Twelve Days Cheese Board (Print Version)

A festive cheese board showcasing 12 distinct cheeses paired with complementary accents for holiday gatherings.

# Components:

→ 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 thyme and rosemary for garnish

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Arrange a large board or platter and divide visually into 12 sections using small bowls, ramekins, or garnish lines.
02 - Place one cheese variety per section, cutting into bite-sized pieces where appropriate for ease of serving.
03 - Pair each cheese with its designated accompaniment, for example: 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 artisanal bread slices or crackers around the board to complement all sections.
05 - Decorate the board with fresh thyme and rosemary for an elegant, festive presentation.
06 - Present at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It becomes the centerpiece conversation starter that transforms any gathering into an interactive tasting experience, where everyone becomes an explorer of flavors
  • Each section pairs different cheeses with unexpected companions, so even devoted cheese lovers discover new favorite combinations they'd never considered before
  • The beauty of arranging twelve distinct stories on one board feels like creating edible art, making you look like a thoughtful entertainer without requiring any actual cooking skills
02 -
  • Temperature is everything—a cheese straight from the refrigerator tastes muted and one-dimensional, but at room temperature, even simple cheeses reveal hidden layers and true personality
  • The pairing matters more than perfection; it's not about impressing people with your cheese knowledge, it's about creating moments where two flavors together become greater than they are alone
03 -
  • Prepare everything except the softest cheeses and fresh fruit the night before, then assemble the final board just before guests arrive for maximum freshness and creamy texture
  • Use a small spoon or knife beside spreads like honey, fig jam, and mustard so people feel empowered to customize their portions rather than double-dipping
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