In the Kitchen
The Holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal. And what better way to start or end dinner, especially if you don’t have dessert eaters, than with a Holiday Cheese Board? A well-curated cheese board is a delightful way to satisfy everyone's sweet and savory cravings.
How Much Cheese to Serve
A good rule of thumb is to serve 5-6 ounces of cheese per person. This will ensure that there is enough cheese for everyone to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Because this is If you are having a large meal such as Thanksgiving with a lot of other food, you may want to cut those proportions in half.
If you have a small group, you may not be able to buy small enough portions. My recommendation is to purchase cheese at a cheese shop where they will slice your cheese to order. Here is Massachusetts Wasiks Cheese Shop in Wellesley. But you don’t just have to go there if you have a small group. They will help you select your cheese, and choose what complements each other. They also have cheeseboard selections to choose from if that makes your life easier.
What Types of Cheese to Choose
A good Holiday Cheese Board should include a variety of cheeses from different milk types (cow, goat, sheep) and textures (hard, soft, semi-soft, crumbly). This will give your guests a chance to try something new and find their favorite cheese. I typically recommend three different cheeses.
When I was in England, we visited Neal’s Yard Dairy in Borough’s Market. We had an amazing experience tasting and choosing cheeses that were perfect for a special dinner that evening.
Here are some suggestions to consider:
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses are aged for a long period of time, which gives them a sharp, nutty flavor. They are also relatively firm, which makes them easy to slice and eat. Some popular hard cheeses include English cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and a favorite of mine Red Leicester.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses are aged for a shorter period of time than hard cheeses, which gives them a milder, creamier flavor. They are also much softer, which makes them spreadable. Some popular soft cheeses include Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Semi-soft cheeses are aged for a moderate period of time, which gives them a flavor that is somewhere between hard and soft cheeses. They are also moderately firm, which makes them easy to slice and spread. They include blue cheeses. Some popular semi-soft cheeses include Fontina, Stilton, Gruyere, and Roquefort.
Accompaniments
In addition to cheese, your cheese board should also include a variety of accompaniments. These accompaniments should complement the flavors of the cheese and provide a variety of textures. Some popular accompaniments include:
Fruits: Grapes, pears, apples, figs, berries
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios
Olives: Kalamata olives, green olives, stuffed olives
Bread: Crackers, baguette, crostini (lighter than actual bread)
Jams and chutneys - perhaps a cranberry chutney?
Tips for Creating the Best Cheese Board
Make sure your cheese is at room temperature. This will allow the flavors to develop fully.
Cut some of the cheeses. This will make it easier for your guests to eat them. If you notice people aren’t taking cheese that is not cut, cut some more. For hard cheese like Parmesan, use a cheese knife and “chisel” off pieces rather than cut them. They are so pretty that way.
Label the cheeses so that your guests know what they are eating.
Here are some additional tips for creating the best cheese board for Thanksgiving:
Consider the time of year when choosing your cheeses. In the fall, you might want to include some seasonal cheeses, such as pumpkin or cranberry cheeses.
Think about your guests' preferences when choosing your cheeses. If you know that some of your guests are lactose intolerant, you can include some lactose-free cheeses. Or perhaps they don’t like blue cheese, there are so many others to choose from.
Don't be afraid to experiment! There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a cheese board.
With a little planning, you can create a cheese board that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
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