5 Simple Steps to Make a Cheese Board

Make cheese the star of your next gathering with a gorgeous cheese board! Use this simple step-by-step guide to build a beautiful board and wow your guests.

Step 1: Choose a Board

Making a cheese board is the perfect time to get out your special serving items! A wooden or slate cheese board helps add contrast to the colors of the cheese.

If you don’t have a dedicated cheese board, a nice wooden cutting board makes a great base. You can also use a large serving tray or even a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Step 2: Select the Cheeses

Follow the rule of odds. Plan on three to five cheeses depending upon the size of your party.

A typical serving size for cheese is 1 – 2 ounces per person per variety depending on the size of your party and if other appetizers are served.

Choose a variety of flavors and textures. Include a mix of soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses. Blue cheese and a flavored cheese make a nice addition, too.

Remember, variety is the spice of life!

Step 3: Select the Sides

Add color, texture and a variety of flavors to your cheese board. You can’t go wrong with fresh or dried fruits, nuts and bread. Add some surprising items like honey, mustard, jams, and pickled vegetables.

For some more side ideas to accompany your cheese, check out these pairing suggestions.

Step 4: Make it a Charcuterie Board, too

The word “charcuterie” is a French term essentially meaning prepared meats.

To add more variety and flavor to your cheese board, include a selection of cured meats. One or two cured meats such as coppa, speck, prosciutto, or salami are a great start.

While you often find charcuterie on a cheese board and cheese on a charcuterie board, the terms aren’t interchangable. But we’re not complaining as long as there is cheese!

Step 5: Artfully Arrange

Think of your board as your canvas, and let your inner artist shine! Give yourself plenty of time to arrange your board. 

Start by placing small bowls or ramekins of jam, honey, olives, nuts, etc. on the board. The number and size of these items will depend on the size of your board. These will serve as your “anchors.”

Next, add the star ingredient – the cheeses! Cut up your cheese in various ways and mix color and texture. Chunk blue cheese and Parmesan, slice or cube semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar and pepper Jack, and cut soft cheeses like brie into small wedges. For best flavor, allow the cheese to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Fan crackers or crostini across the board between your anchors and cheese.

Then, fill the remaining spaces with colorful fruits and charcuterie meats. Sprigs of rosemary or thyme add a beautiful and fragrant touch – plus help fill in any empty gaps.

Add finishing touches by placing small spoons, cheese knives or toothpicks on the board for serving.

Need even more inspiration? Learn how to make a board featuring Ohio Swiss cheese, an elevated board for a special occasion or a Buckeye board for your next tailgate!