6 Common Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cheese Board

Creating the perfect cheese board can be challenging, especially with today’s expectations. With the endless inspiration on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest, you can easily get lost in the intricacies of boards featuring cheese in whimsical shapes and beautiful arrangements. However, the great news is that your holiday cheese board doesn't need to be overly complicated or contain elaborate cheese sculptures. Focus on offering a variety of textures with the right utensils, like the proper knife for each cheese and small spoons for jams, and include some fun additions.

There are also some things to avoid that might make your cheese board less visually appealing, aromatic, or flavorful. To help guide us, we spoke with Lauren Toth, director of curriculum and talent development at *Murray's Cheese*, about what ingredients we should steer clear of when curating a cheese board.

Inedible Decorations

"No one wants to be the person who accidentally consumes a decorative piece and has to spit it into a napkin," says Toth. Stay away from plastic, wax, or any non-edible decorative items.

Inedible (Or Unpleasant-Tasting) Flowers

"Florals on a cheese board are in vogue right now, but I’d recommend sticking to varieties that are safe to eat," says Toth. Nasturtiums, hibiscus, violets, and zucchini flowers are great options.

Produce That Quickly Turns Brown

You know that unsightly look apples get when left out too long? Not exactly the vibe you're going for. So, it’s best to avoid any fruits that will degrade quickly and disrupt your well-styled board. "Cheese plates often sit out for a while, so you’ll want to choose items that will remain fresh throughout," says Toth. If you *must* use apples, bananas, or pears, a dash of lemon juice will help prevent them from browning for a little longer.

Super Spicy Foods

In general, it’s best to avoid overly polarizing foods. Everyone has different levels of spice tolerance, and you don’t want to surprise anyone with unexpected heat. Keep the extras mild and easy to enjoy.

Smelly Cheeses

Some cheeses naturally have a strong odor, and while that’s fine if you’re having a slice or two with crackers on their own, when mixed with other scents on a charcuterie board, it can become overwhelming. "It might be a good idea to either skip these or serve them separately," says Toth.

Common Allergens

If you’re confident that none of your guests have allergies, feel free to disregard this advice. However, if you're preparing a charcuterie board for a larger group, be mindful of ingredients like nuts or condiments that might contain shellfish (it’s more common than you think). "If you decide to serve them, make sure they’re well-contained and label them if it’s not obvious what they are, so no one faces an unpleasant surprise," says Toth.