We here at JS Bailey have never met a cheese board we didn’t like, and there is so much choice out there in terms of cheese flavours and accompaniments that there is something to suit every palette.
Take a look below as we explore the perfect cheese board for any occasion.
Great cheeses for cheese boards
Choosing your ideal cheeses for your cheese board involves a varied selection so that there is something for each of your guests to enjoy, no matter what their cheese preferences are. Blue cheeses can often be a risky choice due to its strong taste, therefore we would highly recommend that you ensure your guests are fans of this particular cheese prior to organising your cheese board. Here are some of our favourite choices for the perfect cheese board.
Classic cheeses
- Mild cheddar
- Mature cheddar
- Smoked cheddar
- Double Gloucester
Summer cheeses
- Diced or crumbled feta
- Brie
- Mozzarella
- Crumbed goats cheese
Flavoured cheeses
- Volcano (spicy)
- Cheddar & caramelised onion
- Wensleydale & apricots
- Cheddar, herbs & garlic
Of course, not all of these cheeses will fit onto your cheese board, but carefully selecting each one with your guests in mind will ultimately lead to a successful board.
Cheese board accompaniments
Cheese is only one small aspect of a great cheese board, you should also offer a number of accompaniments that will compliment and enhance your cheese flavours.
Crackers
An obvious choice but one that every great cheese board should have. To spice up your cheese board, rather than simply using plain crackers try a variety of flavours, from black pepper, to sour cream and chives or even chilli, you want to intensify the flavours of your chosen cheese and this is the ideal way to do it.
Grapes
A classic cheese accompaniment, grapes will often help to cleanse the palette between each cheese so that your guests can sample each flavour in turn without mixing them.
Chutney
A variety of chutneys on your cheese board will take inspiration from the classic Ploughman’s lunch. There are countless flavours available out there for you to choose from, and we would recommend basing your selection on the cheese you have used in your board.
Deli meats
Salami, prosciutto, sliced chorizo and many other deli meats add a mouth-watering addition to a cheese board.
Bread & butter
We don’t mean a typical slice of bread, but a classic crusty baguette that will allow your guests to pile on their cheese, chutney, grapes and deli meat.
Cheese board serving tips
- Use a new knife for each cheese
- Allow cheese to stand at room temperature for around an hour prior to enjoying your cheese board
- Keep track of which cheese is which by labelling on your cheese board
- Ensure enough room on the board to cut your cheese
Are you looking for your ideal cheese board selection? Visit our on-site shop, Calveley Mill, to take your pick of our delicious handmade cheeses and variety of accompaniments.