#cheese #cheeseboard #charcuterie #charcuterieboard #food #cheeseandwine #appetizer #holiday #christmas #thanksgiving #foodillustration #infographicillustration
The holiday season is a great time to enjoy with family and friends around the table. If you're hosting a party, or if you're not sure what to bring to a potluck party, how about a cheese board as an appetizer? Simply prepare the ingredients the day before and serve them on the board for a great dish.
Here's what to prepare for a nice cheese board, nothing complicated! Just follow a few tips. So, let's dive into how to make the ULTIMATE cheese board!
CHEESE BOARD MAKING 101
What do you need to make a cheese board?
1) Board and knives
If you have a nice platter, of course use it. There are a variety of material choices, including marble, wood, and iron, etc.
A large wooden cutting board is also a very good option!
About knives, I recommend to have two or three types of knives, depending on the type of cheese. I wrote a previous blog post on how to choose a cheese knife, so be sure to check that out as well!
2) Cheese (obviously!)
There are many delicious and beautiful cheeses in this world. Which one on earth should we choose? If you are in doubt, I suggest you prepare three cheeses, one from each category of different types of cheese.
Some Types of Cheese Which are Good For a Cheese Board
*Fresh Cheese, like cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, etc.
(Put in a small cocotte or plate, then you set it on your board, since they are usually wet).
*Soft Cheese, like brie, camembert, feta, Neufchâtel, etc.
*Semi-hard Cheese, like cheddar, Derby, Emmenthal, Gouda, Port Salut, etc,
*Hard Cheese, like parmesan, pecorino romano, caciocavallo, etc.
*Blue Cheese, Danish blue, gorgonzola, roquefort, stilton, bleu de bresse, etc.
If you're new to cheese-boarding, don't be shy about asking the cheese department for recommendations!
They can tell you the best local cheeses and the top sellers in their store.
3) Charcuterie
Pick 2 or 3 meats, like prosciutto, jamón ibérico, serrano, etc.
I recently saw the uncured or cured meat in very good variety packs at the grocery. They are already sliced into paper thin (ready to serve!) and usually well balanced, so I think it is a good choice to try them first.
4) Starch Options
Pick 3 types of crackers and bread - One is savory, like rosemary crackers, sourdough bread, grissini, etc. Second is a bit sweet and nutty one, like sesame crackers, dried cranberries and nuts crackers, or something very common brand crackers which everyone knows - those crackers are nothing fancy, but always good for someone. My kids always enjoy them on a cheese board! At last, don't forget to pick one gluten-free crackers for your guests.
5) Dried or Fresh Fruit, Nuts
Pick 3 to 5 of them - dried apricots, dried mangos, sliced apples, figs, or pears. And you know, grapes are perfect for a cheese board. I know olives aren't everybody's thing, but please don't hate them. If you have guests who enjoy wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages, I suggest you definitely prepare them. Also, so many nuts options, like almonds, hazel nuts, pistachios, candied walnuts, etc.
6) Spreads
Pick 1 to 3 from this section, like jam, a good quality mustard, honey, etc. Personally, I like something sweet and tart - sour cherry jam and fig preserves, they are just good right out of the jar!
If you are a cheese lover, you can choose four or five kinds of course, or if it's a party with a lot of kids, you can have more fruit. Choose the ingredients as you wish, according to your family structure and food preferences.
Once you have decided what you want to put on the board, all you have to do is arrange it as you like! I've illustrated a guide, hope it'll help you a bit!
Many thanks for reading my blog,
I hope you all have a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving and holiday season!!
November, 16, 2023