How to Make an EPIC Holiday Cheese Board

Everyone loves a good charcuterie board and I’m going to show you How to Make an EPIC Holiday Cheese Board in just 10 minutes! The best cheeses to buy and how to fill your board with delicious snacks that will wow your guests! Plus step-by-step photos of how to assemble a cheese board to make it look instagram worthy!

Want to be a master cheese board maker? Then you need to check out my tips in How to make the Ultimate Cheese Board or How to Make a Fruit & Cheese Board in 10 minutes.

Easy Holiday Cheese Board Ideas

When it comes to easy show stopper recipes for the holidays, Cheese Boards are where it’s at! They are absolutely beautiful to look at, make everyone stop to see “what’s in there” and then grab a few items. And honestly, once you grab a few items for the board, you’re hooked and then hover over it all night. I literally have to tell myself to, “walk away from the cheese board.”

And NO, I’m not joking!

Now I know when you first look at it, it’s overwhelming. I’m sure the first thought that goes into your mind is:  “I cannot do that!” But guess what, can I tell you a secret. It’s literally so easy!  Just follow my easy step-by-step tips and you’ll be looking like the Cheese Board Queen!

How to make a Cheese Board

There are five main categories I buy for when I’m putting together a large cheese board big enough to feed a crow and I’m going to walk through each one of them below!

1. The Cheese.

Guys, it’s called a cheese board for a reason. Cheese should be the star of this board. So head to your local grocery store and pick out 3-4 of your favorite cheeses! As a general rule to make sure I’m not picking all the same kinds I pick out:  1 soft cheese, 1 semi-soft cheese, 1 semi-hard cheese and 1 hard cheese. I also try to look at the colors so I’m not picking all white cheeses. (for details on cheese types go to the recipe below) 

What are the Best Cheeses to include on a Cheese Board?

• Soft Cheese (mozzarella, burrata, goat cheese, Brie)
• Semi-Soft Cheese (Smoked Gouda, jarlsberg, blue cheese, Gorgonzola)
• Semi-Hard Cheese (manchego, provolone, comte)
• Hard Cheese (Asiago, Aged Cheddar, Irish Cheddar, Parmesan)

Today I picked an Irish Aged Cheddar Cheese, a buttery Spanish Manchego Cheese, a stinky Blue Cheese, a Smoked Gouda Cheese that is made out of goats milk and is the creamiest thing EVA. Last but not least, a Smoked Cheddar Cheese made in Wisconsin! Wisconsin cheese for the win! When it comes to food, cheese is an easy wholesome choice, no need to pick reduced fat and all that jazz. Cheese is made from real, fresh ingredients and crafted for specific unique tastes. Whatever you pick is going to be great!

2. The Meat.

Cured meat is a must have on a cheese board, they serve it on Charcuterie boards all the time for a reason. The saltiness of the cured meat pairs very nicely with cheese! When putting together my cheese board I like to pick out a couple different cured meats. Typically I like to go the classic route with meats most people know: Prosciutto de Parma, Salami, Peppered Salami or Serrano Ham. You could even do Pepperoni or Spanish Chorizo.

3. The Vehicle.

Think things like toasted baguettes, crackers, or breadsticks for “the vehicle.” Most people like to put their cheeses or meats on something. Doesn’t need to be fancy, just something that will compliment what’s on the board or some of your favorites

4. Fruits & Nuts.

I’m pretty sure that this is self explanatory, buy seasonal fruits and nuts. I like to add a mixture of raw nuts, salted nuts or candied nuts. (pecans, walnuts, cashews, almonds or pistachios) As far as the fruits, grapes are always great, pomegranates, blueberries, figs or any dried fruit. The reason I like to add fruits and nuts is they are great “space fillers” when you are putting the board together. It helps make the board look full and bountiful!

5: The Extras.

The extras are where it’s at and will help your cheese board stand out from the rest! When I say “extras” think condiments or marinated vegetables.  I like to add things like, fig jam, honey, sun dried tomato pesto, roasted red peppers, marinated olives, artichokes, basil pesto or bacon jam. The list goes on. Basically all the “fun” stuff to add to your “vehicle” along with all that tasty cheese!

You don’t HAVE to include all of these items. Maybe pick one or two from each category or just go with Steps 1-3 for a simpler board.

How to Assemble a Cheese Board

The BEST and easiest way to assemble a cheese board is to do it in stages! 

1. Grab your Cheese Board. (slate, wooden cheese board, cutting board, plate, etc)
2. Place your “extras” in various parts of the board in ramekins.
3. Assemble your cheese (cut and uncut) all over the board.
4. Now, add your “vehicles” to the board. Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect or organized.
5. Unwrap the cured meat and place them in various spots on the board. Sometimes I’ll look at my board and see where it needs a pop of color!
6. Here’s the fun part. Take the fruits and nuts you have and fill in any open spots on the board. Place them anywhere. There is no order to this. Just make the board look super full!
7. You’re done!

What I Included on this Cheese Board:

• Cheese: Blue Cheese, Smoked Gouda with Goats Milk, Manchego, Wisconsin Smoked Cheddar Cheese, Irish Cheddar Cheese
• Meat: Peppered Salami, Prosciutto, Italian Dry Salami
• Vehicle: Ancient Grain Crackers, Toasted Baguettes, Tuscan Herb Watercrackers
• Fruits & Nuts: sliced gala apples, blueberries, grapes, pomegranate seeds, dried apicots, candied pecans and cashews
• Extras: artichoke hearts, stone ground mustard, honey and marinated olives

See! I told you it’s easier than you think! If you follow my standard buying tips and easy assembly method I guarantee you’ll end up with a beautiful board every time!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Bon Appetit friends!

Print

DON’T MISS A RECIPE ->

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM