch and savory sweets to the board. I then add some fresh fruits and berries, which are always a classic and make such a good pairing, providing vibrant color for your board. You should also add some dried fruits, such as Turkish figs, apricots, and raisins. Lastly, honey, jam, and chutney can add color, texture, moisture and introduce a palette of flavors that can raise a cheeseboard from great to extraordinary.
How many cheeses should I serve?
A traditional approach for gatherings, you should aim to have at least three to five different cheeses on a board.
How much cheese do I need?
They are many variables to consider when calculating portions for a cheeseboard. If the cheeseboard is the focus of the gathering, plan on 5 to 7 ounces per person. If you’re serving the cheeseboard as an appetizer, plan on 1 – 2 ounces per person.
How to assemble a cheeseboard?
The best approach is to keep it simple. It helps to think of the board or platter as a blank canvas and fill it in an artful way. Use a variety of shapes to add visual contrast, slicing the cheese into squares, triangles, some rectangles, some strips. Spread them out on the board, giving each type a distinct area, and then fill the spaces in with the dried & fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers. You can also place sliced, crusty bread on the side in a basket. Lastly, add some fresh herbs to give your board the look and feel that you want. Get creative with it!
Tips for serving a seasonal cheeseboard
1. Use cheese markers to label cheese, so everyone knows what they’re getting.
2. Have cheese knives available, one for each cheese, next to the board for guests to use.
3. Bring cheeses to room temperature before serving to bring out their authentic flavors.
4. I recommend, have all the accompaniments out in jars or bowls, as this will make it much easier and time-efficient when you are ready to assemble the board.
5. Remember to have some gluten-free bread options available for your guests.
If I’ve inspired you to create your seasonal cheeseboard. Stay tuned for my next article, What Drinks to Serve with a Cheeseboard.
