Elevate Your Cheese Platter: Creative Presentation Ideas and Serving Techniques

Cheeseboards stand as one of the most simple party treats that are loved on all occasions. But a great cheeseboard is about more than just delicious cheese, it’s also a visual treat. Whether you're a novice at crafting cheese platters or a seasoned pro seeking fresh inspiration, this guide will walk you through the optimal approach for creating a flawless cheese board that appeals to both the eyes and the tastebuds. Here's how to assemble the most inviting cheese board imaginable.

How you serve is just as important as what you serve and choosing the right platter not only determines the aesthetics of your cheese plate, it can also dictate the things you use in it. For example a rustic board adds warmth and evokes an autumnal vibe, perfect to pair with ripe fruits and smoked nuts. Whereas something like a sleek slate platter provides a modern and elegant backdrop for your cheeses and is better suited for more modern cheese platter additions like fresh citrus fruit and olives.

A design theme should be decided upon. Instead of simply placing cheeses and extras onto the board and serving. It is beneficial to opt for a limited palette for the garnishes and build from there. You could opt to build on a colour or a holiday theme with additions to match. For a truly impressive arrangement, the board can be divided into quadrants, with one cheese, one condiment, and three complementary accompaniments placed within each quadrant.

While it’s tempting to just place all your cheeses on the platter wherever they fit, taking time to thoughtfully arrange your cheeses with purpose can make it more visually interesting and easier for your guests to eat. For example, place the larger cheeses in the centre and smaller pieces in layers around it, decreasing as per their height. This creates visual interest while also making it easier to reach what you need.

An assortment of fruits ranging from juicy grapes and raspberries to refreshing oranges, fragrant fresh figs, and crisp apples are ideal for cheese boards. Select fruits that complement your chosen cheeses – the freshness of pears pairs wonderfully with blue cheese; peaches complement creamy burrata excellently, and apples harmonise deliciously with mature cheddar. Celery sticks provide a satisfying crunch, cherry tomatoes add vibrancy, and radishes contribute a cool pepperiness.

Cheeseboards are all about quick bites but when your guests have to tackle a large block of cheese, things can get messy so pre-slicing is always a help. To enhance texture, slice your cheese in different manners. For instance, use a fork to create large chunks of blue cheese and Parmesan. Slice semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, and fan them across a section of the board. For brie or soft round cheeses, cut several bite-sized slices or wedges, and provide cheese knives nearby for guests to slice as desired.

A full cheeseboard is a happy cheeseboard so as far as possible, try to avoid any large gaps on the platter. Position small bowls of tapenade, olives, honey, or jam onto the board. Infuse colour by filling substantial empty spaces with sliced fruit, clusters of grapes, or handfuls of clementine segments. Distribute crackers and nuts across the board as well. It's perfectly acceptable to repeat certain elements on the board to ensure every space is filled.

For harder cheeses them out of the fridge an hour before you plan to serve it. Cold temperatures can dull the taste. For softer ones, aim for about half an hour before. Afterwards, attach a label to each cheese. This way, you won't have to keep repeating their names throughout the evening, and you can write down some descriptive words to capture their flavours and make picking their favourite a breeze for your guests.