At Hopson Grace, we believe entertaining should be both beautiful and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a sun-drenched patio lunch or pouring wine for two, a well-assembled cheese board sets the tone.
To help elevate your next gathering, we turned to Emma Moore—Chopped Canada winner and founder of Emma’s Eatery Catering—for her tips on building the ultimate cheese board. Known for her refined yet relaxed approach to food, Emma shares how to create a board that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

1. Start with at Least Three Cheeses

“Keep it simple,” Emma says. “Three or five cheeses is the sweet spot—enough variety without being overwhelming. Most importantly, keep to odd numbers for visual effect.”
Emma recommends:

• A soft cheese like Brie or goat
• A hard cheese like Manchego or aged cheddar
• A blue or wild card like Stilton, Roquefort, or a truffled cheese for depth

2. Think in Textures and Shapes

Balance creamy with crumbly, firm with spreadable. “Slice some, crumble others, and leave one whole with a cheese knife so people can dig in,” says Emma. This invites interaction and gives the board dimension.

3. Add the Accents

“Cheese needs company,” Emma insists. Her go-to additions:

• Something sweet: Honey/honeycomb, dried apricots, fig jam
• Something salty: Olives, Marcona almonds, prosciutto
• Something fresh: Grapes, figs, or pomegranate chunks, blood oranges (rind on)

4. Choose a Great Surface

Use a wooden board, marble slab, or ceramic tray. “A beautiful surface elevates everything—don’t underestimate the visual effect,” Emma adds. 

5. Bread + Crackers Matter

Offer at least two options: something neutral (like a seeded cracker) and something rustic (like a torn baguette or sourdough slices). “Texture is everything,” she notes.

6. Layer Generously, but Leave Room

Emma encourages layering, but not crowding. “Let each element breathe a little. Cheese boards should feel abundant, not chaotic.”

7. Finish with a Floral or Herbal Touch

Sprigs of rosemary, edible flowers, or a few fresh herbs bring a pop of colour and scent. “This tiny detail makes it feel polished and personal,” Emma says.

Final Thought:

A great cheese board is about more than cheese—it’s about creating a moment. “Don’t worry about being perfect,” Emma reminds us. “Serve it with a good drink, invite people you love, and it’s already a success.”

Cheese Board Essentials