CHEESES (select 4-5 varieties for 1-2 ounces total per person)
Mozzarella
Brie
Camembert
Goat Cheese
Monterey Jack
Colby
Cheddar
Swiss
Stilton
Bleu
Gorgonzola
Muenster
MEATS (select 2-3 varieties for 1-2 ounces total per person)
Soppressata
Salami
Prosciutto
Ham
Smoked sausage or kielbasa
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Crackers or baguette - 2-3 varieties
Fresh vegetables and fruits
Dried fruits
Nuts
Olives
Pickles
Jams
Mustard
Honey
Fresh herbs
Instructions
Begin by arranging the cheese on the board. I usually try to have one in each corner.
Add fresh fruits and vegetables and dried fruits.
Next, add small bowls of jams, mustards, honey, etc.
Add crackers and breads.
Fill in the gaps with nuts and fresh herbs.
Notes
Fill the board: The goal is to completely cover the entire surface with cheese and other nibbles.
Think about texture: Include a variety of soft, hard, chewy and crunchy options.
Think about flavor: Choose options that will pair well together, like cheddar and apples.
Assemble the cheeseboard where you are serving it: The last thing you want to do is try to move a completed cheeseboard to another location.
Slice cheese on a separate cutting board: If you're pre-slicing cheese, make sure you cut it on another cutting board so your serving platter stays neat.
Visit the deli bar: Your grocery store's deli bar may have some great nibbles to include on your cheeseboard. And, you can buy as much or little as you want.
Add height: Include something with height to add dimension to your cheeseboard.