Entertaining at your house during the fall season? This Autumn Harvest Cheese Board is the perfect appetizer because it offers a little something for everyone. A cheese board looks so pretty on a kitchen counter and is sure to be savored by guests. With a few staple ingredients, you’ll have an impressive spread to serve at your next gathering with family and friends.

The Essentials of a Cheese Board

• The cheeses – Keep it simple with a few classics you know people will love. I always have a cheddar and Manchego. On this board, I used blue cheese, cheddar, and Manchego. A creamy brie, goat cheese, Gouda, and Gruyère are some other favorites.
• The crackers – Mix it up with some fun crackers. I usually have a basic water cracker, then include artisan choices such as rosemary & sea salt, multigrain, cheese stick twists, olive oil & sea salt, crostini, or thin wafers. 
• Seasonal fruits – Grapes and cheese are a classic pair. Freshly sliced apples, pears, pomegranates, or oranges are all delicious too. For dried fruit, I love sprinkling in some dried apricots.
• The spreads – I absolutely love fig preserves and honey for cheese boards. This time of year, apple butter or pumpkin butter would be great too. So many flavorful combos!
• Nuts – raw, roasted, or candied nuts are all good here! For this board, I chose herb roasted Marcona almonds.
• Chocolate – Two of my personal favorites are dark chocolate sea salt caramels and dark chocolate covered almonds – so good!  
• Garnishes – Fresh herbs are the prettiest garnishes! Fresh sage gave this board all the fall feels. Rosemary and thyme are lovely herbs this time of year as well.
• Optional extras – pickled vegetables, olives, or cured meats such as prosciutto

Tips on Creating a Cheese Board

• Keep it simple, yet elegant. Cheese boards don’t require a ton of ingredients, just a few favorites. Stock up on the essentials and arrange them on the board to make it look full.
• When creating a cheese board, choose ingredients you love the most! That way, if there are any leftovers, you’ll be able to enjoy them after your get together.
• When assembling the board, I like to start by arranging the cheeses. Then, I sprinkle in the other goodies like fruits, crackers, and spreads. I usually save the nuts, dark chocolate almonds, and fresh herbs until the end to make it look full and tie it all together. Have fun with it!
• Include colorful fruits and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
• For the most flavorful cheeses, set out the board 30 minutes or so before serving.

I’d love to see your seasonal cheese boards! Share with us on Instagram @savorbyjuliana!