How to Take Your Cheeseboards to the Next Level — with Crafted Details That Matter
You don’t need a special occasion.
A warm evening, a few thoughtful touches, and something sparkling to sip — sometimes that’s all it takes to feel like you’re celebrating life.
Here’s how to bring a little more beauty, flavor, and feeling to your Cheese & Charcuterie Board — with crafted details that make it yours. View the 'Cheese Feast Collection' here.
Start with the Base: Why Ceramics Make It Feel Special
Before you think about the cheese, think about what you’ll place it on.
A handmade ceramic board brings more than just function — it adds a sense of care. The cool weight of clay, the soft glaze, the way it frames each ingredient like a quiet invitation to slow down and savor.
Pair it with small ceramic bowls for honey, jam, or olives — earthy vessels that turn every dip and drizzle into a tiny ritual. Unlike generic platters, artisan ceramics carry a story. And your board becomes not just something to eat from, but something to gather around.
Balancing the Board: Cheese Combinations That Just Work
A good cheeseboard isn’t about having more — it’s about harmony.
Mix textures and flavors to keep things interesting:
- something soft and creamy
- something firm and nutty
- something bold and blue
A simple trio might look like this:
- Brie for its buttery softness
- Aged Manchego for a salty, nutty bite
- Blue cheese for that sharp, funky note
Then, add a little surprise — maybe a truffle pecorino or smoky goat cheese. It’s these contrasts that make each bite feel like a new discovery.
Five Cheeses That Never Disappoint
If you’re not sure where to start, these five are always a good idea.
They cover a full range of textures, flavors, and moods — perfect for sharing, grazing, or slowly enjoying on your own.
- Aged Cheddar – bold, sharp, and familiar
- Brie (or Triple-Crème) – soft, buttery, melt-on-the-tongue
- Manchego or Comté – firm, nutty, beautifully balanced
- Blue Cheese – strong and salty, perfect with honey or pears
- Goat Cheese (Chèvre) – tangy, bright, endlessly pairable
You don’t need all five. Just two or three, thoughtfully chosen, can turn your board into a gentle feast.
What Goes with What: Pairings That Sing
The magic of a cheeseboard lives in the in-betweens — where a creamy brie meets a spoonful of fig jam, or where a slice of cheddar finds crunch in an apple.
Here are a few favorite flavor moments:
- Brie + fig jam or a drizzle of honey
- Blue cheese + walnuts + ripe pear
- Manchego + quince paste (or dried apricot)
- Aged cheddar + crisp apple + grainy mustard
- Goat cheese + roasted beets or fresh herbs
Trust your senses. If it feels like comfort or curiosity on your tongue — you’re doing it right.
Fruits, Jams & Tiny Jars of Joy
Think of fruits and condiments as the colors and brushstrokes on your board — they add brightness, contrast, and little surprises.
Fresh or dried fruits: grapes, figs, pears, apples, apricots
Jams & spreads: cherry, fig, red onion, tomato
Condiments: grainy mustard, wildflower honey, balsamic glaze
Try mixing fresh and chewy textures. One spoonful of jam can turn a plain cracker and cheese into a bite you remember.
Room Temperature is Not Optional
Cold cheese hides.
Its textures tighten, its flavors go quiet.
Let your cheeses rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving. It’s a small wait — but worth every softened, flavor-rich bite.
Mistakes That Steal the Magic
Even with good ingredients, a board can fall flat. The common culprits?
- All soft or all hard cheeses = one-note
- No color variation = meh
- Too crowded = overwhelming
- Too minimal = underwhelming
- Store-bought crackers = missed opportunity
Instead, think of rhythm: soft next to crisp, creamy next to bold. And leave just enough space for the eye (and hand) to wander.
Beyond Crackers: Breads That Add Soul
What you serve with the cheese matters just as much as the cheese itself.
Instead of reaching for store-bought crackers, try something that feels more alive — more textured, more soulful.
Here are a few gentle upgrades:
- Sourdough bread – especially if it’s homemade
- Finn crisps – light, earthy, and perfectly crisp
- Discard sourdough crackers – a delicious way to use what’s left of your starter
- Thinly sliced baguette – brushed with olive oil and toasted until golden
- Focaccia squares – pillowy and aromatic, they hold up beautifully
It’s not just about having a base for cheese. It’s about the pleasure of the bite — that moment when crunch meets cream, or warmth meets salt.
Adding Charcuterie: The Savory Thread That Ties It Together
A cheese & charcuterie board is more than a collection of snacks — it’s a tapestry of flavors.
Cured meats add richness, depth, and a savory note that balances all the sweetness and creaminess around it.
Here are a few to consider:
Prosciutto – paper-thin, salty, and elegant
Salami – choose one mild and one with a hint of spice
Coppa or Bresaola – beautifully marbled and full of flavor
Pâté or terrine – for something soft and unexpected
Fold or roll slices to create movement on the board. Let them curl and drape like fabric — it’s all part of the rhythm.
A Handful of Herbs: Beauty You Can Smell
Fresh herbs do more than garnish — they bring scent, softness, and a sense of being close to something growing.
Tuck sprigs of rosemary between the cheeses. Let thyme trail from a little bowl. Scatter a few basil leaves just before serving.
They won’t overpower. But they’ll whisper something lovely as guests lean in: that someone cared to make this beautiful.
Pickles, Olives & the Power of a Little Sharpness
Cheese loves contrast.
And nothing cuts through richness quite like a briny, bold bite.
Add a few small jars or bowls — not to crowd the board, but to brighten it.
Try these:
- Castelvetrano olives – buttery and mild
- Pickled red onions – tangy, pink, and full of personality
- Cornichons or quick-pickled cucumbers – tiny, crisp, unforgettable
They’re not just extras. They’re what make the soft feel softer, the creamy feel creamier, and the board come alive.
A Handful of Warmth: Nuts That Round It Out
Nuts may be small, but they bring so much — crunch, comfort, and a quiet sense of abundance.
Scatter them between cheeses or offer them in little bowls. They add rhythm to the board and a subtle, toasty note that lingers.
Favorites to try:
- Toasted almonds – classic, cozy
- Candied walnuts – sweet with just enough edge
- Marcona almonds – soft, buttery, irresistible
-
Hazelnuts – deep and earthy, perfect in cooler seasons
They don’t compete. They complete.
The Quiet Wow: Little Touches That Make People Pause
Sometimes it’s not the cheese or the bread people remember — it’s the way the board felt.
Add a few unexpected, joyful details that make your spread sing softly:
- Edible flowers – like nasturtiums, violas, or pansies for a pop of color
- Tiny bunches of herbs – tied with twine or simply scattered with care
- Adorable cheese markers – playful and practical, they spark curiosity and smiles
- Seasonal fruit – persimmons in winter, fresh berries in summer, pomegranate seeds like little rubies
These touches don’t shout.
They whisper: this moment matters.
A Final Thought
A cheeseboard doesn’t need to be elaborate to be beautiful.
With a few good ingredients and a bit of care, it becomes more than food — it becomes a feeling.
A reason to pause.
To gather.
To savor what’s here, right now.
You don’t need a special occasion.
Just something ripe, something crafted, and someone (even if it’s just you) to share it with.
Because joy lives in the details — and sometimes, those details come on a ceramic board with a slice of brie.
Shop сrafted ceramics for savoring cheese and delicacies here.