These ideas offer delicious pairings that’ll satisfy your guests’ palettes.
Charcuterie boards may be hard to pronounce, but we promise they’re easier to assemble than you might think. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for how to build cheese boards that’ll curb your guests’ hunger. That way while wafts of roasted turkey and candied yams spread throughout the air, you don’t have to worry about rushing the big feast because of hangry loved ones. From classic varieties like brie to unique picks like Pecorino Camomilla, we promise anyone attending your holiday celebration will have delicious options for bites to graze on.
Jessie Johnson via Life As A Strawberry
Thanksgiving Cheese Board from Life As A Strawberry
This classic board features old standbys like brie, Manchego, and white cheddar paired with meats like spicy sopressata and other fixings like poppy seed crackers, marinated olives, and apple butter for a seasonal twist.
Natasha Kravchuk via Natasha’s Kitchen
Charcuterie Board from Natasha’s Kitchen
Consider adding spreadable cheeses—like Saint Andre or De Bourgogne—to your board so guests can smear it on delicious fixings like toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers.
Monica Petrucci via culture
Thanksgiving Cheese Board from culture
Keep the ingredients on your board seasonal by adding winter cheeses like Vacherin Mont d’Or or Rush Creek Reserve, fruits like cranberries or figs, and accompaniments like pumpkin spice crackers or fruit cake crisps.
Jessie Johnson via Life As A Strawberry
Cheese Plate from Life As A Strawberry
For soft cheeses like brie and goat, feel free to serve them as they come, but for harder varieties like cheddar or Parmesan, try cutting them thinly into slices for your guests to quickly grab and stack onto their plates.
MacKenzie Smith via Grilled Cheese Social
Festive Fall Board from Grilled Cheese Social
The next time you hit up a cheese shop, look out for fresh chèvre logs encrusted in seasonal fruits. The colorful logs are the perfect add-ons to your board to make your platter look more visually appealing and equally tasty.
Erin Lynch via Plates and Pairings
Winter Cheese Board from Plates and Pairings
When the weather gets chillier, lean on winter produce like sage, rosemary, and thyme to pair with comforting wedges like cracked peppercorn and aged cheddar.
Linni Kral via culture
Wellness Cheese Board from culture
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, your cheese board is an excellent opportunity to satisfy their needs without compromising the entire meal. Toss on gluten-free crackers, soy-free chocolate, or vegan crisps and pair it with cheeses like Briar Summit, Glacier Blue, or charcoal cheddar.
Related:
- 10 Cheesy Thanksgiving Side Dishes That’ll Steal the Show
- 5 Cheesy Desserts Perfect for Thanksgiving
- 30 of Our Best Cheesy Recipes for the Holidays
Ashia Aubourg
Ashia Aubourg is culture's Assistant Digital Editor. She received her BA in Food Studies and Policy Studies from Syracuse University, where she researched components that make up equitable food systems. She previously held print and digital roles at Food & Wine, Cuisine Noir, America's Test Kitchen, and others, where her writing unearthed underrepresented narratives within food, travel, and culture. Before starting her writing career, she held food policy and social impact roles across various nonprofits and companies. Ashia currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
