My go-to appetizer when entertaining guests of any size is to create a cheeseboard. I also find that cheese boards can be somewhat romantic when paired with some champagne or prosecco if you want to make a cheese board for two!
Cheese boards come together quickly and don’t require any baking or cooking. With a mix of textures and a sweet and savory combination, cheese boards have a little something for everyone
How Much Cheese for each guest?
As a general rule, one ounce of each cheese for every guest, and about four to five types of cheese is perfect for most gatherings.
What Kind of Cheese to Use for a Cheese Board?
In general, you should select one type of cheese in each of the following categories:
Soft Cheese: Brie, Feta, Fresh Mozzarella, Munster, Goat Cheese
Semi-Soft: Colby, Baby Swiss, Pepper Jack, Gouda
Semi-Hard: Manchego, Provolone, Montere Jack
Hard: Aged Cheddar, Aged Asiago
Admittedly, I typically just use the types of cheese that I enjoy, especially when the board is for two or three people. However, if the cheese board is for a larger crowd, I will do my best to research a variety of different types of cheeses for the board. However, when serving a cheese board for a party, I try to serve at least one familiar cheese.
General Tips for Putting together a Cheese Board
- Try to include a range of textures and tastes. A lot of cheese comes from among 4 basic categories: aged, soft, firm, or blue. For a great variety, choose at least one from each group.
- Another popular suggestion is picking cheeses by the kind of milk used (cow, goat, sheep) to make the cheese. This will likewise ensure that you have a variety of various tastes on the plate.
- Separate strong-smelling cheeses. If you wish to serve a pungent, cheese, separate them from other cheeses so that it doesn’t overpower the more fragile cheeses.
- Have a separate knife available for each cheese, especially the soft ranges. Soft cheese spreads can be plated with a butter knife, whereas firm cheese may need a paring knife.
- Be sure to take the cheese from the fridge an hour before serving—as cold cheese is not as flavorful.
- Label each cheese so you will not need to recite the names all night if you are serving the cheese board at a party.
- Lastly, research and learn how to store cheese appropriately. This is helpful for both storing cheese before making your board and afterward if you have leftovers.
Here’s What I Used for the Cheese Board pictured above.
Cheese
- Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese (Soft Cheese)
- Peppercorn Double Cream Brie Cheese (Soft Cheese)
- Gouda Cheese (Semi-Soft)
- Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (Semi-Hard)
Fruit
- Red Grapes
- Strawberries
Nuts
- Salted Mixed Nuts
Meat
- Turkey Pepperoni
Bread & Crackers
Others
- Garlic Stuffed Olives
- Grape Tomatoes
- Honey (not pictured)
Shop Cheeseboards
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-Ash Renee
