How to Style Cheese for a Charcuterie Board

Cheese is the star of any charcuterie board, and cutting it properly makes all the difference in both presentation and taste. Not only does cheese add flavor and texture to the board, but its visual appeal also enhances the dining experience. When paired with the right cured meats, cheese creates a satisfying and balanced bite. In this guide, we’ll cover how to cut various types of cheese for a stunning charcuterie board.

Quick Facts About Cheese

Cheese is loved worldwide and comes in many forms. Here are some fun cheese facts:

• Cheese Comes in Many Types

  There are over 1,800 types of cheese globally. Some are soft like Brie, some are hard like Parmesan, and others melt easily, like Mozzarella.

• Cheese is Made from Milk

  Cheese is made by curdling milk from cows, goats, sheep, or even buffalo. The milk is turned into curds, then aged for different flavors and textures.

• Aged Cheese Tastes Stronger

  Cheeses like aged Cheddar or Parmesan have sharper, more intense flavors. Younger cheeses like Brie are mild and creamy.

• Cheese Pairings Enhance Flavor

  Cheese tastes better when paired with complementary foods such as fruits, nuts, or honey:
• Brie pairs well with apples and grapes.
• Parmesan is delicious with olives or nuts.
• Cheddar shines when served with crackers or bread.

• Cheese Is Nutritious

  Cheese is rich in calcium, supporting strong teeth and bones. Enjoy it in moderation for a healthy diet.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know the best ways to cut cheeses like Brie, Parmesan, and block cheeses to create a visually stunning and delicious charcuterie board.

Why Is It Important to Style Cheese Properly?

Proper cheese cutting serves two main purposes:

• Presentation:

  Well-cut cheese enhances the board’s visual appeal. A beautifully presented charcuterie board makes the dining experience more enjoyable and inviting.

• Serving Size:

  Proper cuts ensure easy serving and reduce waste.

Let’s explore how to cut different types of cheese.

How to Style Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with an edible rind. Here’s the best way to cut it:

• Place the Brie on a flat surface. Use a sharp, thin knife.
• Slice into even segments, like cutting a cake.
• Leave the rind intact; it helps hold the soft cheese together.

Tip: Serve Brie segments as they are or spread them around the board for a decorative touch. See our guide on how to choose accompaniments for your charcuterie board.

How to Style Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese best served in bite-sized chunks:

• Use a Parmesan knife (a short, stubby knife).
• Insert the knife into the cheese and twist to break off natural, irregular chunks.
• Continue this process until you have enough bite-sized pieces.

Tip: The uneven chunks add a rustic look and are easy for guests to grab.

How to Style Block Cheese

Block cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda can be cut in several ways, depending on your presentation style:

• Slices:
  Place the block on a flat surface and cut thin slices using a sharp knife.
• Cubes:
  Cut the block into slices, then into evenly sized cubes.
• Sticks:
  Slice the block into longer, rectangular sticks for a fun, easy-to-grab presentation.

Tip: Mixing cubes and slices adds variety and texture to your board.

Other Style Techniques for Cheese

Depending on the type of cheese, try these additional cutting methods:

• Triangles: Perfect for semi-soft cheeses like Gouda.
• Logs or Rounds: Great for goat cheese.
• Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler for very hard cheeses like Pecorino.

Arranging Cheese on Your Charcuterie Board

Once your cheeses are cut, it’s time to arrange them on the board. Follow these tips:

• Place larger pieces first, like wedges or wheels.
• Fill gaps with smaller items like crackers, fruits, and nuts.
• Fan out slices or wedges for an elegant presentation.

With these tips, your charcuterie board will be both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy creating a masterpiece that your guests will love!