Fall is a magical time of year when the air turns crisp, and the leaves begin to paint the landscape in warm, rich hues. It’s also the perfect season for gatherings, from cozy nights by the fire to Thanksgiving feasts with friends and family. One of the best ways to celebrate the flavors of the season is by creating the ultimate fall cheese platter. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging with a glass of wine, a well-curated cheese board can be a delightful way to showcase autumn’s bounty.
SEE ALSO: My complete guide to assembling the ultimate cheese platter for any type of gathering →
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a stunning fall cheese platter that not only tastes incredible but also captures the essence of the season. From choosing the right cheeses and accompaniments to arranging everything like a pro, let’s dive into the art of crafting a fall-inspired masterpiece.
Selecting the cheeses
The cheese is, of course, the star of your platter, so you’ll want to choose a variety of flavors, textures and milk types to create a balanced and intriguing spread. For a fall theme, think about cheeses that offer warmth, richness and depth—flavors that evoke the coziness of the season.
Soft cheeses
Soft cheeses are creamy, luscious and approachable, making them a must-have on any cheese platter. For fall, opt for cheeses that are particularly rich or tangy.
- Brie or Camembert: These buttery French classics are perfect for fall. Brie has a mild, creamy flavor, while Camembert tends to be slightly more pungent. Warm them up in the oven for a few minutes for an extra gooey texture that pairs wonderfully with seasonal fruits and nuts.
- Goat Cheese: A fresh chèvre offers a tangy, bright contrast to the richer cheeses on the board. You can roll it in herbs or chopped nuts for a more festive presentation. For a fall twist, try a fig or honey-drizzled goat cheese.
Semi-soft cheeses
Semi-soft cheeses are versatile and offer a variety of flavor profiles that can range from mild to bold.
- Taleggio: This Italian washed rind cheese is earthy and creamy with a slight nuttiness, making it a great addition to a fall cheese board. It pairs well with roasted mushrooms, nuts and hearty breads.
- Havarti: Havarti is mild, buttery and slightly tangy. Look for dill or caraway varieties to add an herbaceous note to your platter.
Aged cheeses
Aged cheeses bring a deeper, more intense flavor profile to the platter, perfect for the cooler months when we crave heartier flavors.
- Aged Gouda: A rich, caramel-like flavor with a crumbly texture, Aged Gouda is an excellent fall cheese. Its caramel-like sweetness pairs beautifully with dried fruits, such as apricots and figs, as well as crunchy nuts.
- Cheddar: Extra Mature Cheddar, especially when aged for two or more years, has a rich, tangy bite that complements the sweet and savory elements of a fall platter. A Smoked Cheddar can also add a nice, warming note.
- Manchego: This Spanish sheep’s milk cheese has a firm texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that works well with fall accompaniments. It’s a great bridge between milder cheeses and more robust ones.
Blue cheeses
Blue cheeses are bold, spicy and full of character. They can be divisive, but for those who enjoy them, they add an unmistakable richness to a cheese board.
- Roquefort: Known for its creamy texture and wild, tangy flavor, Roquefort is a strong blue cheese that pairs beautifully with honey, pears and nuts. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate the intense flavors of blue cheeses.
- Gorgonzola Dolce: For a milder blue cheese option, Gorgonzola Dolce offers a creamier, less aggressive profile. Its sweetness pairs well with figs, walnuts, and spiced jams.
- Shropshire Blue: What better colour than a splash of orange to celebrate the season. This mild British blue is another great gateway blue cheese.
Seasonal accompaniments
A cheese platter is only as good as its accompaniments, and fall provides a wealth of ingredients that can elevate your board. The goal is to balance sweet, savory, crunchy and creamy textures to create a dynamic and satisfying experience.
Fruits
Autumn brings an abundance of ripe fruits that complement the richness of the cheeses. Opt for a mix of fresh and dried fruits to add sweetness and visual appeal to your platter.
- Figs: Fresh figs are a classic pairing for cheese, especially for soft cheeses like Brie or Cambozola. Their natural sweetness and slightly jammy texture are perfect for fall.
