Remember last week when I shared my soup swap entertaining idea along with the recipe for roasted broccoli smoked cheese soup? I set a cheese board in the center of the table to double as a side for the soup and also to create a delicious, edible centerpiece. If you love that idea, read on! I’ll tell you how to create a cheese board in minutes with pantry items. You can keep everything you need in your pantry and set up a cheese board in a jiffy … which makes it perfect for quick and easy holiday entertaining!
The key to a creating a pantry-stocked cheese board is to keep all the needed ingredients on hand. I like to stock up on cheeses that don’t require refrigeration {World Market has a great selection}, a variety of crackers and breadsticks, tapenades and chutneys, and nuts or other items that complement a cheese board.
To begin, place a large wooden cutting board in the center of the table and place the different cheese varieties along it, leaving spaces between.
Add a few simple cheese knives and try to use a variety of shapes and sizes of cheese …
… even stacking some to add height and interest.
Place dips, tapenades, and chutneys among the cheeses, leaving them in the original jars or spooning them into small ramekins or mason jars.
Add crackers and breadsticks next, stacking them in piles, tucking them into spaces, and placing breadsticks in mason jars.
If you want, you can fill in little spaces with piles of nuts or dried fruit.
How’s that for easy? A cheese board makes the perfect appetizer for happy hour or a savory side for a soup night. And I love that you can customize it to suit your tastes!
What do you love to serve on a cheese board?
For more delicious cheesy ideas, be sure to check out this goat cheese fondue recipe …
… and a mustard cheese fondue recipe {because who doesn’t love a cheese fondue during the fall months?}.
CHEESE! I love cheese! I’ve never actually made a cheese board, but have company coming this weekend, and you just convinced me. I’m totally trying my hand with your tips! Thanks!
Cheese boards are probably some of my favorite appetizers. You have all sorts of different flavors all in one board. Everybody can pick out what they like.
YES! Cheeseboards are my favorite way of serving appetizers. No one can say no to cheeses, meats, and some wine. Om nom nom.
Cheese, all day cheese, please! That smoked Provolone sounds amazing! I always have people show up unexpected to the house so this is great for quick entertaining. Because who doesn’t love cheese?!
I love just about any cheese there is, with the exception of extra sharp, or any that has horseradish in it. Cheese boards are a common thing in our family during the holidays, for Christmas and New Years. Love this post!
This actually sounds like it would be fun to put together! Great advice. Your cheese board looked really good.
Love this idea! I will definitely try this for our next fall party!
This stuff all looks way too good!! I love a cheese board around the holiday season!
I love this. Everything looks so delicious too! I think this is such a good idea, especially when entertaining.
I need to create cheese boards more often because it is an affordable party idea. Guests love it and it is easy to serve and clean up!
What a lovely presentation! I have never attempted to make one of these cheeseboards, I think I might. Looks delicious too.
A cheese board is my favorite thing in the world. The fondue look so good too. A good charcuterie is my jam:) What’s your favorite cheese mix?
That cheese looks seriously delicious. I think cheese is probably my favorite food ever… haha. I’ve never thought to display it on a cheese board and impress my friends. 😉 Great tips!
Oh my gosh this is so great! I’ll use these tips with entertaining this fall.
I adore cheese! This looks so great! I’ve never tried to make a cheese board but I think i’ll try soon!
I love Cheese. It is great for so many reasons. I am going to have to make a cheeseboard soon!