Merry Cheesemas:

Building a Festive Cheeseboard

A festive cheeseboard is a show-stopping way to celebrate the festive season with friends and family. By incorporating seasonal flavours, colours, and textures, you can create a beautiful spread that’s both visually inviting and deliciously satisfying. Here’s how to build a cheeseboard perfect for the festivities:

Strathdon blue cheese with slice of pear

Deli meats, olives & tomatoes from our deli counter.

Minger cheese cut in half with some crackers

Select Seasonal Cheeses
For a festive board, choose cheeses with a variety of flavours, textures, and holiday appeal:
• Aged Cheese: St Andrews cheddar, Isle of Mull cheddar or aged Connage Gouda adds a nutty depth and pairs well with seasonal fruits and nuts.
• Brie or Camembert: Creamy, soft cheeses are a must. Top with pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of honey for extra flair. Opt for Brie De Meaux for a classic cheese or try a soft Scottish cheese from Highland Fine Cheeses such as Clava, or Minger.
• Blue Cheese: Isle of Mull blue, Strathdon blue or Arran blue bring a bold, tangy flavour. Perfectly festive when paired with a touch of fig jam or port wine.
• Goat Cheese: Buche Ruffec or Rosary goat’s log, roll in herbs, cranberries, or crushed pistachios for a seasonal look.
• Festive Extras: Consider a deliciously oozy Vacherin mont d’oror the nicknamed drunken goat cheese Murcia Al Vino for some seasonal choices.
Tip: Plan on 30–50 grams of each cheese per guest to ensure everyone gets a taste of each type.
All the above can be purchased at our large deli counter in our Food Hall. Our team are happy to assist in creating a delicious cheeseboard or answer any questions you may have when choosing a cheese.

Include Seasonal Fruits, Nuts & Olives
Festive fruits and nuts bring natural sweetness, colour, and crunch to the board:
• Fresh Fruits: Pomegranate seeds, red grapes, figs, or slices of pear and apple. These not only taste great with cheese but add vibrant red and green tones to the board.
• Dried Fruits: Dried apricots, cranberries, or dates. Their chewy texture complements creamy and soft cheeses.
• Seasonal Nuts: Candied pecans, toasted walnuts, or almonds. Nuts coated with a hint of cinnamon or honey add a festive, sweet note.
• Olives: Perello Gordal pitted olives are a customer favourite and for good reason they are the finest Spanish olives – bright green, plump & crisp.
Shop seasonal fruits, nuts & olives in our Food Hall.

Add Charcuterie for a Festive Touch
Cured meats bring savoury flavours that balance the sweetness of fruits and richness of cheese:
• Prosciutto: Its delicate, salty flavour pairs beautifully with brie and figs.
• Salami: Choose spiced or mild varieties Milano or Ventricina, arranged in curls or folded in halves.
• Festive Specialties: Consider seasonal additions like truffle infused ham or rosemary ham to add that festive twist.
All charcuterie meats are sliced to order from our main deli counter.

Bring in Festive Spreads and Condiments
Elevate your cheeseboard with sweet and savoury condiments that bring out the flavours of the season:
• Cranberry Sauce: Perfect with brie or cheddar, cranberry sauce adds a festive flair and sweet-tart balance.
• Fig or Berry Jam: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with most cheeses, especially blue cheese and chèvre.
• Honey: Drizzle over blue or goat cheese for a sweet holiday touch.
• Mustard or Chutney: Whole-grain mustard or a spiced chutney can be a great complement to aged cheeses and meats.

Festive Carbs: Breads and Crackers
Serve a variety of bread and crackers to make each bite exciting:
• Rustic French Baguette: Made in our in-house bakery daily, pick up from the main till area.
• Assorted Crackers: Include crackers or oatcakes for a range of flavours and textures. Our favourites are Your Piece oatcakes made in Fife, available from the Food Hall.
• Festive Fruit & Walnut Breads: Add small slices of our seasonal fruit bread for a unique pairing with blue cheese or cheddar. This bread can be purchased online from our Festive Food to Order website.

Arrange for a Festive Look
• Start with Cheeses: Place larger pieces of cheese spaced around the board, and pre-cut some pieces for easy serving.
• Layer in Meats: Fold or roll meats and place them near complementary cheeses.
• Add Fruits, Nuts & Olives: Arrange fruits in small clusters, filling in spaces with nuts & olives for colour and texture.
• Finish with Condiments: Place small bowls of condiments and spreads around the board, along with festive-themed spreads like cranberry sauce.

Final Festive Touches
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage for a pop of green and a festive aroma.
• Seasonal Accents: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds or cranberries for a vibrant colour.
• Edible Flowers: A few edible flowers (like pansies) add a splash of colour and elegance to the arrangement.

Serving Tips

• Room Temperature: Allow the cheese to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before serving for the best flavour.
• Festive Pairings: Pair your board with seasonal drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, or a sparkling wine to add to the festive spirit.

We have a vast selection of wines in our Food Hall to pair with your cheeseboard.

A beautifully arranged, festive cheeseboard is the perfect centerpiece for a festive gathering, inviting guests to mix, match, and savour every seasonal flavour. Merry Cheesemas!