A cheese board is my thing to make when we’re hosting, or one of the first things I offer to bring to gatherings. I love the creativity that goes into it and the fact that everyone is happy to see you when they notice you have a board full of cheese, meat and other snacks – ha!
This is my take on a Christmas cheese board. I’m so happy with the way it turned out, and even happier that I got to snack on it yesterday while making it. My family and I are going to enjoy a smaller version tonight while we watch a Christmas movie.
For this board, I used a variety of crackers, prosciutto, candied pecans, Spanish olives, goat cheese and cherry jalapeno jelly (I put the two together because I was running low on room and everyone always enjoys this combo anyway!), champagne cheddar, cranberry wensleydale, gouda and drunken goat.
I placed everything on a large, circular lazy susan because it was the perfect outline for my herb wreath. You can obviously use any type of cheese board. I outlined the edges with rosemary sprigs, sage leaves and thyme sprigs and topped the herb wreath with sugared cranberries.
A couple of things to keep in mind when you’re putting yours together:
- Variety of cheese and snacks is key. I like to keep in mind what is in season and the notes that taste best this time of year. Get festive with your cheeses too! As I noted above, I picked a champagne cheddar and cranberry wensleydale – both are seasonal and fun to try this time of year.
- If you’re running low on room (which often happens to me), don’t feel pressure to fit everything you bought on the board all at once. You can cut cheeses down, combine soft cheeses like goat with jams or jelly in a small bowl and layer crackers and other snacks. You can always replenish as the night goes on.
- Give yourself at least 15-20 minutes before your party to put your board together. I am horrible at this, but giving yourself this time will help you create the perfect layout and you won’t feel as rushed putting it together.
- Make sure you have multiple cheese knives and other serving utensils to serve with. If you don’t own any, buy these when you go out to buy your cheese. Some grocery stores or specialty shops will have the for sale in the cheese section. Cheese knives are crucial!!
- If you have multiple parties this season, offer to bring a cheese board to all of them. Buy in bulk and slice each block of cheese in half (make sure to wrap and store them properly). This will save you money and the hassle of going to the store multiple times! The cheese at Costco is great and humongous. You can absolutely make 2-3 cheeseboards if you buy their cheese.
- Have fun with this cheese adventure you’re on! Take a trip to the store and enjoy your time picking everything out. Ask the cheesemongers what to buy – they always come up with the best suggestions.
I hope this gives you inspiration and motivates you to put one of these together this season! Your guests will absolutely love it. If you do, don’t forget to tag #marinamakeseats!
Marina Makes 