How to prepare the perfect cheese board

In earlier blog posts, we discussed cheese boards as a perfect choice for sharing suppers and gatherings with friends and family, especially fellow cheeselovers. But how do you put together the perfect cheese board? Does the type of cheese matter, how it is cut, or what you serve with it? With so many cheeses, each with its own texture, flavour and aroma, the possibilities can feel overwhelming. At CabeSota, we share the keys to creating a wonderful cheese board to surprise your guests, or to enjoy all by yourself. We know it is hard to resist!

Which cheeses should you choose for a cheese board?

For a good cheese board, whatever its size, choose between five and eight cheeses for variety. No cheese is a bad choice, but it helps to follow a criterion: your preferences or your guests’, cheeses nobody has tried before, or exclusively domestic or international cheeses.

We do not want a dull board of very similar cheeses. Consider each cheese’s characteristics to avoid repetition: choose different milks, textures, flavours, maturation periods and rinds.

How much cheese do you need?

The quantity depends on the occasion, the number of guests and the rest of the menu. Avoid a huge board before a large meal, or too little cheese if the board is the main snack. For an appetiser or dessert, around 80 or 100 grams per person may be enough. If cheese is the main attraction, allow approximately 200 grams per person.

How should you cut and prepare cheese for serving?

Remember that the cold of the fridge masks the cheese’s flavour and texture, so leave it out for at least an hour. Take room temperature into account: in winter, cheese may need up to four hours to come up to temperature, while in August, thirty minutes may be enough.

Every cheese has its own cut and way of being served. Mild, hard or semi-hard cheeses are best cut into triangles or rectangles, always leaving the rind. For very mature cheese, choose very thin slices so its powerful flavour does not become overwhelming. Serve very creamy or spreadable cheeses, such as our semi-mature cheese spread, in a tub rather than already spread on bread. Keep the knife clean to avoid transferring one cheese’s flavour to the next.

How should you arrange cheese on the board?

Start with a good wooden board, attractive and in good condition. In general, finish with the most intense, aromatic cheeses so they do not mask the others at the start. Our CabeSota extra-mature cheese makes an ideal finish. Arrange cheeses clockwise on a round board or from left to right on a rectangular board to make the order clear.

Accompaniments for cheese

A cheese board does not have to contain only cheese. Here are some delicious accompaniments:

Jams

Jam is a perfect partner for cheese. In one of our articles, we explain how to combine them to enjoy both to the full.

Bread

There are as many breads as cheeses, so you could even prepare a separate bread board. Include at least white and rye bread, along with bread containing seeds or nuts.

Quince

Quince also pairs perfectly with cheese. For serving ideas, read our article on sheep’s milk cheese with quince.

Fresh fruit

Instead of jam, serve fresh seasonal fruit for a good contrast with the cheeses.

Cured meats

Iberian ham, chorizo and salchichón add flavour and an attractive contrast of colours to the board.

Drinks to pair with your cheese board

Water is a safe choice because it does not mask the cheese’s flavour and lets you enjoy all its nuances. Other drinks can also accompany your perfect cheese board:

Wine

Wine and cheese pairing has a long history and, done well, enhances both flavours. A light, fresh wine that cleanses the palate between tastings is a reliable choice.

Beer

It is discussed less often, but beer goes very well with mild cheeses.

Spirits

For piquant cheeses, choose high-strength spirits.

You now have the keys to preparing a wonderful cheese board! Visit cabesota.com to choose the stars of your next board.