- Pears: Crisp and juicy pears are a versatile choice that can pair well with almost any cheese. Try slicing them thinly and arranging them alongside your cheeses for a refreshing bite.
- Apples: Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisp varieties are an excellent addition to a fall cheese board. Their crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to soft and creamy cheeses.
- Grapes: Red or black grapes offer a juicy sweetness that balances out stronger cheeses like Roquefort or Extra Mature Cheddar.
- Dried Apricots and Figs: Dried fruits bring a concentrated sweetness that pairs well with aged cheeses like Gouda or Manchego.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds add a crunchy element to your cheese platter and pair beautifully with both cheeses and fruits. For fall, consider toasting your nuts with warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans, especially if they’re glazed with a touch of honey or maple syrup, are a perfect autumnal treat.
- Walnuts: Raw or candied walnuts bring a rich, earthy flavor that complements blue cheeses or a triple cream delight like Brillat-Savarin.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds, lightly salted, are a seasonal touch that adds crunch and a bit of saltiness to the mix.
Jams, honey and chutneys
To add an extra layer of flavor to your platter, include some sweet and savory spreads that enhance the taste of your cheeses.
- Fig Jam: Sweet and slightly tangy, fig jam is a perfect match for Brie, goat cheese or Manchego.
- Apple Butter: This spiced spread brings all the warmth of fall in one bite. It pairs especially well with Cheddar or aged Gouda.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey is a simple yet luxurious addition to a cheese board. It works beautifully with blue cheeses and soft goat cheese.
- Chutneys: Spiced fruit chutneys, like apple or pear chutney, add a savory-sweet element that pairs well with aged cheeses.
Crackers and bread
The base for your cheeses and accompaniments should be sturdy enough to hold everything together while also offering a neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Rustic Breads: A crusty baguette or a dense whole grain bread is perfect for soft cheeses like Brie or Mont d’Or.
- Seeded Crackers: Look for crackers with a bit of texture and flavor, like those made with seeds or whole grains. These provide a great crunch and work well with creamy cheeses.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re catering to a gluten-free crowd, include rice crackers or gluten-free seeded crackers, which offer a satisfying crunch without overpowering the flavors of the cheeses.
Pairing with beverages
Of course, no cheese platter is complete without the right drinks to accompany it. Since fall is a season of cozy, warming flavors, think about beverages that complement the rich, creamy and nutty notes of your cheeses.
Wine pairings
- Red Wines: Rich reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Zinfandel are ideal for pairing with aged cheeses like Cheddar or Gruyère. Their tannins balance the fattiness of the cheese while the fruit flavors enhance the sweet accompaniments.
- White Wines: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with softer cheeses like goat cheese or a double cream Brie. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.
- Rosé: For a versatile option, a dry rosé can work with a variety of cheeses, offering a balance of fruitiness and acidity that complements both soft and aged varieties.
Cider and beer pairings
- Hard Cider: Fall is cider season, and the crisp, slightly sweet flavor of hard cider pairs beautifully with many cheeses. Try a dry apple or pear cider with a Camembert.
- Craft Beers: For a more robust pairing, consider offering craft beers like a nutty brown ale, a rich stout or a spiced pumpkin beer. These pair well with the hearty flavors of fall cheeses like aged Gruyère or Comté.
Presentation and arrangement of the platter
Finally, the presentation of your cheese platter should reflect the beauty and abundance of the season. Use natural elements like wooden boards, slate platters or marble to create a rustic yet elegant look.
Step-by-step arrangement
- Start with the Cheese: Place your cheeses first, spacing them evenly around the board. Leave space for slicing and serving. If you’re using a round board, place the largest cheese at the center.
- Add Fruits and Accompaniments: Arrange the fresh and dried fruits around the cheeses, clustering them together for a more abundant look.
- Nuts and Seeds: Scatter small piles of nuts and seeds in any gaps on the board. You want the platter to feel full and inviting.
- Crackers and Bread: Place the crackers and slices of bread around the edges of the board, allowing them to frame the cheeses and other accompaniments. If you have different types of crackers or bread, arrange them in separate areas to make it easy for guests to mix and match.
