When it comes to creating cheese boards, the possibilities are endless. Whether I’m pulling together a late-night snack, an easy lunch, or appetizers for a crowd, cheese boards are my go-to for any occasion. With a mix of flavors, textures, and colors, they never fail to impress.
Crackers and Bases
A great cheese board starts with a variety of crackers. I like to include a basic sea salt cracker, a multigrain or wheat cracker, and a nutty cracker filled with dried fruits or other unique ingredients. One of my favorite choices for an unusual cracker is the Raisin Rosemary Crisps from Trader Joe’s.
Pickles and Olives
To add a tangy twist, I often include pickles and olives in little bowls. This prevents their juices from mixing with other ingredients and keeps the board neat.
Jams, Honey, and Mustards
Pinch bowls filled with a spicy jam and a sweeter option, such as honey or mustard, are a must. They provide a delightful contrast to the cheeses and crackers.
Fresh and Dried Fruits
Fresh vegetables, dried fruits like apricots, apples, banana chips, oranges, and pineapples, and a variety of nuts, such as rosemary Marcona almonds and candied walnuts, add color and sweetness to the board.
Additional Snacks
For extra crunch and flavor, I add roasted peppers, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, giant dried corn or corn nuts, pretzels, wasabi peas, and edamame. Basically, anything goes from the snack section of the pantry.
Cheese Board Tips
Initially, I was overwhelmed by the ultra-fancy boards I saw in restaurants and online. Now, I simply add something new each time for fun. Planning a cheese board can be different from throwing one together from pantry staples. Both types are delicious, but sometimes it’s nice to get a bit fancier and make sure you have all your favorite bites on hand.
For a special cheese board, I purchase all our favorite items, pour some wine, and share the board with friends. After a busy weekend of shooting recipe videos, it’s the perfect way to relax.
Serving Suggestions
I use a cutting board, a serving tray, or even a small sheet pan to create my cheese boards. By the time you pile everything on, no one will notice what you used as the base.
Sometimes, I add my Aunt Judy’s Cheddar Cheeseball or the Everything Bagel Cheeseball. Dill pickle dip, ranch dip, fruit salsa, or salad-on-a-stick skewers are also great additions. Sliced and toasted leftover baguette makes a nice addition as well.
And don’t forget that hot sauce can be a fantastic dipping option for those who enjoy a bit of heat.