Creating a delightful cheese board goes beyond just selecting cheeses; it involves curating an array of complementary items that enhance flavors, add texture, and provide visual appeal. To build a perfect cheese board, you'll want to buy a variety of accompaniments including cured meats, briny elements, an assortment of crackers and good bread, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and various spreads like jams or honey.
Essential Components for Your Cheese Board
While cheese is the star, the supporting cast makes the performance truly memorable. Here's a breakdown of what to buy to complete your spread:
1. Savory Pairings
- Charcuterie: A selection of cured meats is a classic partner for cheese. Consider options like prosciutto, salami, or coppa to add a salty, savory dimension that contrasts beautifully with creamy cheeses.
- Something Briny: Items with a tangy, salty kick can cut through the richness of cheese and cleanse the palate. This could include:
- Olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano)
- Cornichons (small, sour pickles)
- Pickled vegetables
- Spreads: Elevate your savory options with:
- Fancy Mustard: A whole-grain or Dijon mustard can add a piquant note, especially good with harder cheeses or charcuterie.
2. Crunchy Accompaniments
- Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers in different shapes, sizes, and textures – from plain water crackers to artisanal options with seeds or herbs.
- Good Bread: A freshly baked baguette, sliced thinly, is an ideal vehicle for cheese and other toppings. Its mild flavor allows the cheese to shine.
- Nuts: A handful of nuts adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Popular choices include:
- Marcona almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
3. Sweet Enhancers
- Dried or Fresh Fruit: Fruits provide natural sweetness and a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of cheese.
- Fresh Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, pear slices, figs, berries.
- Dried Fruits: Apricots, figs, cherries, dates.
- Sweet Spreads:
- Jam: Fruit jams or preserves, especially those with unique flavor profiles like fig jam or apricot preserves, pair wonderfully with a range of cheeses.
- Honey: A drizzle of local honey can beautifully complement salty or pungent cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar.
Quick Shopping List for a Balanced Cheese Board
Here’s a concise list of items to consider when planning your purchase:
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Assortment of Cheeses (Soft, Hard, Aged, Blue) |
| Savory & Meats | Charcuterie (prosciutto, salami), Briny items (olives, cornichons), Fancy mustard |
| Carbs | Crackers (various types), Good bread (baguette) |
| Fruits | Fresh fruit (grapes, apples, figs, berries), Dried fruit (apricots, dates, figs) |
| Nuts | Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios |
| Spreads | Jam (fig, apricot), Honey |
By incorporating these diverse elements, your cheese board will offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
