What Makes a Christmas Cheeseboard Special?
Christmas calls for indulgence. Guests expect variety, richness, and those classic winter flavours that pair beautifully with crackers, chutneys, cured meats, and fresh fruit. A good cheeseboard brings texture, colour and warmth to any seasonal gathering. It also acts as a centrepiece that carries you from Christmas Eve nibbles right through to New Year’s celebrations.
When putting together a board, consider adding a mix of cheeses alongside festive favourites such as sliced ham, pâté, chutneys or artisan crackers. These additions help create a board that feels abundant and seasonally themed.
Your Guide to the Ultimate Christmas Cheeseboard
1. Brie – Soft, Creamy, Festive Favourite
Brie is one of the most popular choices at Christmas thanks to its silky-soft texture and mild, creamy flavour. It spreads effortlessly over warm bread and pairs beautifully with figs, grapes, rosemary and seasonal chutneys. If you enjoy hosting, Brie is often the first cheese guests reach for, making it an essential addition.
2. Mature Cheddar – Rich, Sharp and Comforting
A mature Cheddar adds depth and familiarity to your board. Its robust flavour complements sweeter festive pairings like apple chutney, pickled onions and spiced crackers. For many families, Cheddar is non-negotiable at Christmas because it suits all ages and balances softer cheeses with its rich, savoury bite.
Fancy something a little different this year? Why not try our Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheddar for a real treat!
3. Stilton – The Classic Christmas Blue
Stilton is known as the king of Christmas blue cheese for a reason. Its crumbly texture and deep, savoury flavour pair perfectly with pears, honey and a glass of port. Even those who don’t usually choose blue cheese often enjoy Stilton during the festive season because it completes the traditional Christmas line-up.
4. Goats’ Cheese – Fresh, Tangy and Light
Goats’ cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of seasonal roasts and heavy festive dishes. Its bright, tangy flavour pairs well with red onion chutney, herb crackers and roasted nuts. Including goats’ cheese adds balance and variety, especially for guests who prefer lighter flavours.
5. Camembert – Bake It for Extra Festive Flair
Baked Camembert is a Christmas showstopper. The soft, melted centre becomes gooey and irresistible, perfect for dipping with ciabatta, sourdough or crunchy breadsticks. A little rosemary and garlic elevate it further, making it a warming addition to your cheeseboard or a festive starter on its own.
6. Red Leicester – Warm, Mellow and Colourful
Red Leicester adds colour and character to your board. Its subtle, nutty flavour pairs well with spiced chutneys and oat biscuits. If you’re building a visually appealing grazing board, Red Leicester brings that vibrant orange hue that enhances the overall presentation.
7. Smoked Cheese – Rich, Savoury Winter Notes
Smoked cheeses such as smoked Cheddar or smoked Applewood bring a rustic, wintry aroma that suits cold evenings and hearty festive meals. Their savoury depth pairs beautifully with pickles, rye crackers and dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
Perfect Extras to Complete Your Festive Board
A great cheeseboard isn’t only about the cheese. The extras tie it all together:
- Artisan crackers
- Cranberry or fig chutney
- Spiced nuts or candied pecans
- Grapes, figs, pears or apples
- Sliced ham, cold meats or charcuterie packs
- Fresh bread or toasted sourdough
- Seasonal pâtés
These additions bring sweetness, crunch, colour and contrast to your board.
What to Drink With Your Christmas Cheeseboard
Pairing drinks with cheese can transform the experience. You don’t need anything complicated — just flavours that complement rather than overpower.
Great festive pairings include:
- Port with Stilton
- Red wine with Cheddar
- Champagne or prosecco with Brie and Camembert
- Mulled wine with aged hard cheeses
- Apple cider with goats’ cheese
How to Arrange Your Christmas Cheeseboard
Presentation matters just as much as the flavours.
Here are simple ways to design a board that looks as festive as it tastes:
- Use a wooden board or slate for a cosy winter feel
- Arrange cheeses from mild to strong
- Add fruits and nuts in small clusters
- Slice or crumble some pieces so guests know how to serve them
- Leave wedges of Brie or Camembert whole for visual impact
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs, cranberries or festive decorations
A well-arranged cheeseboard becomes the visual centrepiece of your table.
Trust Owtons to Deliver your Festive Favourites
A Christmas cheeseboard should feel generous, comforting and full of variety. By selecting a mix of soft, hard, blue and speciality cheeses, you create a board that appeals to every taste and complements the festive atmosphere. Add seasonal accompaniments, thoughtful pairings and a beautiful layout for a spread that guests will enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Explore our full Christmas range and order your festive favourites today.
About the Author.
R Owton Wholesale Butchers
Traditional Family ButchersThe Owton family have been farming the land at Chalcroft Farm for over 750 years, and in business since 1976, so you can be sure we have the experience, knowledge and expertise about all things meat! We specialise in butchering locally sourced and traceable meat, working with over 40 farmers within Hampshire and Dorset to offer some of the finest meat produce in the south.
