A well curated cheese board is just as impressive as a little black dress.
Which is why it’s important to always keep a few key ingredients on hand, to be whipped up in a flash.
Since the bulk of these ingredients don’t spoil and only take a minute to assemble, I’m excited to share my secrets to make the easiest summer cheese board in the world.
It can be used for an impromptu happy hour at home. I recently made it for Ravinia. And makes for an impressive appetizer to bring to a party – especially when there’s no time for a grocery run.
To make it easy for you, I curated a grocery list below, along with my secret tips to a beautiful presentation. If you end of making this, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram!
THE 3 ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS:
Without these 3 ingredients, your board will fall flat. But the good news? These 3 items are all you really need! Anything additional is the cherry on top. The Cornichons and mustard are jarred, so they last for months. And who doesn’t always have cheese laying around?
- Cornichons aka mini French gherkins: ALWAYS the biggest hit and an unexpected surprise. But it MUST to be these. You can get them a WholeFoods. I’ve tried dozens of mini pickles and no other brand holds a candle to them. They even come with a built in mini strainer so your fingers don’t have to touch the pickle juice. But if you can’t find them, mini pickles can suffice. The smaller the better.
- Mustard: This is to dip the pickles. Tip: place 3 mini pickles in the mustard so people know they’re to be dipped (see above). I personally prefer stone ground mustard, but it’s up to you. It obviously goes great with the cheese too.
- One Cheese: Any cheese in the fridge will do! Including deli sliced cheese.
EXTRAS
- More Cheese
- Olives: Black or green works and adds color! Again jarred and canned for easy storage.
- Crackers: Another easy item that’s usually laying around and keeps in the pantry.
- Nuts or Trail Mix: See I told you it’s easy! I like to sprinkle these on last.
- Dried Fruit: We love dried mango.
- Honey Comb: Looks fancy and pairs wonderfully with a stinky, blue cheese. WholeFoods and local farms have it!
- Salumi, Prosciutto, etc.: Buy it pre-sliced to save time.
- Peppadew peppers or Mushrooms: AKA anything that strikes your fancy at your grocer’s olive bar. Peppadew peppers are our favorite (sweet but spicy) and add great color.
HOW TO MAKE IT GORGEOUS!
- Always place an odd amount of cheese on your platter. Odd numbers are more aesthetically pleasing.
- Use a small plate to make your charcuterie board appear lush and full. The ingredients are clustered together and I even love when they spill over each other. It makes it more appetizing and inviting versus spread out on a large platter. Not to mention, it takes up less room and can fit in the tiniest of unexpected places.
- A beautiful board, platter or tray is key to an attractive presentation.
- If you use multiple cheeses, mix up the selection by either animal (cow, sheep, goat) or texture (soft, hard, medium). Remember odd amounts.
- Color: My ultimate pet peeve. Be aware of the color of your ingredients. Luckily the pickles add a nice pop of green. But there’s nothing more bland than yellow cheese and brown crackers. So liven it up with berries, peppers, radishes or a lettuce garnish!
- Pair with beautiful napkins and a nice bottle of wine! I’m secretly getting into Chardonnay these days.
- Light scentless candles for ambiance. Even if it’s day time.
- Never stress over a cheese platter! Spending quality time with someone is what truly matters. If your guests arrive before it’s made, hand them a glass of wine and bring them into the kitchen. I find people enjoy watching the assembly and it’s fun to sneak them a few samples too!
- A fabulous hostess dress – like this palm print – works wonders when entertaining. Plus plenty of room for cheese 😉
Bon Apetit! Also a huge thank you to Katie who styled and took these amazing photos!
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