Secrets to Creating a Successful Cheese Board

How Many Cheeses Should Be on a Platter ?

Cheese connoisseurs sometimes disagree on the “perfect” number of cheeses. Here are some basic guidelines :

• The classic French style favors an odd number of cheeses (3, 5, or 7), with knives placed to the right of each type.
• The “pleasure platter” breaks the rules and favors aesthetics, creativity, and indulgence : geometric layouts, seasonal or regional themes.

Suggested quantities depend on when you serve the cheese board :

• As an appetizer : 80–120g per person
• After the meal : 90g per guest
• Cheese-only meal : 150–250g per person

Ask your cheesemonger for tailored advice and to avoid waste!

The Art of Serving Cheese Well

Serving cheese is an art form in French culture. To serve with style, here are a few customs :

• Always invite guests to help themselves first.
• Pre-cut at least one portion to make serving easier.
• Partially pre-cut some cheeses to guide your guests.

Should you serve whole cheeses or pre-cut portions ? That’s up for debate!

• Whole cheese fans say it honors the cheesemaker’s craft and preserves the cheese’s natural shape (especially for iconic cheeses like Sainte-Maure de Touraine). It’s also quicker to prep.

Pre-cut advocates favor convenience and refined presentation.

The Perfect Accompaniments

Bread : Enhanced Pleasure

Bread and cheese go hand in hand, and variety matters here too :

• Fruit bread : perfect with goat cheeses and blue cheeses
• Spiced bread : great with strong-flavored cheeses
• Rustic country bread with a dense crumb and crispy crust : a classic
• Walnut bread : divine with blue and hard cheeses

Add a varied bread basket so everyone can explore pairings.

Fruits : Sweet & Colorful Notes

Fruits bring freshness and balance to the platter. Try :

• Orchard fruits : apples, pears, apricots
• Grapes : the ultimate classic for juiciness and sweetness
• Fresh figs : excellent with goat cheese and blues
• Red berries : currants or seasonal cherries for a fresh, colorful touch
• Dried fruits (walnuts, figs, prunes, dates) : for texture and contrast

Jams & Sweet Condiments

Sweet pairings can create magical matches. Goat cheese loves honey—especially floral ones. Hard cheeses go well with strong, less sweet chutneys. For soft cheeses, try lighter touches : spiced jams, roasted nuts, or even sesame seeds. Some pairings to try :

• Floral or acacia honey : perfect with goat cheese
• Black cherry jam : a Basque classic
• Fig chutney : always a crowd-pleaser

Dare to be different with :

• Tomato vodka jam
• Pear and cognac confit
• Mango chutney for a tropical twist

And remember : pleasure first, always.

Which Wine Goes with Cheese ?

Wine and cheese pairings elevate any tasting experience. Here’s how to find harmony :

Red Wines : Bold or Light ?

Contrary to popular belief, many cheeses go better with light red wines. Camembert, despite its strong flavor and creamy texture, loves Pinot Noir or Gamay. Their soft tannins and fruity notes complement the cheese without overpowering it.

Save bold reds for long-aged hard cheeses, they can stand up to the intensity.

White Wines : The Hidden Gem

White wine actually pairs better with cheese than red. It offers more balance, freshness, and aromatic harmony. Some standout combos :

• A mineral-rich Saint-Péray highlights the creaminess of Saint-Marcellin
• A lush Sauternes tames the wild edge of Bleu de Termignon
• Jura’s Vin Jaune brings out nutty notes in aged Comté

Sparkling wines can also deliver delightful surprises.