Best Cheese Pairings for Charcuterie Boards

Looking to create an amazing charcuterie board? The best charcuterie boards include carefully designed ingredients and the best cheese pairings. Of course most cheese can be served with a range of ingredients, but there are some tried and true ingredient combinations that can really make the flavor pop on a board. We’ve put together the table below to help you select the best cheese pairings.

You can find lots of resources on our site including the top 30 charcuterie board ingredients as well as how to design a board using the 3 3 3 3 rule for charcuterie boards.

Best Cheese Pairings for Charcuterie Boards

Here’s a table that highlights the best pairings for different types of cheese commonly found on charcuterie boards:

Cheese TypeFlavor ProfileBest PairingsSuggested Accompaniments
BrieCreamy, butteryFresh fruits (apples, pears), honey, nutsCrackers, baguette slices, fig jam
CheddarSharp, nuttyCured meats (salami, prosciutto), pickles, mustardWhole-grain crackers, dried fruits
GoudaSweet, slightly nuttyDried fruits (apricots, figs), nuts, beerBreadsticks, crackers, honey
Blue CheeseBold, tangyHoney, figs, walnuts, dried fruitsWhole-grain crackers, sliced apples
Goat CheeseTangy, creamyFresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), honey, olivesBaguette slices, crackers, roasted vegetables
ParmesanHard, saltyBalsamic vinegar, roasted nuts, olivesBreadsticks, aged balsamic, dried figs
SwissMild, nuttyMustard, pickles, smoked meatsWhole-grain crackers, apples, cherry tomatoes
FetaSalty, tangyOlives, cucumbers, tomatoesPita chips, roasted red peppers
HavartiCreamy, mildApples, pears, almondsWhole-grain crackers, honey
FontinaEarthy, nuttyProsciutto, roasted vegetables, fresh herbsBaguette slices, figs, olives
Best Cheese Pairings
Best Cheese Pairings

How to Use Pairings to Build a Charcuterie Board

Building a charcuterie board using pairings is all about creating a balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Start by selecting a variety of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, and pair them with complementary cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda. Incorporate fresh fruits, like grapes and apple slices, to add sweetness and brightness, while dried fruits such as figs and apricots offer chewy texture and rich flavor. Enhance your board with an assortment of nuts for crunch and depth, and don’t forget to include an array of condiments, such as honey, fig jam, and whole-grain mustard, to elevate the taste experience. Use seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.

As you arrange the ingredients, consider their colors and shapes, and aim for visual appeal by grouping similar items together. By thoughtfully selecting and pairing ingredients, you’ll create a charcuterie board that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.

See our favorite types of cheese for a charcuterie board.

Best Cheese Pairings
Best Cheese Pairings

Types of Cheese and the Best Pairings

Brie

Brie is a creamy, buttery cheese that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like apples and pears, adding a refreshing sweetness. Drizzling honey over brie enhances its rich flavor, while nuts such as almonds and walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch. Complementing it with fig jam provides a delightful contrast, and serving it alongside crispy baguette slices allows guests to enjoy its luscious texture.

Cheddar

Cheddar, known for its sharp and nutty flavor, is a versatile cheese that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Cured meats like salami and prosciutto add savory depth, while tangy pickles and whole-grain mustard enhance its bold profile. Fresh apple slices offer a crisp sweetness that balances the cheese’s richness, and dried fruits such as apricots and figs provide an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Gouda

Gouda’s sweet, slightly nutty flavor makes it an excellent addition to any charcuterie board. Pairing it with dried fruits like figs and apricots brings a lovely sweetness, while nuts like hazelnuts and almonds contribute a crunchy texture. Honey drizzled over gouda accentuates its creamy character, and serving it with charcuterie, such as chorizo or salami, adds a savory element that beautifully complements its flavors. Crackers or breadsticks provide the perfect vehicle for enjoying this delightful cheese.

Blue Cheese

Bold and tangy, blue cheese is a standout choice for charcuterie boards. It pairs exceptionally well with sweet accompaniments like honey and dried fruits, such as figs and dates, which enhance its strong flavor. The creamy texture of blue cheese is balanced by crunchy nuts, like walnuts and pecans, while fresh pears offer a refreshing contrast. Whole-grain crackers provide a hearty base, allowing guests to savor the complexity of this unique cheese.

Goat Cheese

With its tangy and creamy profile, goat cheese is a favorite for many cheese lovers. It pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, which elevate its earthy flavor. Drizzling honey over goat cheese adds a sweet touch, while olives bring a briny contrast that enhances its taste. Roasted vegetables also complement the cheese’s creaminess, and serving it on crackers or crostini makes for a delightful bite.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard, salty cheese that offers a robust flavor to any charcuterie board. It pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar, which adds a tangy sweetness, and roasted nuts like almonds and walnuts, providing a crunchy texture. Charcuterie items like prosciutto complement its savory profile, while dried fruits like figs add a touch of sweetness. Enjoying parmesan with crackers or breadsticks allows guests to appreciate its sharpness fully.

Swiss

Swiss cheese, with its mild and nutty flavor, is an excellent addition to charcuterie boards. It pairs well with whole-grain mustard, which enhances its subtle taste, and pickles that add a tangy crunch. Smoky meats and apples bring a satisfying contrast to Swiss cheese, while serving it alongside baguette slices and almonds creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Feta

Feta cheese brings a salty and tangy profile that complements a variety of foods. It pairs wonderfully with olives, adding a briny element, and fresh vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing crunch. Pita chips or roasted red peppers enhance the Mediterranean vibe, while fresh herbs, such as oregano and mint, add brightness and flavor to the board.

Havarti

Havarti is a creamy, mild cheese that offers a delightful taste experience. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like apples and pears, which provide a sweet contrast to its richness. Nuts, such as almonds, add a satisfying crunch, and drizzling honey over havarti elevates its flavor. Cured meats like salami and prosciutto round out the selection, while crackers provide a perfect base for enjoying this delicious cheese.

Fontina

Fontina is known for its earthy and nutty flavor, making it a fantastic choice for charcuterie boards. It pairs exceptionally well with prosciutto and roasted vegetables, which complement its creaminess. Fresh herbs, like basil and rosemary, enhance its taste, while figs add a touch of sweetness. Serving fontina with baguette slices allows guests to savor its rich and smooth texture alongside various accompaniments.

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Best Cheese Pairings


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