The Best Cheeses for a Charcuterie Board; A Guide to Building a Show-Stopping Cheese Spread

Charcuterie boards are culinary works of art, delighting taste buds and take any gathering from "meh" to "magnificent." When it comes to building the perfect board, the secret ingredient is, of course, cheese! But…not just any cheese. We're talking about Gardner's Wisconsin Cheese, where quality, flavor, and tradition come together to create cheese that truly steals the show.

Ready to get your cheese on? Let's explore some of the best cheeses and accompaniments and how to pair them for a crowd-pleasing charcuterie board.

1. The Classics: Aged Sharp Cheddars

When you want a cheese that KNOWS how to make a statement, our Aged Sharp Cheddars (8-year, 13-year, and 17-year varieties) are the way to go. The older the cheddar, the more intense the flavor—think nutty, slightly tangy, and irresistibly creamy.

Perfect Pairings:

• Sweet: Balance out the cheddar's sharpness with some dried apricots or honeycomb. Our Wild Berry Drizzle also pairs deliciously, adding just the right touch of sweet-and-savory.
• Savory: A dollop of Hot Pepper Bacon Jam on top of a slice of sharp cheddar is a match made in heaven. For the adventurous, add a slice of prosciutto to the mix for a salty-savory trifecta.
• Crunchy: Serve with some crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even cheese crisps for a cheese-on-cheese

2. Smooth Operator: Gouda

Gouda is known for its buttery, smooth texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It's a versatile cheese that appeals to both cheese connoisseurs and casual snackers alike. Our gouda is mild and creamy, making it perfect for balancing out bolder flavors on your board.

Perfect Pairings:

• Sweet: Pair it with some fig jam or fresh pear slices to bring out the cheese’s subtle sweetness.
• Savory: Gouda’s creaminess complements cured meats like salami or soppressata beautifully. For a special touch, drizzle a little Hot Honey Drizzle over the top.
• Nutty: Add some toasted almonds or cashews to accentuate the cheese's natural nuttiness.

3. Squeaky Fresh Cheese Curds

No Wisconsin cheese board would be complete without some Squeaky Fresh Cheese Curds. These little nuggets of cheesy goodness are known for their fresh, milky flavor and that delightful "squeak" when you bite into them. They’re great for snacking and a fun addition to any charcuterie board.

Perfect Pairings:

• Dip: Enjoy them with some ranch or our Poblano Drizzle for a creamy, tangy kick.
• Pickled Veggies: Pair with pickled onions or gherkins to add a bit of tanginess that complements the curds' freshness.
• Something Crispy: If you’re feeling adventurous, lightly batter and fry the cheese curds for a crispy outside and gooey inside. Serve with Hot Honey Drizzle for an irresistible sweet-and-salty combo.

4. Something Spicy: Smokin Hot Pepper Cheese

For a bit of a zing, add a bit of Smokin Hot Pepper Cheese to your charcuterie board. It's creamy, with a nice heat that won’t overpower - but will certainly make an impression.

Perfect Pairings:

• Sweet and Spicy: Try it with our Wild Berry Drizzle for a combination of spicy and fruity that’s bound to be a conversation starter.
• Savory: Serve alongside some smoked sausage or spicy salami for a meat and cheese pairing that packs a punch.
• Bread: A slice of warm baguette or a crisp crostini balances the heat while adding some texture.

5. Bold Flavor: Buffalo Wing Cheese

Get all the bold, tangy flavors of your favorite buffalo wing sauce - without the heat! Our Buffalo Wing Cheese is perfect for those who crave that iconic buffalo taste but prefer to skip the spice. It's flavorful, creamy, and brings all the excitement of buffalo wings to your charcuterie board.

Perfect Pairings:

• Dips: Pair with a side of ranch or bleu cheese dressing for that classic buffalo combo.
• Crunch: Add some celery sticks or bell pepper slices for a refreshing, crunchy balance.
• Savory: Serve alongside smoked meats like ham or chicken for a pairing that highlights the boldness of the buffalo flavor.

6. Savory Delight: Garlic Summer Sausage

No charcuterie board is ready without some high-quality meat options, and our Garlic Summer Sausage is a must-try. It’s made with premium cuts and seasoned with just the right amount of garlic for a flavorful, savory addition to your board that is guaranteed to please.

Perfect Pairings:

• Cheese: This sausage pairs beautifully with the Aged Sharp Cheddars or the mild creaminess of gouda. Or, try it paired with Smokin Hot Pepper Cheese for a flavor combo with a little extra zing.
• Mustard: Add a touch of Raspberry Honey Mustard for a sweet-savory combination that’s absolutely delicious.
• Crackers: Serve with sturdy, whole-grain crackers that can handle the bold flavors of Garlic Summer Sausage without being overpowered.

7. Elevate the Experience: Pairing with Drizzle Sauces

To take your charcuterie board to the next level, don't forget the sauces! Gardner's Drizzle Sauces are the perfect finishing touch, adding extra layers of flavor to your cheese spread.

Hot Honey Drizzle: Sweet and spicy, this pairs perfectly with everything from the Aged Sharp Cheddar to the Squeaky Fresh Cheese Curds.

Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Drizzle: Its bold flavors are ideal for gouda and even some smoked cheeses.

Poblano Drizzle: Add a smoky touch to your cheese selections, especially when paired with the Smokin Hot Pepper Cheese.

Wild Berry Drizzle: An unexpected delight when paired with creamy cheeses like gouda or even alongside a sharp cheddar, fruity and balanced.

Pro Tips for Assembling Your Charcuterie Board

1. Variety is Key: Include different types of cheeses (aged, mild, spicy, fresh) and a range of textures (creamy, hard, crunchy).
2. Balance the Flavors: Make sure to add sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh elements to keep the palate excited.
3. Presentation Matters: Arrange cheeses in different shapes and sizes, add pops of color with fruits and drizzles, and use small bowls for jams and spreads to keep things neat.
4. Don’t Forget the Garnishes: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a nice touch and make the board look (and smell) extra special.
5. Portion Sizes: Generally, for charcuterie, most boards account for about 2oz per person of cheese if served as a grazing table. If cheese is the "main event," you will want to offer a bit more, closer to 5oz per person. This amount will of course vary depending on the event timing (near mealtime, etc.), other items served with your board, the variety available, and personal consumption choices of each participant.

Whether you’re having the family over for the holidays, attending a party, having a casual gathering, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), a charcuterie board filled with Gardner's Wisconsin Cheese will always be a hit. With our delicious cheeses, savory meats, and flavor-packed pairings, your board will be the talk of the night—and your taste buds will thank you.