How to Create the Perfect French Cheese Board for a Festive Holiday Season
- Anissa :)
- Dec 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Ah, the holidays in France—cheerful markets, snowy rooftops, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and of course… cheese! Nothing says “joyeux Noël” quite like une belle planche de fromage to share with loved ones. Whether you're celebrating with a cozy dîner de Noël or simply indulging in a little French flair this season, a perfectly curated cheese board can make any occasion feel special.
Let’s dive into the world of French cheeses and turn your next gathering into la fête du fromage!
How to Choose Your Holiday Cheeses
The golden rule of cheese boards: variety is key. Aim for at least three types of cheese to create a balanced platter that will wow your guests. Here’s the basic trio to include:
Soft cheese (fromage à pâte molle): Think creamy and indulgent—perfect for the festive season.
Hard cheese (fromage à pâte pressée, fromage à pâte dure): Nutty and satisfying, great with a glass of wine by the fire.
Blue or goat cheese (fromage à pâte persillée or fromage de chèvre): These bold options will add a touch of adventure to your board.
Holiday Tip: Why not make your cheese selection extra festive by picking varieties with seasonal touches? Opt for cheeses with rich, buttery flavors or hints of nuttiness—perfect for pairing with a sparkling wine or mulled cider.
Examples:
Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or Brillat-Savarin (the “foie gras of cheeses”). This triple cream delight pairs wonderfully with champagne—bubbles and cheese? Yes, please!
Hard cheeses: Comté, Mimolette, or Beaufort. Did you know mimolette was a favorite of Charles de Gaulle? Its bright orange color and caramelized taste add a cheerful pop to your board.
Blue or goat cheeses: Roquefort, Valençay, or Bleu d’Auvergne. While these may not be everyone’s first choice, they shine when paired with honey or a sweet dessert wine.
Storing, Serving, and Savoring Your Cheese
Storage Secrets: Wrap your cheese in its original paper or wax-coated paper—never plastic. Cheese needs to breathe! If stored well, it will reward you with its full array of flavors.
Serving Style: Remove your cheeses from the fridge at least an hour before serving. Cold cheese = muted flavors. Trust the French on this one: cheese shines at room temperature.
The Golden Rule of Tasting: Always start with the mildest cheese and work your way to the strongest. This way, your taste buds can fully appreciate each cheese without being overwhelmed by bold flavors early on.
And please, resist the urge to spread soft cheeses on bread like butter. Instead, cut a piece of cheese and place it gently on a slice of baguette. Voilà—French etiquette in action!
Accompaniments for a Noël Cheese Board
French cheese boards are traditionally simple and elegant, but the holidays are the perfect excuse to add a touch of creativity. Here’s how to elevate your platter while keeping it authentically French:
Classic French Pairings:
Bread: Always include a crusty baguette. For extra flair, offer a nutty bread to pair with goat cheese.
Butter: A pat of salted French butter (beurre demi-sel) alongside your cheeses? Très chic.
Cornichons: These tiny pickles cut through the richness of cheese with a zesty crunch.
Festive Holiday Additions:
Dried fruits: Figs, apricots, and dates bring a natural sweetness that complements strong cheeses like Roquefort.
Nuts: Walnuts and hazelnuts add a delightful crunch but don’t overdo it—nuts can overpower delicate cheese flavors.
Fresh fruit: Pear and apple slices add a refreshing contrast to creamy cheeses like brie.
What to Avoid:Skip the crackers, pre-sliced cheeses, and over-the-top garnishes. Keep it elegant and let the cheese take center stage.
A Little Holiday Vocabulary
Ready to impress your friends and family with your cheese expertise? Sprinkle some of these French terms into your conversation:
Une fromagerie = cheese shop
Un fromager = a cheesemonger
Un plateau de fromage/ une planche de fromage = cheese board
Une assiette de fromage = cheese plate
Un couteau à fromage = cheese knife
Le pain = bread
Le beurre = butter
Le miel = honey
un accompagnement = an accompaniment
la croûte du fromage = cheese rind
Make It Magical
So, whether you’re celebrating Christmas in Paris or creating a little French magic at home, a beautifully crafted cheese board is a delicious way to spread joy. Gather your friends, pour some wine, and toast to the art of fromage.
Joyeuses fêtes et bon appétit! 🧀✨
Comments