How to Build a Cheese Board

Building a great cheese board is simpler than it looks. These are the questions our cheesemongers answer every day — the short version, from people who do this for a living.

How many cheeses should I put on a cheese board?

Three to five is the sweet spot. Pick across milk types and textures — for example, a soft-ripened Brie, a firm aged Gouda, a blue, a goat cheese, and a wildcard like an alpine or washed-rind.

How much cheese do I need per person?

Plan on 3–4 ounces of cheese per person if it’s an appetizer, 5–6 ounces if the board is the meal. When in doubt, buy a little extra — leftover cheese is never a problem.

What should I serve with cheese?

Keep it simple: good crackers or sliced baguette, something sweet (honey, fig jam, or fresh grapes), something briny (cornichons or olives), and nuts. Let the cheese be the star.

Where can I buy everything for a cheese board in one trip?

Ideal Cheese Shop at 942 1st Ave stocks the cheeses plus the accompaniments — crackers, jams, honey, cured meats, and pantry items — and the staff will help you compose the board on the spot.