How to Set Up the Ultimate Cheese Board

Hilary Walentuk, MS, RD, LDN| View Author Bio

Learn how to set up a cheese board for the perfect night in. Our cheese board shopping list will help you get everything you need.

Here are a few tips for building the ultimate cheese board:

  • Focus on a variety of flavors, textures, colors and shapes.
  • Serve 2 to 4 ounces of cheese per guest.
  • Include both savory and sweet accompaniments.
  • Remember that we eat with our eyes first, so choose beautiful colors and set the cheese board up on a natural material like stone or wood.
  • Incorporate cheese signs. It lets guests know what they’re eating while helping less adventurous palettes navigate their options with ease.
  • Offer one knife for each cheese and leave space between each cheese so that flavors do not mingle.
  • Bring cheeses to room temperature before serving to maximize flavor.
    • Most perishable foods – including cheese – can be held above 40 degrees F for two hours before they need to be thrown out, with some hard cheeses being the exception.

Here is a sample grocery shopping list for making your cheese board:

  • Blue cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack
  • Brie
  • Smoked Gouda
  • Harbison (or another strong flavored cheese of your choice)
  • Dates
  • Hazelnuts
  • Apples
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Raspberries
  • Crackers
  • Mustard
  • Pepperoni
  • Pistachios
  • Dried apricots
  • Cherry tomatoes

Check out this great guide for additional pairing suggestions!

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