The Art of the Cheese Board
How Much Cheese Per Person?
For appetizers, plan 2 oz per person. If cheese is the main event, increase to 4 oz. A wine and cheese party falls in between at 3 oz per person. Always round up for heartier appetites and to ensure variety.
Variety is Key
A well-rounded cheese board includes 3-5 varieties with different textures and flavors: something soft and creamy, something firm and aged, and something bold like blue cheese. Mix cow, goat, and sheep milk cheeses for diversity.
Cheese Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare a cheese board?
You can assemble a cheese board 2-4 hours ahead. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove 30-60 minutes before serving to let cheese come to room temperature, which brings out the best flavors.
What wines pair best with a cheese board?
Match intensity: light wines with mild cheeses, bold wines with aged cheeses. Champagne and sparkling wines pair well with almost everything. Port is classic with blue cheese. Chardonnay works with brie, while Cabernet pairs with aged cheddar.
What should I use as a cheese board?
Wooden boards, slate, and marble all work beautifully. Allow about 12 inches diameter for every 4 guests. Large cutting boards or even clean, food-safe tile pieces can work in a pinch. Leave room between cheeses for knives and accompaniments.
How do I store leftover cheese?
Wrap each cheese separately in wax paper or cheese paper, then loosely in plastic wrap. Store in the warmest part of your refrigerator (usually the vegetable drawer). Hard cheeses keep 3-4 weeks, soft cheeses 1-2 weeks. Never freeze quality cheese.