Your step-by-step roadmap to creating the perfect cheese board — Charlotte style.

A great cheese board isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a date night, or putting together a simple snack for friends, a well-crafted cheese board brings people together and makes any moment feel special.

At Orrman’s Cheese Shop in Charlotte, we help customers build cheese boards every day. Over time, we’ve learned exactly what works, what doesn’t, and how to create a board that’s both beautiful and delicious — no matter your skill level.

Here’s your complete guide to building a cheese board that looks professional, tastes incredible, and fits any occasion.

1. The Foundations of a Great Cheese Board

A great board includes variety — in texture, milk type, and flavor.

The 4-Cheese Formula 

Choose one from each category:

1. Soft Cheese: Brie, Fromager d’Affinois or a triple cream

2. Semi-Soft Cheese: Hickory Grove, Appalachian, 

3. Firm Cheese: Cheddar, Manchego, aged Gouda

4. Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola Dolce, Roquefort, Stilton

Pro Tip from Orrman’s

Include at least one familiar cheese (cheddar or brie) and one adventurous cheese (a washed-rind or blue). This balances crowd-pleasing comfort with discovery.

2. Elevating Your Board with Charcuterie

Even if you're building a cheese-only board, charcuterie is a welcome addition.

Popular pairings:

• Prosciutto

• Soppressata

• Speck

• Pâté or rillettes

Fan slices of Prosciutto or roll salamis for added visual flair.

3. Fruits That Balance and Brighten Cheese

Fruit brightens the board and complements rich cheeses.

Fresh Fruits

• Grapes

• Apples

• Pears

• Figs

Dried Fruits

• Apricots

• Pajero Figs

• Dried Cherries

These provide sweetness that balances saltier cheeses.

4. Adding Crunch with Nuts

Nuts add texture and richness.

Great choices:

• Marcona almonds

• Candied pecans

• Walnuts

• Pistachios

Scatter them in clusters for easy snacking.

5. Condiments That Transform Every Bite

These amplify flavors and elevate the entire board.

Popular pairings:

• Honey

• Fig jam

• Whole-grain mustard

• Cornichons

• Olive tapenade

If you're serving blue cheese, honey or dark chocolate is a magical pairing.

6. Choosing the Right Breads & Crackers

Texture matters — offer options.

Include:

• Sliced baguette

• Seeded crackers

• Water crackers

• Crostini

Place them on the side or in a separate bowl to avoid sogginess.

7. How to Arrange a Cheese Board Like a Pro

This is where presentation matters most.

Step-by-Step Layout Guide:

1. Place cheeses first — space them like anchors.

2. Add bowls or ramekins for jams, olives, honey.

3. Fan or fold charcuterie into curves or piles.

4. Add fruits and nuts to fill in gaps.

5. Finish with garnish: herbs, edible flowers, rosemary sprigs.

This creates a balanced look with easy access for guests.

8. Pair Your Cheese Board with the Right Drinks

Charlotte hosts love pairing cheese with:

Wine Pairings

• Sparkling wine → Brie or triple cream

• Red blends → Cheddar or aged Gouda

• Port → Blue cheese

Beer Pairings

• IPAs → Cheddar

• Porters → Blue

• Saisons → Soft cheeses

Non-Alcohol Pairings

• Sparkling water

• Fresh cider

• Herbal teas

9. Build a Board for Every Occasion

Date Night

A small board with 2–3 cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolate.

Girls’ Night

Add sparkling wine, jams, and sweet pairings.

Holiday Parties

Large board with seasonal fruit, nuts, and festive presentation.

Office Events

Include individually portioned items for easy serving.

10. Want a Professional Board? Orrman’s Can Build It for You.

If you’d rather skip the work, Orrman’s Cheese Shop offers:

• Small, medium, and large cheese boards

• Charcuterie add-ons

• Seasonal & holiday boards

• Custom pairings

• Perfect gifts for hosts, clients, and families

Everything is made in-house by our expert cheesemongers and available for pickup at the 7th Street Public Market.

Your Charlotte Cheese Board Destination

Whether you're crafting your own board or ordering from us, our team at Orrman’s Cheese Shop is here to help you select the perfect cheeses for any occasion.

Stop in, call, or browse our online selection to get started!