Whatever you’re celebrating this winter, learn how to make a cheese platter for the holidays with Boursin cheese to impress your guests!
One of my favorite things to prepare when hosting during the holidays is a cheese platter. It’s versatile, approachable, and perfect for gatherings—whether you’re hosting a relaxed brunch or an evening party. A well-composed cheese board invites guests to mingle, graze, and enjoy a variety of flavors without the formality of a sit-down meal.
I love cheese platters because they let you serve something special with minimal fuss. Guests can help themselves while they chat, and you can keep coming back to top up the board throughout the event. For this holiday platter I used Boursin, a creamy, crumbly cheese that pairs beautifully with bread, fruit, and savory bites.
Boursin has a distinctive texture that sits somewhere between soft and spreadable, making it an excellent centerpiece for a platter. It complements fresh baguette slices and works wonderfully alongside olives, nuts, dried fruit, and fresh herbs.
Here are my top tips on how to make a cheese platter for the holidays!
1. Go for textures
A memorable cheese platter balances textures. Choose cheeses that contrast—creamy spreads, firm slices, and softer crumbly varieties. This variety keeps the board interesting and offers guests different mouthfeels with every bite. Think about including a spreadable cheese like Boursin, a firmer aged cheese, and a softer option like a mild brie or chèvre.
2. Accessorize your platter
The right accompaniments elevate a cheese board from good to great. I always include grapes (to me they’re mandatory), fresh berries, a selection of nuts, dried fruit like apricots or figs, and a bowl of olives. Cornichons, pickles, and cut vegetables are also welcome additions. Fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary add aroma and color.
3. Shop seasonally
Choose produce that’s in season for the best flavor and texture. In winter, pomegranate seeds, apples, and figs are excellent choices that pair well with creamy cheeses. Seasonal fruit and local produce enhance the freshness of your platter and help it look vibrant on the table.
4. Make more than one
For larger gatherings, prepare multiple platters and place them at different points around the room or table. This prevents crowding and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. Smaller boards scattered around the space encourage movement and keep the party flowing.
How to make a cheese platter for the holidays
- Author: Jess
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make the perfect cheese platter for your next holiday party with simple, seasonal ingredients and a few styling tips to make it shine.
Ingredients
- Boursin cheese
- Grapes
- Raspberries
- Pomegranate seeds
- Olives
- Dried apricots
- Pecans
- Fresh basil
- Sliced baguette
Instructions
- Arrange everything on a large board or serving platter. Start with the cheeses spaced apart, then fill in with fruit, nuts, and breads. Use small bowls for olives or anything saucy, and tuck herbs and small clusters of fruit to fill gaps and add color.
- Make sure to provide appropriate knives, spoons, and small forks so guests can serve themselves easily. Labeling cheeses can be helpful for guests with preferences or allergies.
- Place the board on the table and let guests help themselves. Replenish items as needed so it always looks inviting throughout the gathering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 platter
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 21g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Boursin. All views in the post are my own.