How to Create the Best Christmas Cheese Board

 How to Create the Perfect Christmas Cheese Board

Creating the perfect cheese board goes beyond selecting the right cheeses. We explore how to pair cheeses with jams and chutneys!

The holiday season is the perfect time to impress guests with a festive and indulgent cheese board. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, a well-curated cheese board can be the star of your Christmas spread. A well curated cheese board unites a variety of flavours, textures, and colours—and there’s a world of difference between a good cheese board and a great one! Below, we go through how to transform an ordinary cheese board into the perfect party centrepiece.

The Secret to the Perfect Cheese Board: Pairing

While cheese is undoubtedly the star of the show, the perfect cheese board is more than just a collection of different cheeses. The key to a truly exceptional cheese board lies in the thoughtful selection of pairings. Below, we take you through what cheeses to include as well as how to select the perfect preserves, chutneys, and pickles for each cheese on your board.

1. Choose a Variety of Cheeses

The key to a great cheese board is variety. Aim to include different types of cheeses to cater to diverse tastes and textures. If you’re serving a small crowd, start with:

• Soft Cheese: Brie or Camembert are classic choices. Try a Delice de Cremiers for it’s creamy, silky texture. For a seasonal twist, consider a cranberry or truffle-infused Brie like the Truffle Brie de Meaux.

• Hard Cheese: Cheddars like Loch Arthur Cheddar or Snowdonia Extra Mature Cheddar offer a sharp, tangy contrast to the softer cheeses. They also add a firmer texture that’s satisfying to bite into.

If you’re serving a larger crowd, you’ll want to include the following cheeses as well!

• Blue Cheese: A wedge of Arran blue cheese or Gorgonzola Dolce provides a bold, tangy flavour. Blue cheeses can be an acquired taste, but those who love them will appreciate the inclusion.

• Goat Cheese: For something tangy and creamy, include a Scottish goat cheese like aged Blackmount. You could also try rolling it in cranberries or herbs to add flavour and an extra festive feel.

• Specialty Cheese: To add an element of surprise and a talking point to your gathering, include a unique cheese like a smoked variety or a cheese made with a mix of milk types. We’d recommend the award winning Kaltbach.

2. Pairing Cheeses With the Best Preserves, Chutneys, and Pickles

Preserves, chutneys, and pickles play a vital role in enhancing the overall flavour profile, adding visual appeal, and providing a delightful textural contrast.

These elements bring a burst of colour, a range of textures, and a variety of flavours to your cheese board. From the sweet tang of raspberry jam to the spicy kick of a mango and chilli chutney, these accompaniments elevate your cheeseboard.

For small cheese boards, it’s best to choose a chutney that will go with almost anything. For this we recommend:

• Poacher’s Pickle: The sharpness and sweetness of this pickle is perfectly balanced with subtle, earthy spice notes to make it the best pickle to match all cheeses from sharp tangy cheddars to creamy blue cheeses.

For a more involved cheeseboard, we recommend the following pairings

• Fig Jam or Fig Chutney for Soft, Mild Cheeses: For soft cheeses that either tangy or nutty in profile (think Blackmount goats’ cheese and Swiss Kaltbach), you’ll want the dark sweetness of a fig jam or a fig preserve. If you’re looking for a real showstopper, we recommend Galloway Lodge Preserves Fig chutney.

• Pair Pear With Soft Bries or Blues: If you’re looking for a perfect complement to a soft and creamy Brie or a sharp, fudgy blue, we recommend a pear chutney. Our Spicy Pear Chutney is a perfect blend of traditional chutney tang and the honey sweetness of ripe pears and sultanas, making a perfect complement to both buttery brie and robust blue cheeses. 

• Pair Strong Hard Cheeses with Tart and Tangy Rhubarb: To match a strong hard cheese like Anster or Old Amsterdam, you’ll want a fruity and punchy Galloway Lodge Rhubarb Chutney.

• Pair Smoky or Pungent Cheeses With a Bit of Spice: If you’ve included a smoked cheddar or earthy camembert on your cheese board, opt for something like our Chilli Jam, which is provides deep spice and sweetness and is a hit with chilli lovers of all ages.

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3. Additional Elements to the Perfect Cheeseboard

Now that we have the cheese and the chutney’s you can start to think about what other elements you might like to add.

• Crackers and Bread: Obviously these are essential. It’s best to offer a variety of crackers—think savoury oatcakes, whole grain, seeded or butter crackers. A sliced baguette or some crispy breadsticks can also provide a different texture.

• Cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, or a spicy chorizo can complement the cheeses and add a savoury, salty element.

• Fresh and Dried Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, figs, and berries are traditional choices. Dried apricots, cranberries, or dates all add a pop of colour, sweetness and texture.

• Nuts: Think Christmas traditions like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to add crunch and a rich, earthy flavour. Also, consider honey-roasting them for an extra festive touch.

4. Presentation is Key

The visual appeal of your cheese board can elevate the experience. Here are some tips:

• Use a Large Wooden Board: A wooden board or slate is ideal for arranging cheeses and accoutrements. It gives a rustic, cozy feel that suits the holiday season.

• Arrange Thoughtfully: Start by placing the cheeses around the board, leaving space between each one. Then, fill in the gaps with meats, fruits, nuts, and other items.

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of rosemary or thyme not only add a festive touch but also a fragrant aroma.

• Include Cheese Knives: Provide different knives for soft and hard cheeses to avoid flavour mixing.

Get Ready to Wow Your Guests!

Creating the perfect Christmas cheese board is all about balancing flavours, textures, and presentation. By thoughtfully selecting your cheeses and accompaniments, and arranging them with care, you’ll create a festive centrepiece that will delight your guests. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a holiday host looking to impress, a well-crafted cheese board with the best chutney and pickle is a delicious way to celebrate the season.