A well-curated cheese board is a delightful addition to any gathering, whether it's served as a pre-dinner nibble, a main course, or simply a centerpiece for conversation. Crafting the perfect cheese board can be an enjoyable and straightforward task, yet with the vast array of cheeses available, it might seem a daunting endeavor. The key is to select cheeses that appeal to your palate, to experiment, and to revel in the process. For some direction and to kickstart your cheese board journey, I consulted with three cheese connoisseurs on their must-have cheeses, pairing suggestions, tips for a successful board, and the optimal way to store your cheese selections.

Diversity in Cheese Selection

Begin by contemplating the variety of types, textures, and the milk origins of the cheeses. It's customary to include cheeses with varying levels of maturation, textures, and flavors, so consider soft, semi-aged, and aged options. Alexandra Jones, a cheese aficionado, former cheese monger, and author of "Stuff Every Cheese Lover Should Know," advises, "Opt for three to five cheeses with distinct textures, ages, milk types, and flavor profiles to achieve a well-rounded selection." She emphasizes, "There's no need to include a style of cheese that isn't favored; if blue cheeses or pungent washed rinds aren't to your liking, consider a fresh chèvre, an English Cheddar, or a sheep's-milk tomme instead." The priority is to choose cheeses that you and your guests will savor.

Julia Fox-Birnbaum, a cheese expert and founder of Philly Cheese School, shares her formula for assembling a cheese board: "Incorporate one soft and spreadable cow’s-milk cheese, one firm and approachable cow’s-milk cheese, one firm and approachable non-cow’s-milk cheese, and a wildcard option." She explains, "The wildcard could be an unconventional choice like a blue cheese or a strong-smelling variety, or even a flavored cheese."

Cheeses Recommended by Experts

I've compiled a list of six cheeses that the experts recommend as staples for your cheese board:

1. Aged Gouda: Aged Goudas are a scrumptious choice, offering a hard, crumbly texture with a sweet and salty taste that's hard to resist. Fox-Birnbaum recommends cutting them into small chunks rather than slicing, creating a visually appealing and convenient bite-sized selection. Jones is a fan of extra-aged Goudas, which, after two years of aging, develop a rich, toffee-like flavor and a chunkable, crystalline texture.
2. Artisanal Cheddar: While block Cheddar from the grocery store is a familiar option, artisanal Cheddars, often more aged, can offer a more complex taste and texture. Vachon suggests looking for "bandaged wrapped" or "clothbound" varieties, which are crumbly and savory.
3. Bark- or Spruce-Wrapped Cheese: These soft cheeses are served by slicing off the top rind and are perfect for dipping with bread, crackers, or vegetables. Jones notes that these cheeses, such as Harbison or Merry Goat Round Spruce Reserve, are not only conversation starters but also offer a unique experience as they can be served like a pudding.
4. Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is a divisive choice, but Vachon insists on including it for its potential to convert skeptics when paired with something sweet like honey or jam. She recommends seeking out fruitier blue cheeses for a more universally appealing option.
5. Parmesan Cheese: Often reserved for grating over pasta, Parmesan, particularly Parmigiano-Reggiano, deserves a spot on your cheese board for its unique flavor profiles and crunchy texture from tyrosine crystals.
6. Triple-Cream Cheese: Known for their rich creaminess, triple-cream cheeses are made by adding cream to cow's milk, resulting in a luxurious texture. Fox-Birnbaum suggests spreading them on baguettes or crackers, and Vachon notes that the edible rinds contribute significantly to the cheese's character.

Cheese Pairings

Pairing cheese with other ingredients doesn't need to be a stressful task. Vachon assures us that "so many things pair well with cheese, you pretty much can't go wrong." Classics like jam, honey, fruit, and bread or crackers are always reliable choices. Jones suggests serving a variety of cheeses with high-quality accompaniments such as fruit preserves, candied nuts, fresh fruit, pickles, and bread or crackers, stating, "You don't need to stress out about pairing."

Fox-Birnbaum's approach to pairings includes something sweet and spreadable, something salty and crunchy, and something firm and sweet. She encourages experimentation and finding combinations that you enjoy, saying, "There are literally no wrong answers." Vachon also suggests adventurous pairings like caramelized onion jam, Branston Pickle, or spicy fruit chutney to elevate your cheese board experience.

Building a Cheese Board

Avoid Overcrowding: While aesthetically pleasing, overpacked cheese boards can be impractical. Vachon warns against this trend, suggesting that it makes accessing the various components difficult. When arranging your board, consider both functionality and aesthetics.

Start Big: Unsure of where to begin? Fox-Birnbaum recommends starting with the largest items and finishing with the smallest, which helps to fill in the smaller spaces smoothly.

Pre-Cut Harder Cheeses: Aged cheeses can be challenging to cut once on the board. Pre-cut them into uniform shapes for easier access and enjoyment.

Have Fun and Experiment: While there are guidelines, feel free to break the rules and make your cheese board an enjoyable experiment.

Serve at Room Temperature: Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature, as cold can dampen its aroma and flavor. Vachon suggests letting cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, before serving.

Storing Cheese

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness of cheese, as it continues to mature even when refrigerated. Fox-Birnbaum advises storing cheese on paper, which is how it's typically wrapped at specialty shops. If you don't have cheese paper, plastic wrap can be used, but it should be changed every couple of days to keep the cheese fresh.