How to easily create a cheese board worthy of a fine restaurant?

In this article, we're going to share some little secrets to make your next cheese board a truly gourmet and unforgettable masterpiece for your guests!

First, open your cupboards and individually inspect all the condiments, oils, spices, vinegars, dried fruits... that have been delicately hidden there for so long!

First, you can use your extra virgin olive oil. You probably already know this, but extra virgin olive oil is the essential ingredient for warm goat cheese toast. So why not add a few drops of extra virgin olive oil to the fresh goat cheese on your cheese board? Just like with warm goat cheese toast, olive oil will add creaminess to the palate and a touch of freshness that will enhance the powerful flavor of goat cheese. But that's not all! If, like our customers, you are lucky enough to have A l'Olivier aromatic olive oils in your cupboards, know that, just like extra virgin olive oil, these oils are delicious with the cheeses on your platter. The little extra of aromatic oils? The delicate flavor of the aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus contained in these oils allows you to bring a delicate additional aroma to your cheeses, beyond that provided by plain olive oil. And all this with great simplicity! No more multiplying spice jars in your cupboards; you'll have a real concentrate of flavor at your fingertips in a small metal can.

Try, for example, flavored oils to accompany mild and creamy cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Saint-Nectaire or Mozzarella. Among our favorites, you have black truffle-flavored olive oil, garlic and thyme olive oil or the one with Herbs de Provence. A true concentrate of gourmet and refined flavors that will allow the cheese to express its full character on the palate.

For stronger cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola or Bleu d'Auvergne, fruit vinegars are an excellent option. With their syrupy texture and tangy taste, fruit vinegars will balance the powerful taste of the cheeses on the palate and bring a beautiful harmony. Try fig vinegar or raspberry vinegar; a few drops are enough to transform the tasting experience. Balsamic vinegar is also an excellent choice that works well with strong cheeses. You can use an aged balsamic vinegar to bring notes of red fruits and a dried fig flavor. A real treat for the taste buds.

For your sheep or goat cheeses, also consider placing a small pot of black tapenade, sun-dried tomato spread, or fig and onion confit on your platter. You can spread them on a slice of toasted bread and place a slice of cheese on top, all enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil, and voilà! These spreads will add a touch of freshness to your cheese board.

For more robust cheeses like Comté or Cantal, nuts and dried fruits are an excellent option. You can add cashews, almonds, or pecans for a crunchy touch that complements the richness of the cheese. Dried fruits like figs, apricots, or raisins are also very popular for adding a sweet note that balances the intensity of strong cheeses.

Finally, don't forget fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a touch of color and freshness to your cheese board.

The second most important element for a cheese board is the choice of bread. It's important to choose the right bread which, like aromatic oils and vinegars, will enhance the cheese. For mild cheeses, such as brie or camembert, opt for white bread or a traditional baguette. For strong cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, prefer a nut or fruit bread to complement their intense flavors. Goat or sheep cheeses pair well with country bread or rye bread to add a rustic touch. Finally, hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Pecorino, are enjoyed with a crusty bread like a ficelle or olive bread.

So, who will be the first gourmet to help themselves from your beautiful cheese board?