Creating a French Cheese Board: Reblochon and Other Delicious Choices for a Relaxed Evening
There’s something special about sharing good food with friends, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and packed full of flavour. A French cheese board can turn a regular evening into something a little more enjoyable, perfect for a catch-up, movie night, or laid-back dinner. With just a few classics like Reblochon, Brie de Meaux, and Tomme de Savoie, you’ll have a board that’s hard to resist.
If you’ve never built a cheese board before or you’re just looking to add something new, we’ve got you covered. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we love helping people discover new flavours and make entertaining easier. Let’s walk through how to build a brilliant French cheese board that keeps things simple but full of taste.
Pick a Star Cheese: Reblochon
Every great cheese board needs a focus, and Reblochon is a perfect choice. This soft, smear-ripened cheese from the Savoie region of France has a washed rind and a creamy, nutty centre. It’s got a slightly earthy smell, which simply means it’s full of character. The smooth texture melts in the mouth and pairs really well with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.
We always include Reblochon when we want to impress without overdoing it. If you’re curious to try it, you’ll find high-quality Reblochon AOC available from our shop online, delivered fresh and carefully selected.
Add a Soft Classic: Brie de Meaux
What’s a French board without Brie? Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese that brings a rich, buttery taste with a hint of mushrooms when it ripens fully. It’s from the Île-de-France area and has been a favourite at French tables for centuries.
We recommend serving Brie at room temperature to let the flavours fully develop. Slice it gently and serve it with grapes, figs, or even a drizzle of honey. If we’re building a board for a relaxed evening, this is usually the first cheese people go back for seconds.
Choose a Goat’s Cheese for Contrast: Crottin AOC
A good cheeseboard includes different milk types. Goat’s cheese brings a tangy note that mixes well with creamier cheeses. Crottin AOC is small and rustic. As it ages, the flavour gets stronger, so you can include a young one and a mature one to show how it changes over time.
Spread a bit of Crottin on sourdough with a little fig chutney, and you’ve got something simple but special!
Round It Out with Something Rich: Délice de Bourgogne
Triple-cream cheeses are rich, smooth, and totally indulgent. Délice de Bourgogne does exactly what you’d expect: it melts on the tongue with flavours of double cream and a tangy finish.
We usually pair it with something sweet, an apricot jam or a spoonful of fruit compote works well. If you’re serving wine, go for sparkling or dry white to cut through the richness. This one doesn’t need a lot of fuss, and that’s what makes it perfect for chilled evenings with mates.
Bring in a Bit of Country Charm: Tomme de Savoie
To balance the creamy, soft cheeses, you need something earthy and firm. Tomme de Savoie comes from the French Alps and has a grey-brown rind with a pale yellow interior. It’s a simple cheese, made from skimmed milk, but that’s what makes it shine on a board with fuller cheeses.
It’s subtle but with a nutty taste that goes beautifully with walnuts, apples or a crunchy baguette.
How to Arrange the Board
Once you’ve picked your favourite French cheeses, you’ll want to arrange them in a way that’s easy for sharing. We suggest starting with a wooden or slate board. Use ramekins or small bowls to hold extras like olives, chutneys, or nuts.
Place the cheeses at different corners or sections of the board, leaving space between each one. This makes it easier to cut and pick up without mixing the flavours. If you’ve bought small portions, pre-slice some of the cheese to help your guests dive right in.
Add a couple of types of crackers, rustic bread slices, and some fruit for sweetness. Think grapes, dried apricots, apple slices, or even fresh strawberries, especially in spring and summer.
Drinks That Go Well with Your Cheese Board
Cheese and wine are known for being a winning combo. If you’re not sure what to serve, start with something light for the soft cheeses. White or sparkling wines go perfectly with Délice de Bourgogne and Brie. A dry white wine pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese, such as Crottin AOC.
For the nuttier and firmer cheeses, such as Tomme de Savoie or Reblochon, try a medium-bodied red wine. If you’re not into wine, cider pairs just as well, especially a dry French one. And for a non-alcoholic option, light pear or apple juice is refreshing and enjoyable for everyone.
Where to Buy Your French Cheeses
When picking your cheeses, it helps to choose ones cut fresh, well-stored, and selected by experts. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we specialise in Artisan French cheeses that showcase the best flavours from across France.
Whether it’s a wedge of Tomme or a whole round of Crottin, each cheese is chosen for its quality and character. By shopping with us, you’re not only getting great cheese, but also support from a team that really knows cheese and is happy to share advice.
FAQs
What cheeses go best with Reblochon on a board?
Try softer cheeses like Brie de Meaux and Délice de Bourgogne, and balance with firmer types like Tomme de Savoie. Adding goat’s cheese, like Crottin AOC, gives extra variety.
Should I serve cheese at room temperature?
Yes. Take your cheeses out of the fridge about an hour before serving. They’ll taste much better and be easier to cut and enjoy.
How much cheese should I plan per person?
Roughly 150-200g of cheese per guest if the board is the main snack. If it’s an appetiser, 100g per person is usually enough.
What do I need to go with the cheeses?
Serve with different textures: crusty bread, crackers, dried or fresh fruits, mixed nuts, and jams or chutneys for added flavour.
Can I serve Reblochon melted?
Yes, though on a cheese board it’s usually served as-is. But if you have leftovers, it’s amazing melted over potatoes or baked in the oven!
Let’s Keep It Simple and Delicious
A French cheese board doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of well-chosen cheeses, like Reblochon AOC, Brie de Meaux, Crottin AOC, Delice de Bourgogne, and Tomme de Savoie, you can build a board that looks lovely and tastes even better.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re here to help you find cheeses that match your taste and your plans. From weekend nights in to small gatherings, a simple cheese board makes those everyday moments just that bit better.
Start planning your perfect evening with help from our team and browse our full range of French artisan cheeses today. Why not invite a few friends round and enjoy the simple pleasure of good cheese, good company, and a relaxed night in?
