If you’re putting together a cheeseboard for a party, first of all: well done! We like you. Secondly, here are a few tips to get you started and ensure it’s a success.

 

  1. If you’re at all unsure, go to a cheesemonger rather than the supermarket. Not only will you be assured of top-quality cheese, but your cheesemonger will be able to offer helpful advice and guidance. Here are also tips on how you can support Irish cheese makers. 
  2. A really great cheeseboard will have a balance of textures, flavours, shapes and types (cow’s, sheep’s, goat’s). Alternatively, you could work around a theme such as all Irish cheeses, all blue or different types of Cheddar.
  3. Three to five cheeses make a really good board. To ensure you buy enough, aim for 100-120g of cheese per person.
  4. Cheese should be served at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving. Cover the cheese with a barely damp towel to keep it from drying out.
  5. If you don’t have a dedicated cheeseboard, don’t worry. Use another serving platter, a chopping board from your kitchen, a ceramic or glass cake platter or simply a large plate.
  6. Each cheese should have its own knife. If you don’t have a set of cheese knives, no problem – use regular butter knives for softer cheeses and a small sharp kitchen knife for each hard cheese.
  7. Labelling your cheeses with little name cards looks pretty and will help to reassure any guests who are wary of trying new foods.
  8. If you’re inviting friends over that’s following a plant-based diet, don’t worry about them feeling left out. These vegan ‘cheeses’ will be worth adding to any cheese board.
  9. Whether you want to put together a strong cheese board, regular-strength cheese board or if you’re new to putting together a cheese board, we’ve got you covered.

 

Add a little extra

Have fun with a combination of sweet and salty accompaniments for your cheeseboard. We recommend…

  • Assorted crackers
  • Artisan breads
  • Mini toasts
  • Thinly sliced, toasted fruit cake
  • Pickled gherkins
  • Pickled onions
  • Olives
  • Cured meats e.g. prosciutto or salami
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh fruit e.g. pears, apples, grapes, and figs
  • Dried fruit e.g. apricots, figs, and dates
  • Nuts (raw, toasted, or candied)
  • Quince pastes
  • Honey
  • Honeycomb
  • Mustard
  • Jams, chutneys, relishes, and other preserves
  • Don’t forget the drinks! Beer, wine, or fruit juice will help to cut through the richness of the cheese and cleanse the palate. Cheers!

If you’re not sure that a cheeseboard is the way to go, this baked brie is an impressive yet foolproof alternative!