How to Cheeseboard

HEY GUYS!

Who else takes more than one trip to the cheeseboard at a party!? You know I do #noshame. They are easy to put together and perfect for entertaining. It takes minutes to put together and look sharp as hell once their done. Have I convinced you yet?

If you were like me, cheeseboards can kind of being intimidating. What pairs with what? How do I present it? That’s why I’m here my dear. Let’s break it down step-by-step together!

STEP 1: PICK A BOARD

I mean, anything could be a cheeseboard depending on what kind of “theme” you’re going for! There’s all sorts of cheeseboards out there of all different sizes: marble, wooden, slate…etc. I went with this marble/wood mid size board that I picked up from Target.

STEP 2: ADD CHEESE

This is a no brainer right? Just pick 2 or 3 of your favorite cheeses and throw it on there. It’s really that easy…but, for you overachievers out there, to make a over-the-top well rounded cheeseboard, make sure to pick cheeses that have different milk sources, textures & flavors.

Cheeses I used:

1. Cranberry & orange goat cheese

2. French Brie

3. Burrata Con Panna

STEP 3: ADD SOMETHING SALTY

You can actually write an entire post dedicated on how to build a Charcuterie.  But for this cheese board, we just need a few samples. You can also opt to add salt to your board by using nuts or olives!

Salty options I used:

1. Prosciutto Di Parma

2. Spanish Chorizo 

3. Varzi salami

4. pickled Okra

STEP 4: ADD SOMETHING SWEET

To have a little break between flavorful and rich cheese and salty foods, it’s nice to have sweet foods. You can use fresh fruit or dried fruit or both!

Fruit I used:

1. Fresh black mission figs

2. Apples

3. Grapes

STEP 5: ADD CONDIMENTS

I’m a sucker for condiments. You can totally go without spreads/condiments BUT some of them I listed here might be in your kitchen.  Plus, it’s more fun with contrasting flavors and textures.

Condiments I used:

1. Dill Pickle Mustard

2. Confit of Figs & Balsamic Vinegar

STEP 5: ADD CRACKER/BREAD

My favorite part, carbs! You can add a variety of different crackers and breads to give your guests some options. Pile your choice of crackers and bread on the cheese board where there are openings, and you can add more when the stack is low. I broke apart my bread toasts and stacked them in the middle of my board.

STEP 5: PICK A WINE

What goes with cheese and cured meats?  Wine!  Honestly, just pick your favorite wines and let your guests pick and choose their poison.

FINAL TIPS:

1. Serve with spreaders

2. Serve cheese at room temperature

3. Display cheese as a whole with some cut pieces

4. Have fun displaying your condiments (I used spoons)

5. Place pairings together

6. Add some foliage: I used rosemary & sage

7. Fill in the empty space…the fuller the better!