Learn how to make a beautiful cheese board with this easy guide! From selecting the best cheeses to perfect pairings, create a cheese platter everyone will love.
Every holiday season, I find myself turning to one of my go-to entertaining tricks: the cheese board. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and looks effortlessly elegant on the table. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—perfect for casual gatherings or formal parties. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or a cozy night with friends, this simple guide will show you how to make a cheese board that’s not only delicious but also stunning.
Step 1: Start with the Right Board and Tools
To create a stunning cheese board, you’ll need the perfect foundation. A cutting board, slate, or large serving tray works beautifully as your base. If you’re making a cheese platter for a party, go for a larger board with plenty of space for all your ingredients.
- Cheese knives: Have a variety of knives for slicing and spreading different types of cheese.
- Bowls or ramekins: Use these for small items like olives, nuts, or spreads to keep your board tidy.
- Small Spoons: Have some small spoons handy for guests to pick up nuts, olives or smaller ingredients.
Pro Tip: Arrange your items directly on the board for a rustic look, or use parchment paper as a base for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Choose Your Cheeses
The heart of any great cheese plate is the selection of cheeses. A good rule of thumb is to include a mix of hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and something in between. Aim for about 2–3 ounces of cheese per person if it’s the main appetizer.
Suggested Cheese Types
- Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese for a creamy, spreadable option.
- Hard cheeses: Aged Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for something firm and rich.
- Blue cheese: Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a tangy, bold flavor.
- Unique choices: Try seasonal options like cranberry-infused cheese or herb-crusted goat cheese.
Pro Tip: Serve cheeses at room temperature to maximize their flavors.
Step 3: Add Crackers, Bread, and Crunchy Elements
Pairing your cheeses with the right base is key to a balanced bite. Offer a variety of crackers, crostini, and slices of baguette. I always like to include a plain option and something flavored for variety, like garlic or herbed varieties.
Crunchy Additions
- Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.
- Olives: Add a mix of green and kalamata olives for a salty contrast.
- Fresh herbs: Use sprigs of rosemary or thyme to add a touch of freshness and decorate your board.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh and Dried Fruits
Fruits add sweetness, balance and enhances the rich flavors of the cheese. Seasonal and dried fruits work equally well on a cheese platter board.
Fruit Suggestions
- Fresh fruit: Grapes, sliced pears, oranges or apples.
- Dried fruit: Dried apricots, dried figs, dates, dried mango and raisins.
- Berries: Fresh strawberries, blackberries or raspberries for a pop of color.
Pro Tip: Brush apple or pear slices with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Step 5: Add Something Sweet and Savory
To elevate your cheese board ideas, include a mix of sweet and savory elements. These are the little extras that make your board memorable.
- Sweet: Honey, maple syrup, fig jam, orange marmalade or quince paste.
- Savory: Mustards, chutneys, spiced jams, like jalapeño or red pepper jelly.
Step 6: Arrange Your Cheese Board Beautifully
Creating a beautiful cheese board is all about placement. Start by arranging your cheeses on the board, spacing them out evenly. Move them around the board and make sure to not align them too much, you want it to feel organic. Then, fill in the gaps with crackers, fruits, and other accompaniments.
Tips for a Balanced Look
- Place larger items like cheese wedges first, then add smaller items like nuts and fruits around them.
- Use bowls and smaller serving dishes for messy items like olives or spreads.
- Add pops of color with fresh herbs (like rosemary, sage and thyme) or bright fruits like pomegranates.
Step 7: Make It Seasonal for the Holidays
For a holiday twist, incorporate festive touches like sprigs of pine, cranberries, or snowflake-shaped crackers. These little details make your cheese platter feel more intentional and festive.
Step 8: Don’t Forget Drinks
Pairing your cheese board with the right drinks takes it to the next level.
- Wine: Offer both red and white options, such as a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
- Sparkling water: For a non-alcoholic option, flavored sparkling water works well along with some mocktail options for your guests.
For more about pairing wine heading into the holidays, check out the Best Sweet Red Wine Pairing Guide or the Best Sweet White Wines to Try This Year.
Bonus Tips for Cheese Board Success
- Label Your Cheeses: Use small signs or labels so guests know what they’re tasting.
- Plan for Your Guests: Keep dietary preferences in mind and include a mix of gluten-free crackers or dairy-free and vegan cheese if needed.
- Experiment: Try new cheese board recipes by mixing textures, flavors, and shapes.
Final Thoughts
A well-made cheese board is a show-stopper at any holiday gathering. With the right combination of cheeses, accompaniments, and creative presentation, you can create a cheese platter that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or a first-time host, this guide will help you craft the perfect cheese board for the holidays.
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Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
