The Perfect Cheese Board: Top 10 Cheeses You Must Include
A well-crafted cheese board is not just a culinary delight; it’s a conversation starter, a palette pleaser, and a true work of art.
With the right selection of cheeses, you can transport your guests on a gastronomic journey that spans continents and cultures.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 cheeses you simply must include on your cheese platter. From the creamy decadence of Brie to the bold tang of Blue Cheese, and the fruity undertones of Sartori Merlot BellaVitano, each cheese brings its unique flavor profile and texture to the table.
Let’s embark on this delicious journey together and create the perfect cheese board that will wow your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Top 10 Cheeses to Include in Your Cheese Platter
| Cheese | Why It’s Good for a Cheese Board |
|---|---|
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Its tangy and creamy texture adds a refreshing contrast. |
| Brie | Known for its buttery, rich taste and creamy consistency that pairs well with fruits and nuts. |
| Gouda | It’s slightly sweet and nutty flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser. |
| Aged Cheddar | It brings sharpness and depth of flavor to the board. |
| Manchego | Spanish cheese known for its firm texture and distinct nutty taste. |
| Parmesan | Its hard, granular texture and savory flavor add variety to the board. |
| Gruyère | Famous for its creamy, nutty flavor that complements both sweet and savory pairings. |
| Blue Cheese | It’s strong, tangy flavor provides a bold contrast to milder cheeses. |
| Ricotta | Adds a light, slightly sweet element that pairs well with honey or fruit. |
| Sartori Merlot BellaVitano | Infused with Merlot wine for a unique, fruity undertone that adds complexity. |
Also read: Cheddar: The Global Favorite in the World of Cheeses
1. Chèvre (Goat Cheese):
Chèvre, with its tangy flavor and creamy texture, is a must-have on any cheese board. This cheese adds a refreshing contrast to the other selections and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less fatty cheese.
2. Brie:
A classic choice, Brie is known for its rich, buttery taste and creamy consistency. This soft cheese melts in your mouth and pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of crackers. Its mild flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser.
3. Gouda:
Gouda is a versatile Dutch cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Its semi-hard texture makes it easy to slice and serve. Gouda can be enjoyed by itself or paired with a range of accompaniments, from fruit to cured meats.
4. Aged Cheddar:
Offering a sharp and robust flavor, Aged Cheddar brings depth and richness to your cheese board. It’s firm yet crumbly texture pairs perfectly with crisp apples, grapes, or a hearty cracker.
5. Manchego:
This Spanish cheese is known for its firm texture and distinct nutty taste. Manchego adds an exotic touch to your cheese board and pairs wonderfully with olives, quince paste, or Spanish chorizo.
6. Parmesan:
Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese with a savory flavor that adds variety to your cheese board. You can serve it in chunks or shards and it pairs well with a variety of wines, making it a fine choice for a sophisticated cheese board.
7. Gruyère:
A Swiss cheese, Gruyère is famous for its creamy, nutty flavor. It’s a versatile cheese that complements both sweet and savory pairings, making it a balanced addition to any cheese board.
8. Blue Cheese:
For those who appreciate stronger flavors, Blue Cheese is a must. Its bold, tangy flavor provides a striking contrast to milder cheeses and its creamy texture is perfect for spreading on a cracker.
9. Ricotta:
Ricotta cheese adds a light, slightly sweet element to your cheese board. It’s great for breaking up the heavier flavors and can be served with a drizzle of honey or some fresh berries.
10. Sartori Merlot BellaVitano:
This award-winning cheese is bathed in Merlot wine to give it a unique, fruity undertone. The result is a cheese with complex flavors that will add a touch of luxury to your cheese board.
>> Also read: A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoying Cheese Platter with Wine
5 Fruits that Goes Well on a Cheese Board
Creating the perfect cheese platter involves more than just selecting the right cheeses. Fruits add a delightful sweetness and freshness that complements the rich flavors of cheese.
Here are the top 5 fruits to include on your cheese board:
- Grapes: Their natural sweetness and juicy texture make them a classic choice for cheese boards. They pair well with almost all types of cheese.
- Apples: Sliced thinly, apples provide a crisp contrast to soft cheeses. Try them with Brie or Camembert.
- Pears: Similar to apples, pears have a sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs excellently with blue cheese and sharp cheddar.
- Figs: Fresh or dried, figs add a touch of luxury to your cheese board. Their sweet, honeyed taste pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese.
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a pop of color and tartness to your cheese platter, pairing well with creamier and milder cheeses.
>> Check out our in-depth review of the top 10 fruits for a charcuterie board
The 3 Best Types of Crackers to Add to Your Cheese Board
Choosing the right crackers can elevate your cheese board to new heights. Here are the top 3 crackers we love that perfectly complement various cheeses:
Must read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
Multigrain Crackers:
These crackers, such as those from Breton, are a popular choice due to their thickness and hearty texture. They pair well with aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, and Manchego.
Stonewall Kitchen Sea Salt Crackers:
These crackers have a pleasing crunch and just the right amount of saltiness, making them an ideal backdrop for any type of cheese.
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Saltine Crackers:
Known for their mild flavor, saltine crackers are an excellent choice for medium-strong cheeses. They don’t overpower the cheese’s taste, allowing its flavors to shine.
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2 of Our Favorite Meats for Cheese Platter
Let’s not forget meat, shall we?
When it comes to choosing the best meats for your cheese board, variety and quality are key.
- Prosciutto: This thin-sliced, dry-cured Italian ham is a favorite for charcuterie boards due to its delicate, slightly sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It pairs well with a wide range of cheeses, from creamy Brie to sharp Cheddar
- Genoa Salami: Originating in the Genoa region of Italy, this salami is made with ground pork or veal and mixed with various spices. Its robust flavor and firm texture make it a great match for milder cheeses like Mozzarella or Provolone
Remember, the best Charcuterie is one that caters to your personal taste and those of your guests, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.
Our Favorite Charcuterie Board for Large Gatherings
The SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set stands out as an excellent cheese platter for several reasons:
- Quality Material: The board is made from bamboo, which is not only eco-friendly but also resistant to bending, cracking, and staining. It’s durable and designed to last.
- Comprehensive Set: The set includes not just the cheese board itself, but also four serving knives, two ceramic bowls, and a separate round fruit tray. This makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of snacks and appetizers.
- Design and Functionality: The board features dedicated sections to place different types of cheeses and charcuterie, making it easy to organize and display your food elegantly.
- Bonus Guide: The set comes with a free guide booklet that offers tips on how to assemble an impressive cheese and charcuterie platter.
- Great Value for Money: Priced at $39.99, it offers excellent value considering the quality and number of items included in the set.
- Highly Rated: With high customer ratings and being a #1 Best Seller in Cheese Servers on Amazon, it’s a trusted and popular choice among consumers.
- Perfect for Gifting: Its beautiful design and comprehensive features make it an ideal gift for housewarmings, weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries.
>> Click here to buy SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards on Amazon
Conclusion
Creating the perfect cheese board is an art that combines taste, texture, and visual appeal. With our curated list of the top 10 must-include cheeses, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of this gourmet craft.
Remember, the beauty of a cheese board lies in its variety and balance. From the creamy Brie to the tangy Blue, the smoky Gouda to the sharp Cheddar, each cheese brings a unique flavor profile that complements the others.
Don’t forget to add accompaniments like fruits, nuts, and a selection of bread or crackers for added texture and taste.
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