Creating a cheeseboard can be as simple as using what you have on hand. Of course, visiting the local cheese shop to splurge on some special cheeses is always fun! A traditional cheeseboard would include 4-5 different types of cheeses some soft like cheese like goat cheese, gorgonzola cheese or an herbed spreadable cheese like an Alloette,  as well as some hard cheese like Gruyere, Aged Cheddar, provolone and the list goes on and on.  Paired with the cheese is salty elements like olives, cured meats, crackers, and pickles,  along with some sweet elements like fruit and jams for spreading and making cracker, cheese and meat sandwiches. Sometimes sliced baked bread is served on a cheese platter too. Adding little knifes for your guests to cut the assortment of cheeses you are offering is a good idea, one for each cheese, and a tiny fork to pick up any meats. Matching bowls for pickles, dip, soft cheeses, and nuts are a good idea, so their is a seamless look.

With that said, I like to offer healthy options in addition to the cheese and crackers, so I tend to add veggies to my platters.  In this platter I have the following components:  full carrots for a rustic look and some cut, blanched green beans, sugar snap peas, celery, red grapes, gala apples, cut in half or into slivers, pomegranate seeds, strawberries cut in half, an assortment of crackers, sweet gherkin pickles, pepperoni, cheddar cheese (my son’s fave), Swiss cheese, soft cheese, and homemade white bean dip for dipping! You can also add a jam. Use whatever you like to eat! Cheeseboards are really inspired by what your guests and family love!

Here is the recipe for homemade white bean dip. Just click on this link.  https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/white-bean-dip/ (store bought is fine too) It is a healthy alternative to rich, heavy, creamy dips.  Also, add all different shapes and textures of crackers like you see here! Some pepperoni or salami slices are great for the meat lovers in the crowd.

Arranging a cheeseboard is a so much fun! Get creative and don’t forget the little details like the fresh thyme, or tomatoes on the vine for a rustic look. Add a pop of color with pomegranate seeds, apples, grapes, or kiwi. And yes of course you probably notice this board! It is from Sur La table and was actually reasonably priced. With that said, I have been everywhere on a mission to find the most interesting, large and good priced boards. I have had success at Marshalls and Home Goods among other places. I always like a bargain! One of my boards was $8.00!

Some tips: cutting the cheese into triangles as you see in this photo is very easy. Take the rectangular block of cheese and cut it corner to corner in half. Then from that cut into triangular slices. Or you can cut the cheese into shapes using a cookie cutter. For valentine’s day do hearts, for the holidays do trees, for Easter do egg shapes. You get the picture!

Have fun creating gorgeous cheeseboard platters that will take your party to the next level!