There’s something undeniably festive about a cheeseboard. It’s a centre-stage-worthy combination of indulgence and creativity, offering something for everyone. A beautifully curated cheeseboard adds a touch of elegance to the festive table, inviting guests to graze, mingle, and share in the joy of the season. If you’re ready to step up your cheeseboard game this Christmas, here’s four steps you need to know.
1. Selecting a variety of cheese: The star of any cheeseboard is, of course, the cheese! Choosing between 3 to 5 varieties is ideal—not too many to overwhelm the palate, but enough to offer an exciting range of flavours and textures. Remember, if this is served as an appetiser or post-dinner treat, 80g per person will do the trick. Diversity is key: combine soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses to cater to different tastes. For example, start with the irresistibly creamy and mild Le Rustique Brie—always a crowd-pleaser. Add contrast with the bold, tangy flavours of Saint Agur Blue Cheese, or its milder dipping and spreadable versions like Saint Agur Crème or Whipped, perfect for those easing into the world of blue cheese. Including a selection like the Haute Fromagerie Selection Board ensures a range of premium cheeses, while Epoisses adds a rich, pungent aroma and creamy consistency. For a fresh and mild option, Chavroux Goat’s cheese is an excellent choice.
2. No cheeseboard is complete without some accompaniments, especially a Christmas one! Crackers and breadsticks are a must, but variety makes all the difference—think seeded, sweet, or thin and crispy. Add a fresh touch with fruits like thinly sliced apples, figs, and grapes—bonus points for festive red and green hues. For that extra Christmas magic, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, walnuts and fresh sprigs of rosemary—they double as décor and add subtle aroma. Don’t forget little dallops of chutneys, like caramelized onion or an apricot jam, and a drizzle of honey for the perfect sweet-savoury accompaniment that brings everything together.
3. Now, the fun part: decorating your cheeseboard! Channel your inner artist and get creative. Pre-slice or crumble the cheeses (no one wants to wrestle with a whole wedge of Brie in front of a crowd) and use cookie cutters or cheese knives to add playful shapes. Arrange them from mild to strong to guide your guests’ tasting journey and let everything come to room temperature before serving for the best flavour. Once the cheese are in place, fill the gaps with all your accompaniments. Use bowls and glasses to add some dimension and to keep things tidy. Finally, provide a separate knife for each cheese to prevent flavours mixing.
4. Elevate this experience with some complimentary beverages. For soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling wine like Champagne enhances their richness. Blue cheeses, like Saint Agur, pair beautifully with a festive mulled wine or a sweet wine such as Sauternes or Port, while the bold Epoisses finds its match in a robust white like Chardonnay. Chavroux goat’s cheese, on the other hand, is delightful when paired with a light, fruity rosé. For an all-rounder that works with most cheeses, a light Pinot Noir never disappoints.
Not to forget some non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon is a refreshing match for creamy cheeses. Blue cheeses pair wonderfully with sweet grape juice or fig-infused sparkling water. And for a soothing finish, herbal teas like chamomile or mint offer a warm, aromatic touch that rounds out the cheeseboard experience.
Even if the festive meal was generous, it will be hard to resist this elegant board where cheeses of different sizes and colours are arranged. We challenge you to resist!
When it comes to finding the perfect cheeses, we’ve got you covered. From creamy Brie to bold Blue, you’ll find everything you need to make your Christmas cheeseboard dreams come true. Still wondering the best way to taste these cheese? Check here.
Happy cheesing and Merry Christmas!
