Twelve Days Cheese Board (Print View)

A festive cheese board featuring 12 distinct sections with unique cheeses and perfect accompaniments.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 1.75 oz Brie
02 - 1.75 oz Aged Cheddar
03 - 1.75 oz Manchego
04 - 1.75 oz Roquefort or Blue Cheese
05 - 1.75 oz Goat Cheese
06 - 1.75 oz Gruyère
07 - 1.75 oz Camembert
08 - 1.75 oz Gouda
09 - 1.75 oz Comté
10 - 1.75 oz Pecorino
11 - 1.75 oz Havarti
12 - 1.75 oz Smoked Cheese (e.g., Smoked Provolone)

→ Pairings and Accompaniments

13 - 12 slices artisanal bread or assorted crackers
14 - 2 tablespoons honey
15 - 2 tablespoons fig jam
16 - 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
17 - 24 seedless grapes
18 - 12 dried apricots
19 - 12 walnut halves
20 - 12 toasted almonds
21 - 12 thin apple slices
22 - 12 fresh pear slices
23 - 12 pieces dark chocolate
24 - 12 cornichons
25 - Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish

# Method:

01 - Select a large serving board or platter and visually divide it into 12 distinct sections using small bowls, ramekins, or garnish lines.
02 - Place one type of cheese in each section, arranging attractively and cutting into bite-sized pieces where appropriate.
03 - Pair each cheese with its unique accompaniment: Brie with honey and apple slices, Aged Cheddar with fig jam and walnuts, Manchego with quince paste and almonds, Roquefort with pear slices and walnuts, Goat Cheese with thyme and grapes, Gruyère with mustard and cornichons, Camembert with apple and almonds, Gouda with dried apricots and dark chocolate, Comté with grapes and walnuts, Pecorino with pear and honey, Havarti with fig jam and almonds, and Smoked Cheese with cornichons and dark chocolate.
04 - Arrange artisanal bread slices or assorted crackers around the board, ensuring sufficient quantity for each section.
05 - Sprinkle fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary over the board to enhance presentation.
06 - Present at room temperature to maximize flavor experience.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation piece that makes you look like an effortless entertainer, even though it's genuinely simple to assemble
  • Each person discovers their own favorite pairing, making everyone feel like they had a hand in creating the experience
  • The preparation is pure joy—no cooking required, just thoughtful arrangement and a little creativity
  • It works for any gathering, from intimate dinners to bustling holiday parties where people need something elegant to graze on
02 -
  • Remove your cheeses from the refrigerator at least thirty minutes before serving—this single step transforms the tasting experience from good to transcendent, letting flavors truly express themselves
  • The pairings I've suggested are starting points, not rules. Your personal discoveries matter more than tradition—if you find that Manchego loves dark chocolate, that becomes your truth
  • Invest in good cheese knives, one for soft cheeses and one for hard—it prevents flavors from transferring and shows your guests you care about their experience
03 -
  • Keep extra cheese cold and bring sections out as the party progresses—a fresh appearance throughout the evening shows you're thinking of your guests
  • Label your cheeses if guests are unfamiliar with them, but do it with grace—small cards or a whispered explanation creates intimate moments of discovery
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