Mastering the Art of The Cheeseboard: A Chefs Guide to Flavor + Presentation

Jay Evan Cudworth for Goodness Gracious Private Chef + Catering

At the heart of every gathering, there lies a sacred ritual. At Goodness Gracious, ours is the cheeseboard…

Upon a wooden canvas, the cheeseboard unfurls-a culinary poem etched in textures and hues. Each cheese, a stanza in a tale of taste, whispers secrets of age and origin. Soft camembert beckons with its velvety embrace, while aged gouda sings of sun-drenched pastures and distant horizons. Prosciutto, draped like silken ribbons, weaves tales of salty sweetness, a dance of indulgence upon the tongue. Amidst this lavish tableau, freshly washed grapes glisten like amethyst gems, while figs offer their honeyed nectar in tender embrace and honeycomb glistens like liquid gold, a tribute to nature's bounty. And in this feast for the senses, fragrant herbs pirouette, their delicate whispers infusing each bite with the terroir of the earth. Oh, cheeseboard, you are more than mere sustenance—you are a sonnet of taste, a celebration of life's rich tapestry!

Jay Evan Cudworth for Goodness Gracious Private Chef + Catering

Curating the Cheese Selection

Embrace variety by selecting an odd number of cheeses, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile. Whether it's the creamy indulgence of brie, the sharp bite of aged cheddar, or the tangy allure of blue cheese, aim to offer a diverse range that caters to different preferences. Plan for approximately 1-2 ounces of cheese per person to ensure everyone gets a taste of the goodness.

“Chef Tip: Get creative with your board of choice. Choose something unexpected like a wood top to a wine box, a colorful platter, or butcher paper. ”

Lay Down Your Spreads and Dips

Start by placing your spreads or dips in small bowls or ramekins on the board. Pick a variety of sweet and savory options. We love one of our seasonal chutneys, our Castelvetrano olive tapenade or even our burnt honey with orange blossom to complement the cheeses and charcuterie.

Elevating with Charcuterie Charm

Complement your cheese selection with an array of savory charcuterie, such as thinly sliced prosciutto, spicy salami, or smoky chorizo. Arrange the meats with care, layering them in varied folds and curls to add depth and visual interest to your spread.

Photo Credit: Yuliya Jul Photography for Songbird Parlour

Utilizing Negative Space for Accoutrements

Harness the power of negative space to highlight accoutrements that enhance the flavors of your cheeseboard. Fresh berries, dried fruits, nuts, and olives can be strategically placed to create a balanced and inviting presentation, encouraging guests to explore and savor each component.

“Chef Tip: Place accoutrements near the cheese they pair best with ”

Finish with Flourishes and Garnishes

To add the finishing touches to your masterpiece, consider adding a luxurious wedge of honeycomb, a sprinkle of lemony bee pollen from Hector’s Honey, or a few sprigs of flowering herbs. In fall and winter, it is easier to opt for a monochromatic, but in Spring and Summer, embrace the colorful array of natures bounty to your plate.

“Chef tip: always ensure that every garnish you choose is edible so that guests can explore and savor every component”