Creating a French cheese board is more than a culinary endeavor; it’s an art form and an invitation to indulge in the richness of French culture.
At French Wink, we offer everything you need to craft the perfect fromage experience, with authentic products that bring the true taste of France right to your home. Here’s how to prepare an unforgettable French cheese board, featuring exclusive selections of French cheeses and accessories from our curated collection.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cheeses
The key to a balanced French cheese board is variety. French cheese is categorized by texture and flavor, ranging from soft and creamy to firm and aged, each offering a unique profile. Our exclusive French cheese sets, deliver a curated selection of iconic French cheeses directly from France. Some popular choices to include:
- Brie – Soft and creamy with a buttery flavor that becomes more pronounced with age.
- Comté – A hard cheese with nutty undertones, perfect for those who enjoy aged flavors.
- Roquefort – A blue cheese with sharp, tangy notes that pairs beautifully with sweeter accompaniments.
- Chèvre – Goat cheese offers a range of flavors, from fresh and mild to tangy and robust.
Make sure to offer a variety of textures: soft, semi-soft, firm, and blue, to cater to different tastes. A typical French cheese board will include three to five different cheeses to avoid overwhelming the palate.
Step 2: Select the Perfect Accompaniments
The right pairings can elevate your cheese board to new heights. Choose accompaniments that complement and contrast the flavors of your cheeses:
- Breads and crackers: Offer a variety of textures such as French baguette slices, or crackers to complement the creamy or firm cheeses.
- Jams and honey: Sweet accompaniments like fruit jam or honey balance the sharpness of blue or goat cheese.
- Nuts and dried fruits: Almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, or figs provide a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Cornichons and pickled vegetables: Add a tangy contrast with traditional French cornichons and other pickles from Bornibus.
Step 3: Serve on a Beautiful Cheese Board
Presentation is key, and the right cheese board sets the tone for your gathering. Our French Wink cheese board collection features stunning options, from rustic wooden boards to elegant designs.
Arrange your cheeses from mildest to strongest, placing softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert in the center and firmer varieties toward the edge. Remember to allow your cheeses to come to room temperature before serving, as this enhances their flavor.
For the perfect finishing touch, don’t forget to include cheese knives, serving utensils, and small bowls for your accompaniments. Our curated selection includes everything you need to present your cheese board in true French style.
Step 4: Pair with Wine
No French cheese board is complete without wine. Pair your selections with classic French wines:
- Red wine: A bold red, such as Bordeaux or Côtes du Rhône, complements the nutty richness of Comté or the robust flavors of aged cheeses.
- White wine: Crisp white wines like Sancerre or a chilled Chardonnay offer a refreshing balance for creamy cheeses like Brie or Chèvre.
- Champagne: For an extra touch of elegance, Champagne pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, particularly soft or fresh varieties.
Step 5: Say Cheese and Cheer!
Once your cheese board is ready, sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment with friends and family: Cheer to Cheese!
A French cheese board is more than just a meal; it’s an experience meant to be savored.
Discover our full range of cheese boards, accessories, and exclusive French cheeses here, and bring a taste of France to your next gathering.
