Are you looking for cheese board examples? In this article, we share several inspiring cheese boards, from classic to luxurious and themed. Find out how to put together the ideal cheese platter for any occasion with our clear examples and tips.
Classic cheese platter
A classic cheese platter is a timeless choice that always hits the spot. It consists of a mix of different cheese families, including young, mature and old cheeses. This cheese platter of variety of flavours and textures makes it a versatile choice for any occasion.
A well-composed classic cheese platter includes a variety of cheeses to enrich the taste experience. Let's take a closer look at the three main categories of cheeses to consider.
Young cheeses
Young cheese and young mature cheese are perfect additions to a classic cheese platter. They have a mild and creamy flavour suitable for a wide audience. Young mature cheese offers just a bit more depth of flavour, while still remaining accessible.
Mature cheeses
Mature cheese adds a fuller flavour to the cheese dish and is perfect for those who like a bit more character. Extra mature cheese has a richer and more intense flavour, which goes well with side dishes such as fresh fruit or nuts.
Old and hard cheeses
For a powerful taste experience, old cheese and crumbled cheese are ideal. Old cheese has a tangy flavour and firm texture, while crumbled cheese with its grainy texture and rich flavour is perfect for those who like distinct cheeses.
Luxury cheese platter
For those special occasions where you really want to impress, a luxury cheese platter is the perfect choice. These dishes contain high-quality cheeses that offer unique flavours and textures.
Side dishes like dried fruits, nuts and honey complement luxury cheese platters excellently and make it an impressive and sumptuous experience. Let's take a closer look at the cheese types and side dishes you can use for a luxury cheese dish.
Nutty cheeses
Fenugreek cheese with its subtle nutty flavour takes your cheese dish to the next level. This cheese goes beautifully with honey or fresh apricots.
Spicy cheeses
Nettle cheese and Italian herb cheese provide an aromatic experience. The herbs bring a unique dimension that is ideal for foodies.
Salmon cheese: the surprising newcomer
Pink!, our new salmon cheese, with its subtle fish aroma and creamy texture, is a real eye-catcher on your luxury shelf. Pair this cheese with dill crackers or a fresh lemon compote for a special effect.
Mediterranean cheeses
Pesto cheese offers a fresh basil note reminiscent of the summer scents of Italy. Add sundried tomatoes and olives to complete the look.
Side dishes
Side dishes are crucial to complete a luxury cheese dish, as they complement and enrich the flavours of the cheese. Here are some suggestions for side dishes:
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Honey, which can be a great sweet addition
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Homemade jams, which perfectly complement the flavours of cheese
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Dips, which can also enrich the flavours of cheese
Adding these side dishes will make your cheese dish even more appealing and flavourful.
Dried fruits like apricots, figs and dates add sweetness and a chewy texture, which is perfect with different cheeses. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts offer a delicious crunch and extra dimension of flavour that go well with cheese.
Themed cheese platter
A themed cheese platter is a great way to add creativity to your cheese board. Popular themes include countries, colours and seasons, but you can go as wild and wide as you like! Get inspired and put together a board that suits your occasion or mood.
A culinary journey
Choose a country theme and put together a cheese platter that represents the flavours of a specific region:
- Italian: Italian herb cheese and pesto cheese, combined with olives, prosciutto and bruschetta.
- Dutch: Young mature, mature and old cheese, complemented with mustard, syrup and crispy rye bread.
- French: Use cheeses with delicate flavours such as nettle cheese and add side dishes such as baguette and fig jam.
A visual feast
Create a cheese platter based on colours to impress:
- A green board with pesto cheese, green grapes, cucumber slices and pistachios.
- A golden board with fenugreek cheese, crumbled cheese, apricots and honey.
- A pink board with our Pink! salmon cheese, pink peppercorns, radishes and strawberries.
Seasonal theme
Let the season be the guide:
- Spring/Summer: Fresh cheeses like our Pink! salmon cheese and young cheese, combined with berries, melon and lemon slices.
- Autumn/Winter: Warm flavours like fenugreek cheese and old cheese, combined with dried figs, walnuts and a glass of red wine.
Compose the perfect cheese board
Putting together the perfect cheese board requires some planning and attention to detail. A luxury cheese platter should be carefully put together with a selection of cheeses and elegantly presented side dishes. Choosing cheeses that are not only tasty but also visually appealing can enhance the dining experience and create a festive atmosphere.
Let's take a closer look at how much cheese you need per person and some handy serving tips.
How much cheese per person
It is important to serve the right amount of cheese per person, depending on the occasion. For an appetiser, you can count on 50 to 100 grams of cheese per person.
If cheese is served as part of a meal, 200 grams per person is a good guideline. For a dessert with cheese, 100 grams per person is a recommended amount.
When a cheese board is served as a main course, it is recommended to provide 250 grams of cheese per person. When serving a cheese board as a dessert, 100 grams of cheese per person is a good guideline.
Cheese serving tips
Some practical tips can help you serve cheese in the perfect way. It is advisable to remove cheeses from the fridge half an hour before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.
Provide an odd number of cheeses on the shelf, such as 3, 5 or 7, to create a visually appealing presentation. Use different cutting materials for different types of cheeses to avoid sticking and damage.
Use a mix of Van Meer cheeses to create an attractive presentation. Combine young and mature cheeses with more distinct varieties such as nettle cheese and our Pink! salmon cheese. Add side dishes such as nuts, honey and crackers to complete the flavours.
Presentation tips for cheese platters
The presentation of your cheese platter is as important as the taste. An attractive presentation enhances the experience of a cheese platter and invites guests to taste.
Using a wooden board can give a rustic and informal look to a cheese platter. Wooden boards are often popular for presenting cheese because of their natural look and texture.
A wooden board is often more practical than a plate, as it offers more opportunities to arrange different types of cheese and side dishes attractively, like on a cheese board.
Dessert options besides cheese
Besides cheese, there are several dessert options you can serve to complete your meal. For example, Van Meer also offers creamy rice pudding with or without saffron.
Van Meer's chocolate mousse contains up to 25% real Belgian chocolate, making your dessert offering very unique. In addition to these options, Van Meer offers several desserts, such as bavarois with flavour choice of vanilla, strawberry and raspberry.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams of cheese should I serve per person?
You can count on around 50 to 100 grams of cheese per person for an aperitif, and around 200 grams if it is part of a meal. For a dessert with cheese, 100 grams per person is best.
What are some good side dishes for a luxury cheese platter?
For a luxury cheese platter, honey, homemade jams, dried fruits like apricots and figs, and nuts like walnuts and almonds are really great additions. They make the experience even more special!
What is the best way to present my cheese?
A large wooden board will give your cheeses a nice, rustic look. Don't forget to add colourful fruit and edible flowers for an attractive decoration!
What are some dessert options besides cheese?
Van Meer offers plenty of delicious and fresh desserts, such as creamy rice pudding, chocolate mousse and different types of bavarois such as vanilla, strawberry and raspberry.