How to make a Cheese Board

Cheese Board Presentation Tips

1) Place large items first

Start by placing your cheese on the board. For best flavor, let the cheese warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

2) Slice your cheese to maximize texture

Slice your cheese in various ways to maximize texture. For example, you can use a fork to create large chunks of blue cheese and Parmesan. Slice semi-hard cheese, like cheddar, and fan them across a section of the board. For brie or soft round cheeses, cut several bite-sized slices or wedges, and leave cheese knives nearby for guests to slice as desired.

3) Fill up the space

Next, place any small bowls of tapenade, olives, honey, or jam on the board. Add color by filling large blank areas with sliced fruit, clusters or grapes or handfuls of clementine segments. Divvy your crackers across the board, and nuts, too. There’s no harm in repeating segments on the board to fill the space.

4) Add your finishing touches

Place small spoons or serving utensils in bowls, and position cheese knives near the relevant cheeses. Then, take a good look at your board. Do you see any bare spots that you could fill? Do you see any large, solid chunks that you could break up? For example, the wedge of brie on my board looked dull until I drizzled honey on top. Layers are always nice. Now, you’re ready to serve!