What screams the holiday spirit better than a tactile, rustic cheese board with seasonal cheeses, fruits and flare?
If you ever wanted to be able to lay down a cheese board that was so perfect it should have appeared in the holiday magazine spread this is the guide for you!
We’re revealing all the top tips and tricks to make a beautiful festive cheese board for Christmas that looks as stunning as it does delicious!
Whether you’re new to cheese boards or looking to add a festive flair to your regular spread, these easy tips will help you create a holiday masterpiece.
Keep reading to find out how to create a no-fail, beautiful Christmas cheese board.
Festive Christmas Cheese Board Essentials to Wow Your Guests
Arranging a Christmas cheese board is just about pairing flavors, textures and hues which embody the holiday spirit.
A variety of cheese, a bit of seasonality with fruit, crunchy elements and perhaps a few other items here and there that make things sing.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some ideas on how to arrange everything for the best presentation.
Cheese Selection
by biggowski
Well, obviously the star of any cheese board is the cheese! When going for festive, look for a variety of flavors, textures, and colors.
Add a soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert with seasonal flair from pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of honey.
For a more solid texture use aged Gouda or Cheddar in bright orange or yellow shades.
Blue cheese adds a bold flavor and a wintery feel, especially if you select one with an intense marbled appearance.
And finally, toss in an extra holiday cheese – something with cranberries or herbs would add immediate seasonality.
Fruits and Seasonal Additions
by random-user1922
Next, add some seasonal fruits for color and natural sweetness to contrast the richness of the cheese.
Pomegranate seeds, red grapes, and figs provide a pop of color and full all the festive spirit.
Dried cranberries or fresh berries will both provide a little holiday color coordination and enhance the flavor of the cheeses.
To add a wintery touch and a warm rustic look, fresh apples or pears sliced are a great accompaniment with lots of cheeses.
Dried apricots or sugared cranberries also bring an interesting chomp and flavor to the board, if you want to go all out.
Crunchy Elements and Savory Extras
by mysistersaid
A few crunchy bites are essential; they round out the textures that should marry perfectly on a cheese board.
Add a mix of crackers and breadsticks, such as artisan crackers with herbs, whole-grain crackers, or thin crispbread.
Nuts can also be added – roasted almonds or spiced pecans, which give a warm holiday flavor.
And olives, or marinated vegetables for that matter, are likewise welcome: their briny, salty, savoriness is such an excellent foil to the cheese’s creamy richness.
Sweet Touches to Complete the Board
by GujuGanjaGirl
To give a true holiday feel, add something sweet like honey or fig jam.
Brie is delicious when drizzled with honey, and a small jar of fig or cranberry jam gives that seasonal note while pairing well with most cheeses.
You could also sprinkle in some chocolate-covered sweets or even gingerbread cookies to the mix for a little seasonal cheer.
Optional, of course, but part of what makes the sweet touches unique is its contrast – you can see why everyone is back for more.
Arranging Your Cheese Board
by YeahIdWatchThat
As for how to best prep your cheese board, first lay down the bigger pieces: cheeses and small bowls with jams or honey.
Put them on different parts of the board so guests can easily reach each flavor.
Then follow with the fruits, crackers and nuts — separating colors and textures around the board for visual balance.
Allow things to overlap, as the mingling of flows adds desirability and fullness to the board.
For a more festive appearance, sprinkle some rosemary sprigs or fresh thyme around the board so they will look like pine.
You could also add small items or even a few star-shaped cookies to give it that extra festive touch.
Serving Tips for the Perfect Cheese Board Experience
by TheLittleRedd
For best flavor, serve your cheese board at room temperature.
Take the cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes (at least) before guests come over for a temperature increase.
Provide a separate cheese knife for each type of cheese to prevent the flavors from mixing.
Pair it with a spiced mulled wine or punch for the holiday season, served alongside the board to bring out the bold flavors.
How Do You Choose the Best Cheese for a Christmas Cheese Board?
by EmilieLauzier
When choosing the best cheeses for a Christmas cheese board, consider both flavor diversity and presentation.
Select cheeses with varying textures and flavors – like a soft, creamy Brie, a tangy blue cheese, and a sharp Cheddar.
This keeps the board interesting and appeals to different tastes.
- What cheese types work best for holiday boards?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are festive and creamy, while hard rich ageing Cheddar or Parmesan will additionally contribute a depth of flavour to the cheeseboard. - Should you add seasonal cheeses?
Yes! Find cheeses made with cranberry, nuts or herbs — the perfect holiday flavor and texture. - Can you mix savory and sweet cheeses?
Absolutely. Cheeses range from universal savory (like basic Cheddar) to sweet, like honey-infused options, are a great addition to balance savory ones.
What Are Some Creative Presentation Ideas for a Festive Cheese Board?
by Uncorkedvegan89
When it comes to a festive cheese board, presentation is all that really matters.
Consider using colors and shapes relating with the season, and even smaller seasonal decorations.
- How can you make the board look more festive?
Sprinkle with some garnishes to imitate holiday greens (rosemary sprigs or fresh thyme). Small star-shaped crackers or cookies also bring a festive touch. - What serving items should you use?
Go rustic If you want a warm, holiday feel go ahead and put it on a wooden board or slate. A small bowl for jams and honey plus some appropriate cheese knives to decorate the plate a little more. - Can you add non-food items?
Yes, as long as they’re small and used for decoration only! Tiny ornaments or a few cinnamon sticks will make it smell divine.
With these tips, I assure you that creating a festive cheese board for Christmas can be as enjoyable as it is delicious.
A beautifully arranged cheese board is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat that brings holiday joy to the table.