I absolutely love hosting friends over Christmas. There’s something magical about filling the house with people I care about, putting out some festive food, and watching everyone chat, laugh, and nibble their way through the evening. And without fail, my Christmas cheese board is always a total crowd pleaser.
Over the years I’ve learned a few tricks that make it easy to create a beautiful, balanced board without any stress. So if you’re planning your own cheese boards for Christmas, here’s exactly how I put mine together.
Choosing the Best Cheeses for a Christmas Cheese Board
I’ve found that keeping things simple really is the secret. Too many cheeses can feel overwhelming, so I always stick to three or four. That gives everyone enough choice without overpowering the board.
Here’s how I choose the best cheeses for a cheese board:
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A classic favourite – usually a mature cheddar or a creamy brie that everyone loves.
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Something with a twist – I often go for a chilli cheddar, a smoked option, or something seasonal for that festive surprise.
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A contrasting texture – maybe a crumbly stilton or a smooth goat’s cheese.
This little mix means my festive Christmas cheese board always feels balanced and interesting.
Add Cold Meats for a Festive Cheese and Meat Board
To make things a bit more substantial, I love turning my cheese board into a full cheese and meat board. The savoury meats pair beautifully with the cheeses and make the board feel special for the holidays.
I usually include:
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Prosciutto or serrano ham
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Slices of salami or chorizo
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A richer option like pâté if I want to be extra festive
Guests always appreciate the variety, and it keeps everyone grazing happily.
Don’t Forget the Extra Nibbles
This is my favourite part of building a Christmas cheese charcuterie board—the little extras that bring it all to life.
I usually scatter the board with:
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Grapes or figs for sweetness
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Pickles or gherkins for tang
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A mix of crackers
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Cheese twists or breadsticks
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Nuts or dried fruits for crunch
These are the bits people love to snack on between chats, and they make the board feel full and inviting.
Add Sauces, Chutneys & Festive Spreads
A few little pots of sauces or chutneys can completely transform the board. Trust me, do not skip this part.
My go-tos are:
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Cranberry relish
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Fig jam
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Honey
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Wholegrain mustard
They’re perfect on crackers or paired with a bold cheese.
How I Arrange My Christmas Cheese Charcuterie Board
I’ve tried different methods over the years, but this is the one that always gives me the best result:
- Cheese first – spaced out across the board so everything else has a place to sit around it.
2. Sauces and chutneys – added in little bowls.
3. Meats next – folded, curled, or layered for a little height and texture.
4. Crackers – tucked into edges or gathered into small clusters.
5. Fill the gaps – grapes, nuts, pickles, twists… all the colourful little extras.
The end result always looks abundant, festive, and so welcoming.
FAQs About Making a Christmas Cheese Board
1. What are the best cheeses for a Christmas cheese board?
I love mixing a classic cheese like cheddar or brie with something fun like chilli cheddar or truffle brie, plus a contrasting option like stilton or goat’s cheese.
2. How many cheeses should I use?
Three to four is the sweet spot, enough variety without overwhelming the flavours.
3. What meats work best on a cheese and meat board?
Prosciutto, salami, chorizo, serrano ham, and pâté all pair beautifully with a variety of cheeses.
4. How big should the board be?
If I’m hosting a small group of friends, a medium wooden board works perfectly. For bigger gatherings, I’ll either use a very large board or create two smaller ones.
5. What can I add to make it more festive?
Cranberries, rosemary sprigs, fig jam, winter fruits, and even star-shaped crackers can add a lovely Christmassy touch.
6. Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
Absolutely! I prep the cheese and meats a couple of hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. I always add crackers and fresh fruit right before serving so they stay crisp.
Want more Christmas recipe ideas?
- Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
- Mini Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze
- Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts Skewers
- Brussels Sprouts Waffle
Putting together a Christmas cheese board has become one of my favourite hosting traditions. It’s simple, sociable, and always gets people gathered around the table—which is exactly what this season is all about. I hope these tips help you create a board that your friends and family love just as much as mine do.
Wishing you a wonderfully cosy, joyful, and delicious festive season.
Happy Christmas! 🎄🧀✨
—Alex
