Learn how to create the perfect holiday cheese board this season in just five simple steps. I love using an assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit and nuts, plus a variety of meats, crackers and spreads.
It’s that wonderful time of year again. Christmas brings friends, family and plenty of delicious food, and cheeseboards are one of my favorite appetizers to bring to gatherings. They’re effortless to assemble, make a beautiful centerpiece, and offer something for everyone—plus they pair wonderfully with wine.
Cheeseboards are especially appealing during the busy holiday season because they require no cooking and can be adapted to any level of effort. You can keep a board simple or fill it with a variety of flavors, textures and shapes. The key is variety. Below are five simple steps to build a standout holiday cheeseboard.
Step 1: Selecting your cheeses
I recommend serving three to five different cheeses to cover a range of textures and flavors. Good choices include:
- Soft or semi-soft: Brie or Havarti
- Firm: Aged cheddar, Fontina or smoked Gouda
- Bold: A blue cheese for those who enjoy stronger flavors
For visual interest and ease of serving, cut cheeses differently: cube firmer cheeses, slice semi-soft varieties, and leave wedge cheeses whole so guests can cut or spread them. Crumble a bit of blue cheese to add texture. No matter how you arrange things, a mix of shapes makes the board inviting.
Step 2: Perfect pairings
Every cheeseboard benefits from sweet and savory accompaniments. Consider these ideas:
- Sweet: Fresh seasonal fruit like grapes, apples or pears; dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins; a drizzle of honey for soft cheeses. Jams and preserves—fig, orange or cranberry—also work beautifully and can be served alongside or on top of cheese.
- Savory: A selection of charcuterie—spicy salami, prosciutto or other cured meats—pairs well with cheese. Add nuts (Marcona almonds, candied walnuts), olives, or a savory tapenade. For a holiday twist, a sweet-and-spicy cranberry salsa is a great option to spoon over cheese and crackers.
Step 3: Your cheese needs a vehicle
Crackers and breads are essential. Provide several types so guests can create varied bites: plain round crackers, crunchy bread sticks, and crisp flatbreads or fruit-and-nut crisps. A salty-sweet cracker, such as rosemary-raisin or cranberry-hazelnut varieties, pairs especially well with both mild and bold cheeses. Choose 2–4 cracker types to give guests options without overwhelming the board.
Step 4: Garnish, garnish, garnish
Garnishes finish the board and fill small gaps. Use seasonal elements that add color and aroma: sprigs of rosemary, pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs or small clusters of grapes. A few decorative pine cones or greenery placed around the display create a festive look. Well-chosen garnishes make the board look abundant and appetizing.
Step 5: Pour the wine
Offer at least one red and one white, and consider a sparkling option for variety. Classic pairings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, or a Prosecco. For winter gatherings, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir often complements a wide range of cheeses and charcuterie. Display bottles nearby so guests can help themselves.
Tip: Set the cheeseboard out at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving. Cheese tastes better and has more developed texture when it’s not straight from the refrigerator.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Salsa
A bright, slightly spicy cranberry salsa that’s perfect for holiday parties—great on crackers, toasted bread or cheese. You can serve it as a topping or mix it into cream cheese for a spread.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) package fresh cranberries
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ Tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup raw sugar (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, pulse cranberries, orange zest, jalapeños and green onions until finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in lime juice, sugar and salt. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values per 1/6 of recipe: 81 kcal; Carbs 20.8 g; Protein 0.3 g; Fat 0.1 g; Sodium 99 mg; Fiber 1.5 g; Sugar 18.2 g.
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
Cheeseboards are versatile and appropriate for nearly any occasion: casual get-togethers, dinner parties, wine tastings or family visits. Customize yours with labels for each cheese, choose interesting platters, and add one or two unique spreads like a savory tapenade, spiced nuts, or a roasted squash and cranberry spread to surprise guests.
I hope these tips help you create an impressive, no-fail holiday cheeseboard. With a little planning and a mix of cheeses, accompaniments and garnishes, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece that sparks conversation and keeps guests coming back for more.