Top 10 Types of Cheese for Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie fever is everywhere, but what does it mean, and can anyone do it?

Charcuterie is a French term that refers to “cooked meats”, but has more broadly been accepted as the term for a platter of meats, starches, and my personal favorite, cheese. I love cheese. Cheesemaking dates back to 5500 BC and thousands of types of cheese exist. It’s hard to narrow down which cheeses to use on your charcuterie board with so many varieties and flavors available. Here are my top 10 favorite charcuterie cheeses, and why you should try them.

#1 Cheddar

According to a survey by YouGov in 2021, cheddar is the most popular cheese in America and the United Kingdom. It comes in varying degrees of sharpness from mild to extra-sharp. Cheddar is a great choice for charcuterie boards because it is familiar and a universal favorite. My top cheddar pick is Tillamook's extra-sharp white cheddar. Another awesome choice is Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joe’s, which comes in a block or a spread. Both these sharp tangy options will please guests. 

#2 Blueberry Goat Cheese

Beautiful and delicious. This soft and creamy blueberry-covered goat cheese adds a pop of color and tastes divine. The fruity creamy cheese is the perfect addition to a summer charcuterie board. 

#3 Seahive 

Seahive is rubbed with ancient sea salt from Redmond, Utah, and local wildflower honey, creating a uniquely Utah Cheese. Beehive Cheese, the creator of Seahive, also offers various other interesting flavor combinations. The unique flavor of this cheese perfectly complements many fruits and starches you may include in your board.  

#4 Boursin

This creamy, yet crumbly, gourmet cheese spread adds visual variety to any charcuterie board, along with rich inviting flavor. Boursin comes in five delicious flavors and is readily available at most grocery stores. Try adding a dollop, topped with fruit and honey for a unique exciting bite!

#5 Gouda

Gouda is a yellow cows-milk cheese named after Gouda, South Holland. It is one of the most popular and produced cheeses worldwide. Gouda is often smoked or flavored adding hundreds of varieties to choose from. Gouda is a classic option for charcuterie and lends itself well to pairings with fruit and dips. We recently found an apple pie-flavored gouda which was perfect for our fall-themed board. 

#6 Gruyère

Gruyère is a hard Swiss-type cheese that is slightly sweet and salty. It has a distinctive, but not overwhelming, flavor. The texture is slightly more creamy than typical Swiss cheese, its taste and appearance will elevate any charcuterie board.

 #7 Colby, Pepper, and Monterey Jack

The Jack family of cheeses, like cheddar, are familiar favorites. If you are planning for charcuterie newbies or kids, these cheeses are great additions. The taste and texture are fantastic and pair well with other flavors on the board.

#8 Parmesan or Asiago

These hard cheeses are perfect for crumbling to add texture and depth to your board. They are dense and savory with complex flavors. 

#9 Gorgonzola

Blue cheese is not for everyone, but for the more adventurous charcuterie board, this cheese is a perfect addition. The beautiful color adds to the presentation whether in a wedge or crumbled for styling. Gorgonzola goes well with cranberries and apples and would be lovely on a fall or winter board.

#10 Brie

While not my favorite flavor, Brie is a versatile charcuterie cheese because it can be served warm or cold and can be styled or decorated in countless ways. Many people cut shapes from the soft cheese and fill them in with colorful jams or spreads to add decoration and variety to the style of the board. Many fun seasonal or theme elements can be added using Brie. Another beautiful presentation includes a ‘cake’ of two different sizes of Brie, decorated with edible flowers or berries and drizzled with honey. 

There are countless options for both types, flavors, and styles of cheese for charcuterie boards. Hopefully, this Top 10 list will help you find the perfect cheeses for your next charcuterie adventure. Try something familiar, or something new and exciting, either way, your board is sure to be a hit!

Happy eating!

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