Twelve Days Cheese Board (Printable)

A twelve-section cheese board featuring distinct cheeses paired with complementary sides for festive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 1.76 oz Brie
02 - 1.76 oz Aged Cheddar
03 - 1.76 oz Manchego
04 - 1.76 oz Roquefort or Blue Cheese
05 - 1.76 oz Goat Cheese
06 - 1.76 oz Gruyère
07 - 1.76 oz Camembert
08 - 1.76 oz Gouda
09 - 1.76 oz Comté
10 - 1.76 oz Pecorino
11 - 1.76 oz Havarti
12 - 1.76 oz Smoked Cheese (e.g., Smoked Provolone)

→ Pairings & Accompaniments

13 - 12 slices artisanal bread or assorted crackers
14 - 2 tbsp honey
15 - 2 tbsp fig jam
16 - 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
17 - 24 seedless grapes
18 - 12 dried apricots
19 - 12 walnut halves
20 - 12 toasted almonds
21 - 12 thin apple slices
22 - 12 slices fresh pear
23 - 12 pieces dark chocolate
24 - 12 cornichons
25 - Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish

# How to make it:

01 - Arrange a large serving board or platter and visually divide it into 12 sections using small bowls, ramekins, or garnish lines.
02 - Place one cheese variety in each section, cutting into bite-sized pieces where appropriate and arranging attractively.
03 - Pair each cheese with its designated accompaniment: Brie with honey and apple slice; Aged Cheddar with fig jam and walnut; Manchego with quince paste and almond; Roquefort with pear slice and walnut; Goat Cheese with thyme and grape; Gruyère with mustard and cornichon; Camembert with apple and almond; Gouda with dried apricot and chocolate; Comté with grape and walnut; Pecorino with pear and honey; Havarti with fig jam and almond; Smoked Cheese with cornichon and dark chocolate.
04 - Place 12 slices of artisanal bread or assorted crackers evenly around the board, ensuring sufficient portions for each section.
05 - Decorate the board with fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary for a festive appearance.
06 - Present at room temperature to maximize flavor and enjoyment.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everyone gets their own personalized cheese journey without fighting over the best pieces
  • It transforms a simple cheese board into an interactive experience that sparks conversation and discovery
  • You can prepare it entirely ahead of time, leaving you free to actually enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen
  • It works equally well as an elegant appetizer, a show-stopping centerpiece, or even a fun way to end a meal
02 -
  • Cheese is like a living thing—remove it from the refrigerator about thirty minutes before serving so it can relax and reveal its true flavors; cold cheese tastes muted and one-dimensional
  • The order matters more than you'd think; arrange your sections so that milder cheeses aren't placed directly next to aggressive ones, or palates will get confused between sections
  • Soft cheeses brown and oxidize faster than you'd expect once they're cut, so prepare your board no more than two hours before serving, and cover it loosely with plastic wrap if you need to wait longer
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses two to three days before your party from a shop where they cut it fresh for you; they'll taste noticeably better than pre-packaged options
  • The secret to a board that looks effortless is actually about repetition—repeating certain elements (nuts, fruits, herbs) creates visual harmony and tells your guests that this was thoughtfully composed
  • If you're nervous about amounts, remember that this board serves twelve as an appetizer; if it's the main event, plan for more cheese and more abundant pairings
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