7 Tips for the Best Wine and Cheese Party – how to build a charcuterie board in 10 minutes plus wine pairings and how to entertain stress-free!
A charcuterie board (cheese board) is one of my top tips for entertaining – you might say it’s a secret weapon in entertaining because it’s easy to whip up, guests love them and it’s a set it and forget it appetizer freeing you up to enjoy the party too!
WHY A WINE AND CHEESE PARTY WORKS:
- Easy, effortless ad a more casual approach to entertaining.
- Cheese boards – or charcuterie boards – are so much fun to put together!
- A wine and cheese party is a great way to kick off the holidays!
- Prep ahead so you can mingle with guests.
- It’s easy to customize.
WHAT IS A CHARCUTERIE?
Charcuterie is a French term ??? for a meal or snack with a variety of cheese, cured meats (such as salami and prosciutto) and some sort of bread or crackers.
They’ve taken off around the world – especially in the U.S. over the last several years and basically are any sort of snack or light meal board.
7 TIPS FOR THE BEST WINE AND CHEESE PARTY:
- Most important – there are NO rules! Relax, get creative and have fun with it!
- Create a playlist – ito set a fun atmosphere when guests arrive.
- Red and white – have a selection of both wines on on hand.
- Size and shape – slice, cube and wedge cheeses for visual interest.
- Color – offer pops of color – bright green apple slices, cherry red pomegranates.
- Small bowls are perfect for keeping pickles, olives or dips contained.
- Shop at home first -Check your pantry before assembling your board. It’s a great way to use open packages — then hit the store. Aldi and Trader Joe’s are some of my favorite sources for selection and price.
THE BASICS OF WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE BEST WINE AND CHEESE PARTY:
- a selection of different wines
- cheeses
- sliced crusty bread
- a little something sweet
- cheese board, serving platter or charcuterie board
- wine glasses
- small plates
- a variety of cheeses and meats,
- fresh fruit
- olives and/or pickles
- bread and crackers
NOTE: any board will work – use what you already have! If you’re looking to buy new, TJ Maxx is a great source for beautiful boards at very reasonable prices.
You can also use a large ceramic platter or tray – a rimmed baking sheet will even work!
WHAT’S THE BEST KIND OF WINE FOR A WINE AND CHEESE PARTY?
First, you don’t have to be a wine expert! The right wine or best wines for any party is the kind you like best. Choose a couple of options – fruity reds and a dry white and if you have a favorite wine include it.
If you’re completely at a loss, stop at a wine store – they’ll be happy to help you choose something delicious within your budget.
I’m not a fan of sweet wines, but if you are – or think your guests will be – offer that too.
Be sure to have a couple of options – both red and white. Choose a classic wine
pinot noir
prosecco
moscato (sweet)
sauvignon blanc
cabernet sauvignon
Rosé
pinot grigio
WHAT TYPES OF CHEESE IS BEST FOR A WINE AND CHEESE PARTY? soft creamy cheeses
I like to serve both hard cheeses and soft cheeses – usually 3-4 different kinds max.
I recommend having both soft cheeses and hard cheeses along with a bold cheese (blue) and of course if you have a favorite cheese, but all means serve it! It’s also a great time to try a fun new cheese.
For soft creamy cheeses, goat cheese is ideal because it’s practically an appetizer on its own. Drizzle honey or a good quality jam (or even pepper jelly) over the top and add an assortment of crackers. You may see it seasonally rolled in cranberries or blueberries – delicious!
Below are other different cheeses that I really enjoy.
Gouda
Aged Cheddar
Gruyere
Brie
Blue Cheese
Feta
Whipped cheeses are a great addition too, like my Garlic Feta Dip or Hot Honey Ricotta or even fresh made hummus!
EXTRAS TO ADD TO YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
a selection of mini pickles and olives
dips and spreads (optional but tasty)
crackers
nuts
fresh fruit (pomegranate makes a beautiful addition)
dried fruit
bite size chocolates or cookies
cured Italian meats (salami, prosciutto, soppressata)
cheese knives or cheese slicer
SEASONAL FRUIT TO ADD TO YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
Apple slices (slice just before serving so they don’t brown)
Pears
Green or red grapes
Blackberries or other fresh berries
Slices figs
Pomegranates
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
- Choose a board or serving platter.
- Add bowls to contain items that may spread onto other foods (such as pickle juice or dips)
- Place largest items onto the board.
- Add sliced, crumbled or diced cheeses.
- Fill in gaps with smaller items, decorative fruit or other edibles
NOTE: any board will work – use what you already have! If you’re looking to buy new, TJ Maxx is a great source for beautiful boards at very reasonable prices.
You can also use a large ceramic platter or tray – a rimmed baking sheet will even work!
WHAT’S THE BEST KIND OF WINE FOR A WINE AND CHEESE PARTY?
First, you don’t have to be a wine expert! The right wine or best wines for any party is the kind you like best. Choose a couple of options – fruity reds and a dry white and if you have a favorite wine include it.
If you’re completely at a loss, stop at a wine store – they’ll be happy to help you choose something delicious within your budget.
I’m not a fan of sweet wines, but if you are – or think your guests will be – offer that too.
Be sure to have a couple of options – both red and white. Choose a classic wine
pinot noir
prosecco
moscato (sweet)
sauvignon blanc
cabernet sauvignon
Rosé
pinot grigio
WHAT TYPES OF CHEESE IS BEST FOR A WINE AND CHEESE PARTY? soft creamy cheeses
I like to serve both hard cheeses and soft cheeses – usually 3-4 different kinds max.
I recommend having both soft cheeses and hard cheeses along with a bold cheese (blue) and of course if you have a favorite cheese, but all means serve it! It’s also a great time to try a fun new cheese.
For soft creamy cheeses, goat cheese is ideal because it’s practically an appetizer on its own. Drizzle honey or a good quality jam (or even pepper jelly) over the top and add an assortment of crackers. You may see it seasonally rolled in cranberries or blueberries – delicious!
Below are other different cheeses that I really enjoy.
Gouda
Aged Cheddar
Gruyere
Brie
Blue Cheese
Feta
Whipped cheeses are a great addition too, like my Garlic Feta Dip or Hot Honey Ricotta or even fresh made hummus!
EXTRAS TO ADD TO YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
a selection of mini pickles and olives
dips and spreads (optional but tasty)
crackers
nuts
fresh fruit (pomegranate makes a beautiful addition)
dried fruit
bite size chocolates or cookies
cured Italian meats (salami, prosciutto, soppressata)
cheese knives or cheese slicer
SEASON FRUIT TO ADD TO YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
Apple slices (slice just before serving so they don’t brown)
Pears
Green or red grapes
Blackberries or other fresh berries
Slices figs
Pomegranates
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR CHEESE BOARD:
- Choose a board or serving platter.
- Start with a board or serving platter. You don’t need anything fancy. A clean cutting board works well (I have a couple I use strictly for charcuterie boards)
- Add bowls to contain items that may spread onto other foods (such as pickle juice or dips)
- Place largest items onto the board.
- Add sliced, crumbled or diced cheeses.
- Fill in gaps with smaller items, decorative fruit or other edibles
Choose 3-5 different kinds of cheeses. Cut some and slice others so there’s some visual variety. Add one or two cured meats, like prosciutto and soppressata or even chorizo if you like something spicier.
Olives, pickles or nuts not only add variety to the board, but texture and light crunch.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife
I shared on my personal page and my website page – I hope some folks come on over and guess how much!
Thank you so much Wendi!