Winter Cheese Board

This Winter Cheese Board is the BEST! Loaded with different types of cheese, salty crackers, meats and of course, some fresh fruit, this is the best for those nights where you don’t want to cook anything for dinner!

Happy (almost!) 2021! Wow. I can’t even believe I’m writing those words. I hope you all had a terrific holiday season and enjoyed Christmas. I certainly did! 

But if you’re also now in that weird time of year where you aren’t sure what day it is or what in the world you even have in the fridge for dinner – this recipe is for you! 

It’s the best way to load up whatever leftovers, whether it be those random apples you forgot in the back of your fridge, crackers you need to use up or that cheese in the drawer that must be used by the New Year. 

Note: please know that I am in no way advocating for large gatherings with this board – you can easily scale it down for a small group OR use the rest as leftovers. 

Ingredients You Need: 

• Crackers 
• Cured meats 
• Cheeses 
• Fresh fruit 
• Fresh veggies 
• Chocolate (if desired!) 

How to Make the Best Cheese Board: 

Start off with a nice board – it can be rectangular or circular. I got mine from Target and I love it. 

First, you have to get your crackers! I like having a variety of crackers – sometimes you can grab a pack of assorted crackers at the grocery store. 

Get circular, rectangular, flavored, plain wheat, salted..you name it! You can also splurge for some artisan crisps or crackers! I love these Rosemary Crackers I get from Aldi. Pita crisps/bites work well also!

Next, if you want, add some cured meat! Aldi has the BEST prices on cured meats – I always pick up this variety pack for only around $5-$6. 

I like having plain salami, a spicy meat and then of course, you can never go wrong with pepperoni! 

And what’s a cheese board without CHEEEEEESE?!

The cheese preferences are all up to you – as I know that everyone has different tastes but here are a few that I like to pick out. Once again, highly recommend Aldi for super affordable gourmet cheeses! 

First, I like a mellow cheese – think gouda or mozzarella balls! 

Next, a fun flavored cheese is always welcomed. For me, I did cranberry white cheddar. A jalapeno one would work or Trader Joe’s has an amazing one with caramelized onions! 

Always try to have a soft cheese on hand! That can be brie or I tried this Port Salut this time and it was amazing! 

Another one I love to always have is GOAT CHEESE! There is nothing like a tangy log of goat cheese to add to a cheese board. I love adding a drizzle of honey on top. SO yum. 

Now that the cheese is sorted out, fresh fruit is always welcomed! Here are a few that I love, especially in the winter: 

• Fresh pomegranates 
• Apple slices 
• Pear slices 
• Orange slices 

Fresh veggies are always a great add as well: 

• Carrot sticks 
• Cucumber slices 
• Sliced bell pepper strips 
• Fresh Green Beans

Whatever you like, works! It doesn’t have to be this fancy cheese board, especially if, in my case, you’re just going to be eating it with your significant other at home! 

Leftovers/Repurposing Cheese Board

Another awesome thing about cheese boards? You can absolutely just pack the cheese/crackers/fruit/veg you didn’t eat up in tupperware and save it for ANOTHER meal. Leftovers are your friend! Believe me, I’m all down for eating as much cheese as possible but, don’t feel like you have to eat it all in one sitting if you’re getting full. 

I’ve done this many times and the leftovers always keep great! You can also meal prep it and have it for lunch each day 🙂 Here’s an example: 

Looking for a fun beverage to serve with this board for New Years? Try out my Champagne Moscow Mule or my Cranberry Orange Bourbon Fizz!

My favorite thing to remember when I make this Winter Cheese Board is that it DOESN’T have to be Instagram worthy. It can be simple, done well and delicious without having the aesthetic that I want it to be. 

Besides, aren’t cheese boards just adult lunchables?! Ha! 

Enjoy, my friends! 

Did you like this recipe? Here are a few others you might enjoy: 

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites 

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves 

Thank you so much for following along here, friends! Want to see more? Be sure to follow ourbalancedbowl on Instagram and tag me with your photo if you end up making a recipe! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Our Balanced Bowl Facebook page! Like a recipe that you saw? Follow me on Pinterest here! I always love to see your re-creations! If you do make a recipe, it would make my whole day if you were to rate and comment so I can get your feedback! Lots of love! – Haylie