- Jams, Honey and Chutneys: If you’re using small bowls or ramekins for spreads, place them on the board next to cheeses that pair well with them. Make sure to include small spoons or knives for easy serving.
- Garnish for a Fall Touch: To make the platter even more festive, consider adding some seasonal garnishes like fresh rosemary sprigs, edible flowers or even small pumpkins or gourds placed around the edges of the board for decoration. You could also use fresh herbs, such as thyme or sage, which not only add color but also complement the flavors of fall.
- Finish with Labels: If you’re hosting a larger gathering and want to impress your guests, consider labeling the cheeses and accompaniments. This can be done with small handwritten tags or chalkboard signs, which also adds a rustic touch.
Final tips for a memorable fall cheese platter
Now that you have all the components ready, here are a few tips to ensure your fall cheese platter is a hit:
- Serve at Room Temperature: Cheese tastes best when served at room temperature. Take your cheeses out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and offer the best texture.
- Keep Balance in Mind: Try to maintain a balance of flavors and textures on the board. For example, pair strong cheeses with mild ones and sweet accompaniments with savory elements. This will create a well-rounded platter that appeals to a variety of tastes.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions: If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering a mix of dairy and non-dairy cheeses, or gluten-free crackers, to cater to different dietary preferences. There are excellent plant-based cheese options available that can easily be incorporated into your fall platter without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Replenish as Needed: If you’re hosting a longer event, make sure to replenish your platter as guests enjoy it. Keep extra fruits, nuts and crackers nearby so the board always looks abundant and inviting.
Some great fall cheese platter ideas
To help you envision the ultimate fall cheese platter, here are a few themed ideas that you can use for inspiration:
Cozy Autumn Night Platter
- Cheeses: Brie, Aged Gouda, Gruyère, Shropshire Blue
- Fruits: Sliced Honeycrisp apples, dried apricots, fresh figs
- Accompaniments: Candied pecans, pumpkin seeds, fig jam, honey
- Crackers and Bread: Rustic baguette slices, seeded crackers
- Beverages: Hard apple cider, Merlot
This platter is perfect for a cozy evening with friends, filled with warm flavors and contrasting textures. The gooey Brie pairs beautifully with the honey and apples, while the Gruyère and Shropshire Blue balance the sweetness of the fig jam and dried fruits.
Harvest Festival Platter
- Cheeses: Manchego, Camembert, Taleggio, Roquefort
- Fruits: Pear slices, grapes, dried figs
- Accompaniments: Roasted almonds, pumpkin butter, chutney
- Crackers and Bread: Whole-grain bread, oat crackers
- Beverages: Zinfandel, Chardonnay
This platter features a great mix of nutty, creamy and bold cheeses, paired with hearty fall fruits and chutneys. The addition of pumpkin butter adds a true seasonal touch, and the whole-grain bread enhances the rustic, harvest feel.
Thanksgiving Cheese Board
- Cheeses: Fresh Goat Cheese, Smoked Cheddar, Aged Gouda, Gorgonzola Dolce
- Fruits: Cranberries, apples, dried apricots
- Accompaniments: Candied walnuts, cranberry chutney, spiced pecans, honey
- Crackers and Bread: Cornbread crisps, sourdough bread
- Beverages: Sparkling rosé, hard pear cider
A great option for a Thanksgiving gathering, this platter combines classic holiday flavors with an array of delicious cheeses. Smoked Cheddar and spiced nuts give a hint of the fall holiday spirit, while the tartness of cranberry chutney pairs well with a tangy goat cheese.
Conclusion
Creating the ultimate fall cheese platter is all about embracing the flavors of the season and presenting them in a way that feels both abundant and inviting. With a thoughtful selection of cheeses, seasonal accompaniments like apples, figs, nuts, and spiced jams, and the perfect beverage pairings, your fall cheese platter will become the centerpiece of any gathering.
Not only does a well-curated cheese board provide a delicious variety of flavors and textures, but it also offers an opportunity to showcase the beauty of fall’s harvest. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a festive holiday dinner, or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, a fall cheese platter brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table.
So, gather your favorite cheeses, grab some seasonal fruits, and start building your ultimate fall cheese platter!
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
