We’ve covered several topics on how to be the perfect host, what dishes to cook and how to be organised. What we have yet to tell you however, is that a good host does not necessarily mean having to cook anything at all. If you’re one of those people who, despite your best efforts, struggles to spend adequate time with your guests because you’re too busy in the kitchen, then this blog post is for you! What if, instead of having people over for ‘dinner’, you had a cheese night instead?

I don’t know about you, but for many, this would be a perfect night out. Everything can be prepared and placed before your guests even arrive, and all you would have to do is be present. Also, a good cheeseboard never fails to impress! The question now is, what constitutes a good cheeseboard? Since we’re no longer cooking for our guests, what can we put together to make sure they all leave feeling full and satisfied?

If even the thought of a cheeseboard stresses you out, fear not! Luckily there are plenty of supermarkets and delis that sell ready-made cheeseboards that will make your night that much easier, so if that’s your preference, go for it! But, if you prefer to do it yourself, read on!

To begin with, the cheese.

Make sure that whatever you put out is good quality, fresh cheese and not something packaged that you’ve picked up in the isles of a supermarket.  Better yet, either visit a speciality market or the cheese counter at your favourite grocery store. 

Now for the board itself, starting with the number of cheeses to serve:

Though it may be tempting to overload your board, stick to somewhere between 3 and 5 types (depending on the size of your party), and be generous with your portions so that there is plenty for everyone.

As for the types of cheese:

If you’re opting for 3, be sure to go for the following:

1. Something mild, like Gruyere
2. Some smelly, like Roquefort
3. Something in between, like Camembert of Brie

If you’d like to add a little more, go for something flavoured like a cranberry or truffle cheese.

Once you’ve decided on the cheese, it’s time to think about the accompaniments. 

These include any number of things that both complement and enhance the flavour of the cheeses you have selected.

The main things to consider are texture and that you have a good balance between sweet and savoury flavours. These include:

1. A flavourful jam or marmalade that pair well with the mild cheeses
2. Fresh fruits, namely grapes that greatly enhance the flavour of pretty much any cheese you pair them with
3. Dried fruits, such as apricots and figs
4. Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts to add a bit of crunch and texture
5. Olives, which typically bring a great added salty flavour
6. Deli meats, though quite typical in most cheeseboards – this part is optional given that these tend to be heavily processed and far from healthy.
7. Crackers, sliced baguettes, or any savoury biscuit

Just some food for thought to get you started next time you’re putting something together, and want a stress-free evening at home with friends and loved ones.

Please share any tips you might have in the comments!