Now let’s talk feature foods.  Good cheese is a must.  Think about your audience- kids, adults, sophisticated palates or casual connoisseurs.  Each category demands a different type of cheese.  Three cheeses are a good goal.  One that is mild and easy- I would suggest white cheddar.  One that is soft- I suggest brie or honey goat cheese.  One that is a show stopper or something a little more unusual- maybe a gouda or dried apricot or cranberry cheddar.  These options seem to be “safe” from my experience and loved by most.  You could get a little creative and roll your goat cheese in lemon rinds and herbs.  There are many cheese options-that is the blessing- give your guests options.

Next add something crunchy to the board.  Some ideas that have been a hit for me have been peppered cashews, sugared almonds, roasted almonds and walnuts.

Why not a baguette slice or a variety of crackers?  The cheese often needs a vehicle to get into our mouths 🙂  They are perfect for that! Gluten free crackers are excellent- be sure to have some of those on your board for those that are gluten free.

Depending on the next courses offered, you may want to add some prosciutto or pepperoni or salami.  I had some Keto friends in the house so bacon was the protein of choice.

Next add something with a little tang- pickles or olives are a nice compliment.  

Last, you need something refreshing to eat in between.  Fruit is your answer!  It is a great palate cleanser in between strong flavored cheeses.  Grapes are a classic.  Champagne grapes are featured in this photo.  Aren’t they tiny and adorable?  And they taste great too!

As you put the items on the board start with the show stopper or largest item and place it in the middle.  Add complimentary items around it such as crackers or necessary condiments- Check out that Truffle Salt on the board pictured above.  It is the perfect topping for the Roasted Red Pepper Baguette and Lettuce Bites featured in the middle. You must get the recipe for those! Fresh honeycomb is a show stopping favorite to top a slice of cheese and fig preserves are fabulous too!

Then continue to build around the center.  Anchor the ends with items that provide balance from corner to corner.  Mirroring piles or neatly placed lines of crackers offer a really pleasing display.    

Once you have filled the board with delicious treats make sure it is a bit organized one last time.  It is best to fill the board no matter the size.  So if it is small, 2-3 items will fill the board and for a large board as shown, many items fill the board.  Now it is time to add some fresh herbs to as a final embellishment.  I love to use rosemary or time from my garden.  Parsley is great too and is super affordable at the grocery store.  

After prepping the board with all of the food and complimentary toppings place appropriate utensils by items that need them.  If you don’t own any cheese board utensils, investing in one would be a great idea.  It is helpful to cut several cheeses and offer forks or toothpicks that guests can easily grab whatever looks appetizing to them. Here are a few great options.