Holiday Cheese Board
A curated selection of artisanal cheeses with seasonal accompaniments. The perfect centerpiece for entertaining.
- 6 ozaged cheddar
- 8 ozbrie or camembert
- 4 ozblue cheese
- 6 ozmanchego
- 4 ozgoat cheese
- 4 ozprosciutto
- 4 ozsalami
- 1/2 cupmarcona almonds
- 1/2 cupdried apricots
- 1/4 cupfig jam
- 1 piecehoneycomb
- 1 bunchfresh grapes
- for servingassorted crackers
Slice hard cheeses and arrange meats up to 4 hours ahead. Cover with damp paper towels and plastic wrap. Add soft cheeses and fresh elements just before serving.
- 1Remove cheeses from refrigerator 1 hour before serving.
- 2Choose a large board or platter. Place small bowls for jam and honey first.
- 3Position the largest cheeses at different areas of the board.
- 4Fold or roll the cured meats and tuck near cheeses.
- 5Fill gaps with crackers, fruits, and nuts.
- 6Add fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish and aroma.
- 7Include cheese knives and small serving utensils.
Build the board in stages — hard cheeses first as anchors, then soft cheeses, then cured meats in folds and rosettes. Fill gaps last with nuts, fruit, and accompaniments. Pull refrigerated cheeses out 30 to 45 minutes before serving; cold cheese has muted flavor and firm texture.
The cheese board as a structured way of presenting multiple cheeses with accompaniments draws directly from the French tradition of the fromage course, which for centuries has been served between the main course and dessert in French dining. This practice reflects the enormous diversity of French regional cheeses — over 1,200 varieties by some estimates — and the belief that cheese deserves its own dedicated moment at the table. The American adaptation of the cheese board as a party centerpiece became widespread in the late 20th century, influenced by the growth of artisanal cheesemaking in the United States and broader consumer interest in European food culture. The holiday version pairs aged and fresh cheeses with seasonal elements such as dried fruits, nuts, and preserves, translating a centuries-old European custom into a shareable, festive format for modern entertaining.