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This Easter, swap the predictable sweets for something equally indulgent: a show-stopping cheese board. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a picnic, or simply grazing with a glass of wine in hand, a seasonal board full of contrasting textures and flavours is the ultimate centrepiece.

Creating a great cheese board isn’t about piling on random bits—it’s about balance. Start by choosing cheeses across three or five key categories: soft, semi-hard, aged, goat or stinky, and blue. Then build your accompaniments around them. If you opt for three, we normally suggest a soft, hard and blue to cover the basics.

Start with the Cheese: Variety is Key

Aim for at least one cheese from each category to keep the experience interesting from start to finish:

1. Soft & Creamy

Think bloomy rinds and buttery textures—these are crowd-pleasers and pair well with both sweet and savoury elements.
Our picks:

• Brie Fermier – Traditional, rich and gooey, perfect for drizzling with honey.
• Cremeux de Bourgogne – Triple cream decadence that melts on the tongue.
• Brie Aux Truffe – A delicate goat’s cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves with a subtle, earthy tang.

2. Semi-Hard & Mellow

These cheeses are firmer but still sliceable, offering nutty, slightly sweet, or savoury notes.
Our picks:

• Comté AOP 18 Months – Complex and nutty with a crystalline bite—an absolute must.
• Bay of Fire Cheddar – Buttery, flaky with lovely earthy notes.
• Truffle Pecorino – A twist on tradition, adding umami and luxury to your board.

3. Aged & Crumbly

These cheeses offer bold flavours and texture contrast. They’re often savoury, sharp, and a little salty—perfect for balancing with fruit or chutney.
Our picks:

• Parmigiano Reggiano DOP – Classic, crumbly, and deeply savoury. Break into rustic chunks.
• Gouda Millennium – Nutty and complex, aged for a robust bite.

4. Blue & Bold

Blue cheese adds punch and intrigue. Even a small amount can transform the board.
Our picks:

• Riverine Blue – One of our biggest sellers, a lighter, slightly salty blue with mineral notes and a clean finish.
• Bleu de Causses – Rich, spicy and incredibly creamy.
• Fourme d’Ambert – Gentle for a blue, with a semi-firm texture and subtle spice.

5. Stinky & Washed Rind

Not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for those who love a cheese that’s rich, pungent, and full of character. These cheeses add bold personality to your board.
Our picks:

• Langres AOP – A creamy cow’s milk cheese with a sunken top and a strong, savoury aroma.
• Époisses de Bourgogne – Oozy, bold, and famously funky—this washed rind beauty is a flavour bomb.
• Livarot – Known as “The Colonel,” this French cheese is strong, earthy, and complex.

6. Goat’s & Sheep’s Milk Cheeses

These add freshness, tang, and a different texture profile to the mix. Perfect for balancing richer cheeses.
Our picks:

• Pecorino Sardo – Firm and salty with a nutty edge, made from sheep’s milk in Sardinia.
• Ossau Iraty - Nutty, grassy and slightly sweet, the perfect Basque addition.
• Goat Camembert – A lighter goat's cheese option with a silky, creamy texture.
• Edith – A delicate, fudgey centre with a gooey shell, rich, without being overpowering.

Now Build Around the Cheese

Fresh Fruit & Veg

Add colour and juiciness with sliced apples, grapes, strawberries, figs, or pear. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and radishes also work well for crunch - Our tip is to always shop for seasonal produce to get the best flavours.

Dried Fruits & Nuts

Balance bold cheese with sweet dried apricots, muscatel clusters, or dates. Scatter walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for texture and earthiness. For an twist of this you could add some Italian panforte.

Crackers & Bread

Offer variety: crusty baguette slices, seeded lavosh, charcoal crackers or gluten-free options. The goal is neutral vehicles that let the cheese shine.

Pickles, Olives & Chutneys

Include a briny element—cornichons, olives, or caperberries—for contrast. Add a savoury chutney, fruit paste, or artisan honey or honeycomb for variety.

Garnishes & Styling

Use rosemary, thyme, or edible flowers like violas or nasturtiums to make it festive and spring-inspired. A bunny-shaped cheese cut-out or pastel napkins add a playful Easter touch.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Soft cheeses (Brie, Cremeux de Bourgogne) → Champagne or Chardonnay
• Comté, Cheddar, Gouda → Pinot Noir, Riesling or light reds
• Blue cheese → PX Sherry, Port or a bold Sauternes
• Goat’s/sheep’s milk cheeses → Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rosé, or Vermentino
• Stinky cheeses → Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, or a funky farmhouse cider

Hosting Tips

• Assemble everything before guests arrive—use small bowls for messy items like olives or jam.
• Place your hero cheese in the centre (like a camembert) and work outward.
• Keep balance in mind: colour, shape, and flavour.
• Don’t overthink it—grazing boards are meant to feel generous and relaxed.

Whether you’re creating a board for two or feeding a hungry Easter crowd, Le Fromage Yard has everything you need to make it memorable. Shop the cheeses mentioned above online at www.lefromageyard.com.au and get ready to create your most delicious Easter tradition yet.