Hosting a dinner party or get together? A cheese board is a quick and affordable way to make an impact. The variety of munchies pleases all pallets and within a matter of minutes you can whip together a spread that looks like it took months of planning. They key with building a good cheese board is all in selection and the presentation.
Ingredients:
You can use a number of things you already have on hand, or stop by a local market (like Righteous Cheese, a shop here in DC that we love) to pick up some artisan selections. You definitely want to pick up some good cheese, the difference is in the taste for sure! Either way, make sure you have a variety of options to chose from. You’ll also want to be sure you mix up the flavors: savory and sweet, acidic and spice. And get creative with your cheese board items using pantry staples like honey and snack bags of nuts if you’re in a rush.
Here’s a list of some other common things to include on your cheese board:
- Cheeses: Blue cheese, Gouda, Brie, Goat Cheese, Havarti, Sharp Cheddar
- Dips & Spreads: Jam, preserves, fruit compote, honey, balsamic glaze
- Bread: Breadsticks, gourmet crackers, crostini, french bread
- Fruit: Green grapes, strawberries, oranges, blackberries, figs, dried fruit
- Meat: Salami, prosciutto
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, Pecans
Presentation:
How you display your cheeseboard is just as important if not as important as the ingredients themselves. Spending a little extra time in the details goes a long way in how your cheese board looks. This step is the difference between a “cheese platter” and “artisan cheese board”. You don’t have to spend a lot to impress your friends. In addition to the typical serving platters or cutting boards, get creative and think outside the box when it comes to what to use for a base. Composition is an important factor too, so always consider the height, colors and textures when building your board.
Cheese tools we love:
- Board: Slate (Brooklyn Slate, Crate and Barrel) cutting board
- Accessories: Cheese knives, mini spoons, mini jars, honey combs
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