How to Create the Ultimate Cheeseboard for this Weekend!

Let's confess, We are self professed cheese snobs here at Martha's. Sure, we enjoy a cheddar and Jatz while dinner is cooking; they hold a nostalgic place our heart. Yet, nothing quite compares to a meticulously curated board featuring artisanal cheeses.

After years of daily cheese curation, we think that we've accumulated some insights into crafting the perfect cheeseboard. 

Anyway let's get started... Here's how to create the ultimate cheese board.

The Cheese Board

Kickstart your cheese board journey with the board itself. Its dimensions determine the number of cheeses it can accommodate. Around 30cm x 25cm is ideal for three cheeses and a few accompaniments. Look for boards made of natural materials - they let the cheese breath! When selecting cheeses, odd numbers present better aesthetics, so opt for three or five varieties.

The Cheese

Choosing cheeses involves a little bit of strategy. I recommend picking a couple of cheese groups and selecting one from each. Consider even theming your cheeseboard based on your crowd's preferences or the evening's theme. French cheeses, perhaps? Oui bien sûr! The list below offers just a glimpse of my crowd-pleasing faves:

• Cheddar: Healey's Pyengana (AUS) Quickes Vintage (UK), Cabot Cheddar (USA)
• White Mould: D’Affinios Excellence (FRA), Brilliat Savarin (FRA), Woombye Ash Brie (Aus)
• Blue: Saint Agur (FRA), Stilton (UK), Gorgonzola Dolce Latte (ITLY), Cashel Blue (IRE)
• Semi Hard: Manchego (SPN), Stelvio (ITLY), Comte (FRA), Gruyere (SWI)
• Goat Cheese: Le Marquis (FRA), or any fresh Meredith or Woodside goats cheese will be a winner

When buying cheese, ask your local cheese monger for their advice. Not only will they have knowledgeable recommendations, but their pairings will also only enhance your cheese experience.

The Extra Bits

Now, onto crackers—always have at least two. One predictable, like water/wafer, or lavosh cracker, and one adventurous, such as a seeded flatbread, oatcakes, fruit crispbread or a crusty baguette.

Accompaniments are key; mix it up with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, fruit paste, cured meats, olives, marinated figs, muscatels, and honeycomb.

Additional Tips

• Arrange cheeses thoughtfully: Ensure they never touch each other - Flavour contamination is real.
• Fill the board completely: Abundance is the key. Use nuts and rolled cured meats to fill gaps.
• Dedicate a knife for each cheese: No one wants their cheddar tasting like blue cheese.

So, armed with these insights, go ahead and dazzle your guests with an impressive cheeseboard. Pop some champagne, pour a glass of wine and entertain in cheesy-style!