The ultimate guide to real cheese charcuterie boards: Pairings, styling and more

Whether you’re hosting guests or just don’t feel like cooking dinner, a cheese charcuterie board is an easy way to feed a group of any size. A quick trip to the grocery store can prove to be a treasure trove of charcuterie board ideas to satisfy a crowd. 

The right cheese selection can make or break your board. Choosing real cheese from family dairy farmers is a foolproof way to make your charcuterie board a hit.

At Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), our 9,500 farmer-owners are dedicated to providing you with high-quality cheese and real dairy products. With a delicious variety of cheese available from our farmer-owned brands, you can support family dairy farmers by simply snacking! 

Charcuterie board vs. cheese charcuterie board: What is the difference?

The term charcuterie is pronounced “shahr-koo-tuh-ree”. A traditional charcuterie board focuses solely on cured meats like prosciutto and salami, and is often paired with accompaniments like crackers, nuts and spreads. 

While delicious on its own, the addition of real cheese transforms it into a cheese charcuterie board, elevating the experience with creamy, tangy and savory flavors.

Because of the variety of colors and textures you can find on a cheese charcuterie board, they can look as visually appealing as they are tasty — and work great for any hosting occasion. With a few easy tricks, you can rack up the style points on your next charcuterie board and impress your guests. 

How to make a cheese charcuterie board

More than just a fancy word for cheese and crackers, a cheese charcuterie board is an opportunity to mix and match unique flavors to find new and delicious combinations. 

The rule of threes

To keep things interesting, stick to the rule of threes. Start with three types of cheese, three varieties of meat, three kinds of bread or crackers and three accompaniments like spreads, jams or nuts. This keeps your board balanced while making sure there is enough variety for everyone to enjoy. It will also help you navigate the grocery store without getting overwhelmed by the endless options.

Pairing is everything

When making your selection of threes, think about how flavors will play together. Balance sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, and mild and sharp. When picking charcuterie cheese, make sure your spread includes both hard and soft cheeses. The variety of textures adds another layer to creating the perfect pairing.

Some classic combos to consider for your charcuterie board:

• Blue cheese with honey: The sweetness of the honey softens the strong taste of the blue cheese
• Cheddar cheese and apples: A crisp, juicy apple paired with tangy cheddar is a simple but show-stopping duo. This combination leaves room for experimentation with different types of apples or varieties of cheddar 
• Prosciutto and melon: The contrast of fresh fruit and salty, cured meat creates a balanced and refreshing flavor

Styling your cheese charcuterie board like a pro

Just like any kind of food, presentation is key. A thoughtfully curated board invites your guests to enjoy and explore all the ingredients you’ve intentionally prepared for them.

Tips for styling your charcuterie board:

• Choose seasoned or multigrain crackers to add texture
• Don’t shy away from cheeses of all colors and kinds! Sprinkling in some cheese curds can also help create visual interest
• Opt for colorful dips, jams and spreads. From olive oil to fig jam, dips bring out extra flavor from your board’s meat, cheese and crackers. Choosing vibrantly colored dips help bring your board to life
• Don’t skimp on accompaniments! While they’re far from the star of the show, no board is complete without them. The best part? There are no rules! Artfully place some raspberries or blueberries for color and freshness. Go heavy on the dark chocolate or dried fruit. Filling in any gaps on your board with these delicious extras is the difference between a simple snack and a tasting experience
• Don’t forget the sustainable serving ware! Don’t let plastic knives and forks or paper plates detract from your display. Opt for sturdy (and stylish), reusable serving dishes and utensils to create a waste-free experience. Our farmer-owners work hard to run their dairy farms sustainably, so helping by keeping trash out of the landfill and elevating your hosting vibe is a no-brainer!

Cheese charcuterie boards, simplified

When choosing what to use on your charcuterie board, remember that simple is best. Stick with premium but simple cheeses, meats and accompaniments.

At DFA, our farmer-owned cheese brands like Cache Valley® and The Creamery are made with milk from our farmer-owners, so you know you’re getting only the highest-quality goodness.

Keeping it simple lets your guests have free rein to uncover new and delicious flavor combinations. Dressing up your board with small portions of artisanal ingredients gives your guests the chance to experiment at their own pace. Accompaniments like hot honey, stone ground mustard or Marcona almonds provide the perfect opportunity for the more adventurous eaters to mix and match, while keeping the basics for the charcuterie rookies among the group. Just be sure to account for any food allergies or sensitivities!

Remember, what you put on your charcuterie board is as important as what you leave off. Getting carried away with your snack choices might derail your whole board. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what makes the cut.

What to leave off your cheese charcuterie board:

• Too many fresh veggies can clash with the heartier flavors on your board. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are definite no-goes, especially if you’re pairing your board with wine. The sulfur from the vegetables can seriously muddle the flavors of your thoughtfully selected vino
• Not all meats are created equal. Skip cured meat with artificial flavors. They can overpower the other flavors on the board. You should also steer clear of fattier meats and sausages, which can leave a heavy aftertaste
• Beware of your garnishes! Never include anything wilted or discolored, as they can cast an unsavory image across the rest of your board. It’s also best to skip the garlic, raw onion or especially pungent herbs that could overpower the more delicate flavors you’ve curated

Grazing, gifting and more

There are no limits to what you can do with the perfect cheese charcuterie board. They make hosting a breeze, and sharing a beautiful board can also serve as a fun way to spend time with loved ones. 

Ways to share the delicious and meaningful gift of charcuterie:

• Learn how to make a charcuterie board together. Find classes at your local community center or culinary school on how to create the perfect board. You can even find online tutorials to follow along from home. This makes a perfect date night, evening pastime with friends or fun activity with kids. Even better? You get a delicious, finished product to enjoy when you’re done
• Host a cheese charcuterie board party. Once you’re an experienced board builder, host a themed board night. Friends and family can all choose a theme to build their boards around. This takes the pressure off the party host and gives everyone a chance to show off their charcuterie design skills
• Give the perfect, consumable gift. Bringing someone a meal or a treat is a tried-and-true way to show you care. Next time a friend or family member could use a pick-me-up or a celebratory snack, put your charcuterie skills to the test! Some creative ideas include holiday-themed boards like Christmas, Fourth of July or Valentine’s Day. You can also experiment with butter boards or hot cocoa boards. The time and thought you put into your display will be appreciated — and likely devoured

Time to enjoy your creations

By now, you’re well-equipped to become a cheese charcuterie board master. There are many fun ways to make sure your board is expertly curated, but remember that what matters most is sharing quality moments with loved ones while enjoying delicious cheese made with real dairy from family dairy farmers. 

We hope these tips empower you to elevate your hosting skills. Start planning your next cheese charcuterie board by exploring our broad range of farmer-owned brands. Our farmer-owners produce high-quality milk, (which makes high-quality cheese and more for your family!), so you can feel good about what you’re serving.

Share your cheese charcuterie board creations on social media, so your friends and family can enjoy your styling skills. Don’t forget to tag @dfamilk — we’d love to see your masterpieces too!  Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for everything dairy.