With Christmas fast approaching, we can’t stop thinking about all the festive cheeseboards we plan to devour (though let’s be real, we never stop thinking about cheese…).
So, when it comes to creating your own board, we like to think that as long as you have some cracking cheeses lined up (and we’ve got you covered!) then you can’t go too far wrong… But, if you fancy pulling out all the stops this Christmas, we’ve got a guide designed for you.
We pulled together our favourite cheese, chutney and cracker pairings to share alongside some tips on how to curate the ultimate festive cheeseboard… and once you’re set, it’s time to eat, drink and be merry!
Blue
Our OG cheese is an authentically blue vegan cheese that’s matured over time - made with real Penicillium Roqueforti. It’s almond based, so smooth but firm, and with all of the distinct blue taste that you’ve been missing!
We love to pair our Blue with Rubies In The Rubble’s pear & fig relish… sweet and Christmassy. The slow cooked pears and warming spices go perfectly with the creamy blue cheese (and the Rubies team gain bonus points by working with UK farmers to gather up ‘imperfect’ pears and fight against food waste).
Shamembert
Truly mimicking a classic camembert, the Sham is fast becoming a bestseller. Authentic, creamy and infused with truffle oil to create a rich flavour, it’s a true cheeseboard staple. Perfect for smearing a chunk on a cracker, or baking in the oven (find our guide here) for a seriously oozy, winter feast.
Take your baked sham to the next level by pairing it with a classic caramelised onion chutney, or even better, one of EsBrew’s small-batch onion and garlic versions. Warm, melty, creamy goodness with sweet onion chutney and crusty bread… we’re drooling at the thought!
Garlic & Herb
Our vegan alternative to gournay cheese, his is wonderful all year round. The possibilities are endless, but we think it’s hard to beat spreading it generously on bread or crunchy toast, and pairing it with fresh figs or a fruity chutney. Try out this delicate and sweet Italian fig chutney for a cosy, festive feel - and bring on all the herby, garlicky goodness!
Crackers
Call us crackers, but we get real serious when it comes to finding the perfect vehicle for cheeses and chutney. If you opt for an oozy, baked sham then tearing off chunks of crusty bread is hard to beat, but if we’re talking cheeseboards - crackers are must.
If you feel a little indulgent, try these sourdough crispbreads, piled high with a generous slab of our vegan Blue or Ched Spread - or go for a simple oatcake and let the cheese do all the talking. We also have a lot of time for a classic cream cracker (as fun fact, they contain no cream and are 100% vegan) - especially covered in Herbi.
Extra Snacks
Now that you’ve nailed the cheese, cracker and chutney combo, why stop there? There are a couple of sides that we rely on to take our cheeseboard game from good to great (or heavenly!). Deliciously salty olives are a must for us, alongside a mixture of grapes to sweeten the deal - classic suggestions for good reason. But since it’s Christmas, why not push the boat with some pecans, dried cranberries or apricots - and let your tastebuds know how festive you’re feeling!
Styling Your Board
With such an array of tasty treats piled onto your board - it’s sure to look drool-worthy. But, if you’re really looking to wow, we have a couple of tips to help you step up your game:
- Start by placing the cheeses (a mix of full pieces and hearty chunks) at random around the board
- Add in a choice of crackers or small chunks of bread - either in lines or stacks, dotted between the cheeses and ready for dipping or spreading…
- Now that most of your cheeseboard real estate is occupied, it’s all about filling in those little spaces with fun extras - snacks and fruits to nibble on as you graze your way through the evening. Grab some chutneys and you’re good to go!
Giving this a whirl this weekend or festive season? Tag us in your photos on social - we really love to see your amazing creations.
