Thanksgiving is less than a week away and I thought I would share my tips for creating a great cheeseboard. I’ll admit I used to just put out cheese and crackers without much thought, but in the last year I have learned a few things that have upped my cheeseboard game! It is the first things guest devour and it is inviting to have set out with some drinks pre-dinner.

Cheese

Select the cheeses. It is typically suggested to choose different cheeses according to balance and flavor. (1) A soft cheese such as a triple cream, (2) semi-firm/firm (think gouda, English cheddar, or comte) (3) blue cheese (such as roquefort or stilton), and a (4) goat option (such as Humboldt Fog.) Ask your local cheesemonger for help. They are the best at helping you find what you like and how to pick cheeses that work together. Make sure to take the cheeses out of the refrigerator 30 minutes ahead of time to allow them to get to room temperature.

Crackers

I like to have a few different varieties of crackers. My favorites such are The Fine Cheese Co fruit and nut crackers, Lesley Stowe Raincoat Crisps, and Rustic Crackers in Sea Salt.

Cured Meats

Choose meats such as prosciutto, sopressata, salami, or mortadella. I have the butcher slice them thinly. I like to place them on the board so they are easy to grab.

Seasonal Fruits

Depending on the season, adding in some fruit always makes the board look pretty, as well as delicious. In the fall and winter, I love to add figs, apples, pears, persimmons, clementines or grapes. In the spring and summer : apricots, peaches, strawberries, or summer melon. Dried fruits are another good option.

Honey, Chutney, and Jams

To add a sweet element, add fig jam, sour cherry jam, quince paste, or apricot mostarda. I always love to add honey or a piece of honeycomb, which always looks beautiful and undone.

Savory items and Nuts

Savory items like cornichons or olives add a salty or vinegary brine element. Nuts are a great way to fill in any gaps on the board. I love Marcona almonds, pecans or candied walnuts.

Flowers and Herbs

The finishing touch is tucking in some edible flowers or herbs. I love thyme, sage, mint, fig leaves or olive branches. Don’t skip this step, it really finishes the board!

Start by placing the cheeses on the board. I like to have one at the top, middle, and bottom. It is also nice to have the harder cheeses sliced so people can take a slice easily.
Next, place anything in a little bowl such as the honey or jam on the board.
Add the crackers and meats. I like to fold the slices of meat so they are easy to take off the plate.
Add the fruits and nuts. Now that you have the main elements placed on the board, fill in all the empty spaces with fruit (sliced and whole) and nuts. I like to have it look plentiful, so don’t be afraid to have things falling over other things. It makes the board look approachable!
Final step is adding some beautiful herbs or seasonal flowers. Tuck under fruit and crackers, place a sprig on cheese, and mix with the nuts.

How to Make the Perfect Cheese Board