13 Best Cheeses For A Charcuterie Board
Explore the 15 best cheeses for a perfect charcuterie board! From creamy brie to nutty goudas, add some deliciousness to your next gathering.
Published: May 11, 2023 · Modified: February 8, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

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If you’re looking to amp up your charcuterie board game, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the cheese aisle to bring you the 15 best cheeses for a charcuterie board.
From soft and creamy brie to nutty and flavorful gouda, we’ve got you covered. So get your boards ready, it’s time to take your charcuterie skills to the next level!
Discover the 15 finest cheeses for a Charcuterie board
1. Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that is a favorite of many people. It is often served as part of a charcuterie board along with other cheeses, cured meats and raw vegetables. Brie has a slightly salty flavor with a mild, creamy texture that pairs well with a variety of other foods and wines. It’s mild aroma and flavor makes it a popular choice for those who are just beginning to explore the world of cheese. Brie can be enjoyed on its own or melted into recipes for an even creamier texture. Whether you’re serving it as part of a charcuterie board or incorporating it into your favorite dish, Brie is sure to please!
2. Gouda
Gouda is a type of cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It is a semi-hard yellow cheese with a buttery and nutty flavor. Gouda can be served with fruit, crackers, on sandwiches, and even melted on meals like hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and more. Gouda is usually made from cow’s milk, although it can also be made from sheep or goat’s milk. The name “Gouda” comes from the Dutch city of Gouda, where the cheese was first produced over 700 years ago. Today, Gouda is exported all over the world and is one of the most popular types of cheese.
3. Cheddar
Cheddar is a hard, off-white or orange cheese named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is the most popular cheese in the UK, accounting for 51% of the country’s £1.9 billion annual cheese market. Cheddar is also widely used in a variety of dishes, including macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos. It can also be used as a topping for salads, soups, and omelets. Cheddar is aged for several months or up to several years and produces a strong flavor that many people find appealing. It is an excellent source of calcium and protein, making it a great addition to any diet.
4. Manchego
Manchego is a hard, aged cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. It is made from the milk of Manchega sheep and is aged for at least two months, but can be aged for up to a year. It has a firm, creamy texture and a nutty, slightly sharp flavor. Manchego is most commonly used in sandwiches or as a snack, but it can also be served grated over salads or pasta dishes. It is widely available in specialty cheese shops and some grocery stores.
5. Feta
Feta is a traditional Greek cheese, made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat’s milk. It is a crumbly, salty cheese with a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with charcuterie boards. Feta is a great addition to any charcuterie board, as it adds a unique flavor profile and texture. Its saltiness also helps to balance out the flavors and textures of the other meats and cheeses on the board. Feta can be enjoyed as-is or added to salads, pizzas, omelets, and much more.
6. Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a type of Italian blue cheese that is creamy and tangy. It is a great addition to any charcuterie board, as it pairs well with cured meats, some fruits and nuts, and crusty crackers. Gorgonzola has a very distinct flavor that can be enjoyed alone or melted into sauces or pasta dishes. It’s also an excellent cheese for adding to salads for a salty and savory kick. With its unique flavor, Gorgonzola can be the star of any charcuterie board, adding a depth of flavor that no other cheese can provide.
7. Camembert
Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese that is one of the most popular cheeses around the world. It is often served on a charcuterie board as it pairs well with cured meats and other accompaniments, such as olives, pickles, and nuts. Camembert has a rich, creamy flavor that makes it an excellent addition to any cheese board or charcuterie spread. It can be enjoyed on its own, melted over toast, or paired with crisp crackers. Camembert makes a great addition to any charcuterie board and will be sure to delight your guests.
8. Roquefort
Roquefort is a type of blue cheese that is made from sheep’s milk in the South of France. It is a great addition to any charcuterie board. It has a sharp, salty flavor and crumbly texture that pairs well with meats and crackers. Roquefort can be enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, stuffing’s, and even sauces. It is also a great accompaniment to wine and other alcoholic beverages. Its unique flavor can make any charcuterie board more exciting and delicious.
9. Edam
Edam is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands. It is made from cow’s milk and has a unique flavor profile with notes of butterscotch and nuts. Edam pairs wonderfully on a charcuterie board with its mild flavor that won’t overpower the other components of the board. It’s also an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a healthy addition to any snack. Edam is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, so it’s easy to find in grocery stores or online. Try adding some Edam to your next charcuterie board and enjoy its distinctive flavor!
10. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes. It has a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor that adds depth to salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more. It is a great source of calcium and protein, making it a healthy and nutritious choice for everyone. Goat cheese is also easy to work with and takes on the flavors of whatever it is combined with, making it a great addition to many recipes. Whether as an appetizer, side dish or main course, goat cheese can be a great addition to your meal.
11. Blue cheese
Blue cheese is a delicious and unique type of cheese that is known for its distinct flavor and aroma. It is made from cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, or goat’s milk that has been aged and inoculated with spores of the mold Penicillium roquefortii or Penicillium glaucum. This gives blue cheese its characteristic blue or green veins and its pungent, sharp flavor. Blue cheese is commonly used in salads, sauces, and as a topping for burgers and steak. It can also be added to soups, pasta dishes, and omelets. Blue cheese can be enjoyed in many different ways and adds a unique flavor to any dish.
12. Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It is a semi-hard cheese with a mild to sharp flavor, depending on how long it has been aged. It has a smooth texture and a pale yellow color. Provolone is most commonly used for grating, slicing, and melting in recipes. It is also popular as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Provolone can be used as a substitute for other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. The flavor of the cheese can be enhanced by adding herbs and spices like oregano or garlic.
13. Asiago
Asiago is a type of Italian cheese that is produced mainly in the regions of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy. It is a hard, sharp cheese that is characterized by its nutty and slightly salty flavor. Asiago can be eaten on its own, or it can be used to add flavor to other dishes. It is often grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and soups. It also pairs well with cured meats and olives. Asiago is a great addition to any meal and adds a unique flavor to any dish.
Now you know a few of the best cheeses, you can get started, by creating a charcuterie board of your own. A charcuterie board wouldn’t be complete without a few cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, as well as smoked meats like smoked salmon, smoked turkey, and smoked ham. Other accompaniments for a charcuterie board may include olives, pickles, jams, honey, and nuts.
If you’re looking for more charcuterie board inspiration then you should check out our collection of “15 best meats for a charcuterie board” or our “What is a charcuterie board” post, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about charcuterie boards and more.