How to Craft the Perfect Springtime Cheese Board (+ Pairings)

Spring is a season of renewal, fresh flavours and vibrant colours, making it the perfect time to create a cheese board that reflects the season’s energy. The best springtime cheese board should feature cheeses that are light, creamy and balanced with bright accompaniments.

SEE ALSO: Step-by-step guide to assembling cheese platters for every occasion →

In this guide, we’ll follow a structured approach, selecting four options for each of the five main cheese types: fresh, soft, semi-hard, hard and blue. We’ll also highlight the best seasonal accompaniments to make your board shine. Additionally, we will discuss ideal wine pairings, presentation tips, and how to store your cheeses to maintain their freshness.

The basics of building a seasonal cheese board

Creating a well-balanced springtime cheese board starts with selecting a variety of cheeses that complement each other in flavour, texture and intensity. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

1. Balance textures and flavours: Choose a mix of creamy, firm, crumbly and soft cheeses to create variety. Include mild cheeses for approachability and stronger cheeses for complexity.
2. Incorporate seasonal ingredients: Spring is all about freshness, so use in-season fruits, vegetables and herbs. Choose bright, juicy accompaniments like strawberries, apricots and radishes.
3. Consider visual appeal: Arrange cheeses and accompaniments in an aesthetically pleasing way. Use different shapes, colours and textures to make the board visually enticing.
4. Pair with the right accompaniments: Offer a mix of sweet, salty and crunchy elements. Nuts, jams and crackers provide contrast, while honey and preserves enhance the cheeses’ natural flavours.
5. Serve at the right temperature: Cheeses should be served at room temperature to bring out their full flavours. Remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.

Fresh cheeses

Fresh cheeses are mild, creamy, and often have a slight tanginess, making them perfect for a spring cheese board. These cheeses pair beautifully with fresh fruits, herbs and floral honey.

Best options for spring

1. Brousse du Rove – A fresh goat cheese with a delicate, tangy flavour, perfect with honey and figs.
2. Faisselle – Soft and creamy, this cheese is best enjoyed with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.
3. Chèvre frais – Light and spreadable, it pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like thyme and edible flowers.
4. Fromage Blanc – Smooth and tangy, great with a spoonful of apricot jam.

Soft cheeses

Soft cheeses bring richness and a touch of decadence to a spring cheese board. Opt for varieties that are slightly bloomy or creamy but not too intense in flavour.

Best options for spring:

1. Brillat-Savarin – A triple-cream cheese that is buttery and indulgent, perfect with honeycomb and spring berries.
2. Camembert de Normandie – Earthy yet mild, it pairs well with fresh green apple slices or rhubarb compote.
3. Chaource – A creamy, bloomy-rind cheese that complements fig jam and lightly toasted nuts.
4. Délice de Bourgogne – A triple-cream French cheese that melts on the tongue, ideal with crisp white wine and dried apricots.

Semi-hard cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses provide a firmer texture while still offering creamy, nutty, or fruity notes. They balance the board with more structured flavours.

Best options for spring:

1. Tomme de Savoie – A rustic cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with pear slices and walnuts.
2. Morbier – A creamy cow’s milk cheese with a distinctive ash layer, delicious with fresh radishes.
3. Saint-Nectaire – Buttery and slightly tangy, perfect with roasted hazelnuts and grapes.
4. Ossau-Iraty – A firm yet creamy cheese from the Basque region, great with cherry preserves.

Hard cheeses

Hard cheeses add depth and contrast to the board, providing robust, nutty, or crystalline textures.

Best options for spring:

1. Comté (6-12 months aged) – Buttery and slightly fruity, delicious with fig preserves and almonds.
2. Beaufort – A firm cheese with a rich, nutty flavour, perfect with roasted artichokes and honey.
3. Cantal Doux – Mild and slightly tangy, great with fresh apricots and walnuts.
4. Mimolette (young or semi-aged) – A vibrant orange cheese with a dense texture, ideal with crunchy vegetables.

Blue cheeses

Blue cheeses bring a creamy yet bold contrast to the board. For spring, it’s best to opt for milder varieties that don’t overpower the fresh flavours of the season.

Best options for spring:

1. Bleu d’Auvergne – Creamy with a slight tang, ideal with wildflower honey and walnuts.
2. Fourme d’Ambert – A mild and creamy blue cheese that pairs well with ripe pears and acacia honey.
3. Roquefort – A tangy sheep’s milk blue cheese, perfect with toasted pecans and dried apricots.
4. Persillé de Tignes – A rare, herbaceous blue cheese (without blue veins), excellent with fresh figs.

Best springtime accompaniments

A great cheese board isn’t just about the cheese—it’s also about the complementary textures and flavours. Spring is all about fresh, bright ingredients that enhance the cheeses without overpowering them.

Seasonal fruits

• Fresh strawberries
• Green and red grapes
• Pears
• Apricots
• Raspberries
• Rhubarb compote

Vegetables

• Baby radishes (with butter and sea salt)
• Fresh peas
• Asparagus spears (lightly grilled)
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes

Nuts and seeds

• Toasted almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Hazelnuts

Jams, spreads, and honey

• Acacia honey
• Fig preserves
• Quince paste
• Lemon curd
• Rhubarb and strawberry jam

Crackers and bread

• Sourdough baguette slices
• Water crackers
• Whole grain crisps
• Poppy seed crackers

Wine and beverage pairings

Of course, no cheese platter is complete without a refreshing, and perfectly matched, drink. These are some of the best alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your springtime cheese platter.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, pairs well with fresh and soft cheeses.
• Chardonnay: A lightly oaked variety complements semi-hard cheeses.
• Rosé: A fruity and dry option that pairs beautifully with blue cheeses.
• Sparkling wine: Prosecco or Champagne enhances the creaminess of triple-cream cheeses.
• Herbal teas: Chamomile or mint tea can offer a non-alcoholic pairing option.

Presentation tips

• Arrange cheeses from mildest to strongest for a smooth tasting experience.
• Use a variety of serving boards such as wooden, marble or slate for aesthetics.
• Incorporate small bowls for jams and honey to keep the board clean.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a touch of green.
• Provide separate knives for soft and hard cheeses to prevent flavour mixing.

Storage tips

As always, proper handling and storage is essential to keep your cheese at its best for a long as possible. These are some simple, but effective storage tips:

• Wrap cheeses in wax or parchment paper to maintain freshness.
• Store cheeses in the fridge’s vegetable drawer for ideal humidity levels.
• Bring cheeses to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavour.

With these selections and tips, your springtime cheese board will be a fresh, flavourful, and visually stunning centrepiece for any gathering.

Conclusion

A springtime cheese board is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s fresh and vibrant flavours. With a mix of textures, seasonal accompaniments, and thoughtful pairings, you can create a visually stunning and delicious spread for any occasion.

So gather your favourite cheeses, arrange them beautifully and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing great food with friends and family. Ready to build your own? Snap a picture and share it with us—we’d love to see your masterpiece!

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.