Winter Cheese Board

Planning on entertaining at home this holiday season and looking for easy appetizers? Winter cheese board is the perfect solution. Includes tips on how to make the best cheese board!

Making this winter cheese board is quick and easy and does not require any special skills. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion from Christmas parties and Thanksgiving get-togethers, to game days to birthday parties.

Find below answers to frequently asked questions that will help you learn how to make this cheese board (or a charcuterie platter).

How do you make a good cheese board

A cheese board should have a good variety of everything – fruits, veggies, dippers, crackers, cheeses, meats, etc. The reason is simple: It’s easier to please all your guests.

It’s also good to remember to ask your guests beforehand if they have any special diets or allergies so you can plan ahead and avoid certain foods (or serve them separately, if needed).

What are the best cheeses for a cheese board?

There is no such thing as choosing the wrong cheese for your cheese platter. The important thing is to include a selection of 2 or 3 (at least) and more importantly pick the ones you and your guests like. There is no point in choosing something you know that you don’t like.

Now that being said, a cheese board is a great way to taste new types of cheese. You can start with the kinds you like and add one new type to the selection. If you see that your guest likes the new flavor, then it’s a keeper. If not, try another one next time.

What meats go on a cheese board?

Again, anything you like, or you want to try. Salami, prosciutto, ham, mortadella, dry cured chorizo … I used ham and two types of salami to make the cheese board.

How to assemble a cheese board

You have 3 options:

1. The random approach is the easiest one! Start with placing small bowls of dips or pate onto a designated tray, platter or anything you will be using to hold the snacks. Then fill the gaps with: cheese, meats, nuts, fruits, veggies, crackers, etc.
2. Creating a certain shape – like a Thanksgiving turkey cheese board or Christmas tree cheese board, Christmas wreath cheese board or heart-shaped cheese platter …
3. Arranging in rows – e.g. take a round board or tray. Cut everything thin, preferably into slices. Say you have a dip. Place it in the middle and arrange everything around it in nice rows. Cucumber slices in one, next cheese slices, salami, etc … You can do the same with a rectangular tray.

How do you make a charcuterie platter?

The same way as cheese board.

Platter

If you would like to make this winter cheese board but don’t have a platter or tray, don’t worry. You can use anything you have on hand as long as it is large enough to fit all your goodies.

• Baking sheet – just line it with baking parchment first.
• Chopping board – I have a wooden chopping board that I often use. Now you could also make two small winter cheese boards instead of 1 large, if needed.
• Serving tray

Garnish

Fresh rosemary sprigs look always nice, but you can also use fresh bay leaves or lemon thyme sprigs.

Appetizers that can be served alongside cheese board or part of it:

• Garlic Cheddar Cheese Dip
• Honey Pistachio Goat Cheese Log
• Bacon Wrapped Dates
• Roasted Garlic Jalapeno Dip

Get inspired by more cheese board ideas:

• Snowman Cheese Board
• Santa Charcuterie Board
• Best Cheese Board
• Candy Cane Caprese Board

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