How to Make the Perfect Cheeseboard in 6 Easy Steps

Creating the perfect cheeseboard is an art that combines flavour, texture, and presentation. Whatever the occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, a well-crafted cheeseboard can elevate any occasion. 

Follow these six steps to create a cheeseboard that will delight your guests and satisfy your cheese cravings.

Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Cheese Variety

Of course, the foundation of any great cheeseboard is the cheese selection. Aim for diverse flavours, textures, and strengths to cater to different palates. A good rule of thumb is to include a hard cheese, a soft cheese, and a blue cheese as your starting point.

The Chuckling Cheese Company offers over 40 flavoured cheddar barrels and wax-coated cheese truckles, providing plenty of options for creating a varied and exciting board. 

Our cheese subscription service is perfect for those who want to explore new varieties regularly.

Step 2: Choosing the Perfect Board

Your cheeseboard is the canvas for your cheese selection, so choose wisely. Natural materials like marble, slate, or wood create an appealing backdrop that complements the cheese. 

Marble and slate offer a nice contrast to the cheese, while wooden boards lend a rustic charm. Consider the size of your board based on the number of guests - aim for a board between 16 to 20 inches long for a standard gathering. 

If you're hosting a smaller event or want something more portable, a 12-inch board can suffice. Remember, the board should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your cheeses and accompaniments without overcrowding.
 

Step 3: Selecting Complementary Accompaniments

Crackers are a classic choice for accompanying cheese, but keep them simple to avoid overpowering the cheese flavours. Oatcakes or plain water crackers work well. 

For bread lovers, include some sliced baguette or artisanal bread. Fruits add decoration and contrasting flavours - grapes, sliced apples, and pears are popular choices. Consider adding some dried fruits like figs or apricots for variety. Nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, can provide a pleasant crunch. 

Don't forget to include a selection of chutneys or preserves to complement the cheese flavours. For those who enjoy savoury snacks, high protein snacks like pork scratchings can add an interesting texture contrast.
 

Step 4: Arranging Your Cheeseboard

Presentation is key when it comes to creating an appealing cheeseboard. Start by placing your cheeses on the board and spacing them out evenly. 

Arrange them from mildest to strongest, helping guests navigate the flavours. Next, add your crackers and bread, either in small piles or fanned out for visual interest. Fill in the spaces with your fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments. 

For a finishing touch, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of colour and aroma. Remember to provide a separate knife for each cheese to prevent flavour mixing. This attention to detail makes luxury cheese hampers and luxury cheese gifts so appealing.

Step 5: Perfecting the Timing

Timing is crucial when serving cheese. Remove your cheeses from the refrigerator about two hours before serving. This allows them to come to room temperature, which enhances their flavours and textures. As cheeses warm up, their aromas become more pronounced, and hard cheeses become easier to cut. 

However, be mindful not to leave soft cheeses out for too long, especially in warm weather. If you're unsure about timing, taking the cheese out a bit later rather than too early is better.
 

Step 6: Pairing with Beverages

The right beverage can elevate your cheese experience to new heights. While wine is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other options. 

For wine lovers, a general rule is to pair white wines with fresh and soft cheeses and increasingly bold reds with harder cheeses. Blue cheeses often pair well with sweet dessert wines. Beer enthusiasts might enjoy pairing hoppy beers with sharp cheddars. 

Consider fresh apple juice, quality cordials, or your favourite soft drinks for non-alcoholic options. The key is to find beverages that complement rather than overpower the cheese flavours.
 

Want to Become a Cheese Expert?

Creating the perfect cheeseboard is just the beginning of your cheese journey. At The Chuckling Cheese Company, we offer a wide range of British cheeses for all occasions, with over 100 different cheese gifts and hamper options. 

From mastering the art of cheese selection to discovering exciting pairings, your path to becoming a true cheese connoisseur starts here. 

We also offer cheese hampers that make excellent get well soon gifts or get well soon hampers for friends and family. For businesses looking for corporate gift ideas or business gifts, our cheese selections make for unique and memorable corporate gifting options. 

Visit our stores or explore our online selection to deepen your knowledge and find your perfect cheese combinations!