How to Build a Cheese and Chocolate Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards have become a trendy and delightful way to entertain guests or enjoy a special treat. While the traditional charcuterie board features an array of cured meats, cheeses, and accoutrements, there’s no rule against getting a little creative and trying something new.

A cheese and chocolate charcuterie board offers a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors that surprisingly to some, is super delicious. Don’t know where to start with your cheese and chocolate board? We are here to guide you through the process of creating the perfect board that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Choosing your Ingredients

Start with choosing a variety of high-quality chesses with different textures, flavors, and colors. A good rule of thumb is to choose three to five different cheeses per board. Consider a mix of soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses. Some popular choices for a cheese and chocolate board include brie, cheddar, blue cheese, goat cheese, and gouda.

Opt for high-quality chocolate bars, both dark and milk, to offer a variety of flavors and colors. You can also include white chocolate for a visually pleasing contrast. Look for chocolates with different cacao percentages and unique add-ins like nuts, fruits, or spices.

Tip: Try adding chocolate nut butter cups or festive truffles to spice up your board for the Holiday Season.

Pair “Like with Like”

Choosing cheese and chocolate with similar strengths and flavors is the general rule of thumb when planning your cheese and chocolate pairings.

For example, dark Chocolate is less sweet, so it goes well with the aged and saltier cheeses like blue cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamy so pairing it with goat cheese, which is also sweeter and creamier, works well.

Other pairing examples include:

• Goat, Monterey jack, and brie cheese + milk and tart chocolate
• Triple Cream Cheeses + milk or dark (80%-90% cacao)
• Dense and Nutty Cheese + Dark (75 to 85% cocoa) and nutty chocolate flavors
• Blue Cheese + dark (80% to 90% cocoa) chocolate and nutty/tart flavors
• Medium gouda, medium cheddar, and gruyere cheese + Dark Chocolate (75% to 85% cocoa)
• Extra sharp white cheddar + dark chocolate with fruit
• Mild gouda cheese + white chocolate

Plant-Based Options

For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, creating a plant-based version is not only possible, but also incredibly delicious and easy.

Begin by curating an array of vegan cheeses that have different textures and flavors. Some familiar options might include cashew-based soft cheeses, almond-based hard cheeses, and even coconut or soy-based spreads. Be sure to also incorporate some herb-infused varieties, smoked flavors, and those with nuts for added texture. And don’t forget to include some plant-based cheese spreads!

Choose a mix of oat mylk, nut butter, and other plant-based chocolate varieties. Similar to the non-vegan chocolate variations, include a mix of chocolate with varying cocoa percentages. Include chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, nut-butter cups, and even vegan truffles for a decadent touch. A drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce can also add an artistic flair.

Elevate your gatherings with a Vegan Cheese and Chocolate Charcuterie Board that showcases the richness and variety of plant-based options.

How to Build the Board

1. Choose the Right Board: Select a large wooden or marble board, slate, or even a serving platter as the base for your cheese and chocolate board. Make sure it’s clean and dry before starting.
2. Cheese Placement: Begin by arranging your cheeses on the board. Place them in different corners or sections to create visual appeal. You can slice or cube some of the cheeses to make them more accessible.
3. Chocolate Placement: Strategically position the chocolate bars and pieces alongside the cheeses. Within the cheese and chocolate pairings, alternative milk/plant-based mylk and dark chocolate across the board.
4. Fill the Gaps: Fill any gaps with a variety of fruit, nuts, and herbs like mint and rosemary. You can scatter them around the board to add color and balance. You could also add in chocolate-covered pretzels or candies to take it to the next level!

Tip: Try drizzling a small portion of honey over some of the cheese.

Serving and Enjoying

When it’s time to serve, make sure to provide small knives for cutting the cheese and utensils for picking up the chocolates, fruits, and nuts. Encourage your guests to mix and match flavors to create their perfect bites. Pair your cheese and chocolate charcuterie board with wine, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic beverage to complete the experience.