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A well-balanced cheeseboard is a celebration of different flavours and textures, creating the perfect harmony between savoury and sweet, creamy and crunchy.
Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a cosy family gathering, here's a guide to crafting the perfect traditional Christmas cheeseboard.
The Cheeses: A Variety of Flavours and Textures
The foundation of any cheeseboard is, of course, the cheese. A perfect selection offers a variety of styles to suit all palates, from mild and creamy to strong and tangy. Here are five essential cheese types to include:
Soft Cheese – Think brie or camembert for a luxuriously creamy option. The rich, buttery flavour of these cheeses works well with fruit and nuts. A baked brie with a drizzle of honey and sprigs of rosemary can be a showstopper.
Blue Cheese – Stilton is a classic British Christmas cheese, known for its strong, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. Pair it with something sweet like ripe pears or fig jam for the perfect balance.
Hard Cheese – A well-aged cheddar, such as a mature farmhouse cheddar, brings a sharp, nutty flavour. You could also opt for Red Leicester or Double Gloucester for a softer, more mellow option.
Goat’s Cheese – For something lighter, a fresh goat’s cheese adds a tangy, earthy note. You might choose a mild, soft chèvre, or go for an aged goat’s cheese with a firmer texture and stronger flavour.
Washed Rind Cheese – For the adventurous, a washed-rind cheese like Époisses or Taleggio can provide a punch of flavour. These cheeses are pungent but mellow, often developing complex fruity notes.
The Crackers and Biscuits: A Mix of Crunch and Flavour
Crackers and biscuits are the perfect vehicles for cheese, and it's important to offer a variety that complements your selection.
Water Crackers – Simple and neutral, these crackers allow the cheese to shine, providing a crisp texture without overwhelming the flavours.
Oatcakes – A traditional Scottish addition, oatcakes bring a rustic, nutty flavour that pairs especially well with cheddar and blue cheeses.
Seeded Crackers – These add an extra layer of flavour and texture, with the seeds offering a delightful crunch. They’re perfect for soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
Digestive Biscuits – A slightly sweeter option, digestive biscuits work surprisingly well with tangy blue cheeses or a sharp cheddar. They add a touch of sweetness that balances out stronger flavours.
Sourdough Crispbread – For something a little more artisanal, sourdough crispbreads bring a unique, tangy crunch that works well with creamy and soft cheeses.
Fruits: Sweet Complements to Savoury Cheese
Fruits are a must for adding sweetness and balancing out the richness of the cheese. Here’s a mix of fresh and dried options:
Grapes – A classic pairing, grapes bring a refreshing sweetness and juiciness that works with almost any cheese, particularly soft and blue varieties. For an added zing, try freezing the grapes beforehand.
Figs – Fresh or dried, figs add a rich sweetness that complements tangy blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort. Their earthy flavour also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese.
Apples and Pears – Crisp and sweet, apples and pears offer a refreshing contrast to creamy cheeses. A tart Granny Smith or a sweet Conference pear are great choices.
Dried Apricots – Their chewy texture and intense sweetness pair well with sharp cheddar or an aged gouda, providing a delightful contrast.
Quince Paste – Also known as membrillo, quince paste is a traditional accompaniment to cheese. Its sweet, floral flavour works particularly well with manchego or any hard, aged cheese.
Nuts: A Crunchy Finishing Touch
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and earthy flavour that elevates the cheeseboard experience. Be sure to include a variety:
Walnuts – Their slightly bitter flavour pairs perfectly with blue cheese and goat’s cheese, enhancing the tangy notes.
Almonds – Roasted or raw, almonds add a mild, nutty crunch that goes well with almost any cheese, particularly creamy varieties.
Hazelnuts – Their sweet, buttery flavour is a natural fit for hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Pistachios – These add a lovely pop of colour and a rich, slightly sweet flavour, perfect for soft and creamy cheeses.
Pecan Nuts – With their sweet, buttery flavour, pecans are a great match for blue cheeses, balancing the tang with their natural sweetness.
Finishing Touches: Jams, Chutneys, and Honey
A cheeseboard isn’t complete without a few sweet or savoury accompaniments. Jams and chutneys help balance the flavours, and honey can add a luxurious sweetness to the overall experience.
Fig Jam – A must-have with blue cheese, its sweetness offsets the tanginess of the cheese beautifully.
Onion Chutney – A rich, caramelised onion chutney adds a savoury, slightly sweet element that pairs well with hard cheeses like cheddar.
Honey – Drizzle over soft cheeses like brie or goat’s cheese for an indulgent touch of sweetness. You could also serve a pot of honeycomb for a visually stunning addition.
Bringing It All Together
Arranging your cheeseboard is an art in itself. Place the cheeses first, ensuring each has enough room to be sliced easily, and arrange the crackers and biscuits around them. Scatter fruits and nuts throughout the board, filling any gaps with bursts of colour and texture. Be sure to include small bowls or dishes for chutneys, jams, and honey, and don’t forget to provide separate knives for each cheese to avoid mixing flavours.
With the right selection of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts, your traditional Christmas cheeseboard will be the star of your festive spread. Enjoy the mix of sweet, savoury, crunchy, and creamy flavours as you celebrate the holiday season in style.