Cheese boards are less about fussy arrangements and more about the combination of flavors, textures and temperatures. While a google search will take you to the “rules” around building a charcuterie, cheese plate, salumi board or grazing board, we are here to offer 6 basic tips to get you to a memorable and satisfying nibble.
1- The Cheeses
We stick to the basic formula of 3-4 cheese and make sure we have 1) something fresh like brie 2) something funky like gorgonzola 3) something hard and salty like parmesan and 3) something sharp and chunkable like Gouda.
2- Fresh Accompaniments
Fresh fruit like grapes or apples are a great choice here. You can get a head start on the pickled condiments by adding in our Pickled Grapes – so good! Vegetables are another great fresh addition to boards. Give your board some crunch and a pop of color with our Quick Pickled Red Cabbage.
3- Intensely Sweet
A really sweet something, something is a must for a cheese board. Those funky cheeses are much more approachable with sweet dried fruit, a drizzle of our Fig Balsamic or a spoonful of our Pomegranate Balsamic. Gorgonzola doused in Honey just makes everything better. You can always pop open a jar of jam. Grab any Grinning Jupiter jam, jelly or preserve, and the sweetness factor on your board just went up!
4- Smokiness
Smoked meats are a great addition to a cheese board. We do love classic cured meats, but consider a sliced smoked sausage or bits of tasso. For a twist on a smoky side gig for your charcuterie board, try our Smoky Baba Ganouj. It’s just sublime. Another fun smoky and sweet nibble is our Fig & Pig Flatbread. Oh, and there’s always room for bacon – grab a jar of Cochon Cannery Bacon Jam. It fits right – the question is: Is it a Smoky or Sweet Accompaniment? Both!
5- Tangy, Tart Pickles
Quick pickles are an “always” in the Teaching Kitchen fridge. Keep them ready and waiting for your next sandwich, salad or board. From Quick Pickled Red Onions to Tangy Pickled Carrots to Quick Pickled Sweet Peppers. Tart, tangy and fast!
6- A Bit of Heat
Spicy mustard is a great way to bring the heat. You can also mix it up by popping open a jar of Crunchy Chili Oils – it’s a great drizzle on soft cheeses. Speaking of jars, grab our Signature Pepper Jellies or Candied Jalapenos. Pop them on the bar and sink in a spreader.
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