Over the years, I’ve put together my fair share of cheese boards for nearly every season—spring, summer, winter, and of course, one especially for the holidays. But out of all the cheese boards I’ve created, there’s one that stands out as my absolute favorite, and I think you’ll agree once you try it.

This chocolate and cheese board is nothing short of perfection. It’s got all the ingredients to create a mouthwatering combination: your favorite cheeses, delicious crackers, fresh fruit, and of course, dark chocolate. The mix of sweet and savory here is just incredible, and it’s a fantastic dessert spread for any date night or social gathering. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or just looking to impress someone special, this board will definitely do the trick.

It’s not just the perfect combination for a cozy night in, though—it’s also ideal for any event. For example, Ben decided to take this exact board to his best friend’s house during the Super Bowl, and they absolutely loved it. It was a hit! They polished off every last piece of chocolate, leaving nothing behind. And that’s one of the best things about this cheese board: it works for any occasion. From casual hangouts to more formal gatherings, it has the versatility to be a crowd-pleaser no matter the setting.

Now, let’s dive into the details of this incredible board and talk about how to pull it together.

The Concept: Chocolate and Cheese Board

The idea behind this board is simple: it combines the richness of cheeses with the indulgence of chocolate, complemented by fresh fruits, nuts, and crunchy crackers. Think of it as a fancy, yet easy-to-prepare dessert spread that elevates any occasion. The best part? It’s effortless to customize depending on what you have on hand or the flavors you want to highlight. You can mix and match different cheeses, fruits, and chocolates to suit your personal taste or the theme of the event.

What makes this combination so special is the balance of flavors. The cheeses bring a variety of textures, from creamy and soft to firm and crumbly. The chocolate adds a layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the cheeses and the sweetness of the fruit. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that are bound to impress anyone who tries it.

Choosing the Right Cheeses

For the cheeses, I stuck with a mix of classic options that provide a diverse range of textures and flavors without going overboard. I didn’t want to overwhelm the palate, so I selected cheeses that complement each other well. Here’s what I recommend for your board:

• Brie: A soft and creamy cheese with a delicate, buttery flavor. Brie is perfect for spreading on crackers or just enjoying on its own. Its smooth texture pairs wonderfully with the crisp, tangy notes of fresh fruit.
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese that adds a bit of boldness to the mix. It’s tangy and a little sharp, which balances nicely with the sweetness of the chocolate and fruit.
• White Cheddar: A mild yet flavorful cheese with a firm texture. White cheddar adds a bit of sharpness, but it’s not overpowering. It’s a great all-around option that works well with just about anything.
• Parmesan: A hard, aged cheese with a nutty, savory flavor. Parmesan is perfect for adding a touch of saltiness to the board, creating that ideal sweet-and-salty contrast with the chocolate.
• Goat Cheese: Soft, creamy, and a little tangy. Goat cheese is a great contrast to the firmer cheeses and adds a fresh flavor that lightens up the whole spread.

By including a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavor profiles, you ensure there’s something for everyone. Plus, it makes the board more visually interesting!

The Chocolate Selection

When it comes to the chocolate, quality matters. You want to use chocolates that are rich and flavorful, so I recommend going for high-quality options. For this board, I used a mix of dark and milk chocolate, but there’s room to get creative here, depending on your preferences and the vibe you’re going for.

• Dark Chocolate: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate that has a rich, bittersweet flavor. It pairs beautifully with the savory cheeses and adds an indulgent touch to the board.
• Milk Chocolate: A smoother, sweeter contrast to the dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is always a crowd favorite, and its creamy sweetness balances the intensity of the dark chocolate.
• Fun Additions: If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also include chocolates with unique flavors, like sea salt, orange zest, or caramel. These will add an extra layer of excitement and flavor to your board, making it even more interesting.
• Chocolate-Covered Biscuits/Wafers: For an additional textural element, try adding some chocolate-covered crackers or biscuits. They provide a crunchy bite and make for an indulgent treat when paired with cheese.

Fruits and Nuts: The Extras

Once you’ve got your cheeses and chocolates selected, it’s time to add in the extras: fruits and nuts. These will provide additional flavors, textures, and a pop of color to the board. For this particular board, I used fresh fruit and Marcona almonds, but you can mix it up based on what’s in season or what you like.

• Fresh Fruit: For a touch of sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the cheeses, fresh fruit is a must. I used cherries and berries (strawberries and raspberries) to add a pop of color, especially for a Valentine’s Day theme. However, you can switch it up based on what’s in season. Apples, pears, figs, and grapes would all be excellent additions as well.
• Nuts: Marcona almonds are one of my personal favorites for cheese boards. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheeses. However, roasted salted nuts like cashews or pecans would also be a great choice. Nuts add crunch and a savory element that works well with the sweet fruit and rich chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve assembled your cheeses, chocolates, fruits, and nuts, it’s time to present it all beautifully. You don’t need to be a professional food stylist to make this look impressive—just arrange everything neatly on a large platter or a wooden cheese board. The goal is to create an inviting, abundant display that encourages guests to dive in.

Start by placing the cheeses in a circular or scattered arrangement on the board. Make sure to space them out, so each cheese is easily accessible. Then, add in the chocolates—whether you’re using chocolate bars, chocolate-covered biscuits, or a mix of both—placing them near the cheeses they pair well with. Next, arrange the crackers in between the cheeses to fill in the gaps. Fresh fruit and nuts can be scattered throughout the board, adding color and texture to each section.

As for the wine, I recommend serving something light and refreshing like a crisp rosé, champagne, or even a white wine, as these pair wonderfully with the cheeses and chocolate. If you want to take things up a notch, a glass of your favorite red wine would also complement the bold flavors of the cheeses and dark chocolate beautifully.

The Ultimate Dessert Spread

In the end, the beauty of this chocolate and cheese board lies in its simplicity and versatility. All you need are your cheeses, chocolates, some fresh fruit and nuts, and maybe a nice bottle of wine or rosé, and you’ve got the perfect dessert spread for any date night or gathering. It’s not only easy to make, but it also looks impressive and is sure to be a crowd favorite every time.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces brie
• 8 ounces gorgonzola cheese
• 6 ounces white cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces Parmesan
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1 6-ounce package rosemary artisan crackers
• 1 5.3-ounce package Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps (Fig and Olive)
• 3 ounces dark chocolate bar
• 3 ounces milk chocolate bar
• 3 ounces chocolate-covered biscuits
• 1 cup strawberries
• ½ cup raspberries
• ½ cup cherries
• ½ cup Marcona almonds

Instructions

1. Arrange the cheeses, crackers, Raincoast Crisps, chocolates, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and Marcona almonds on a platter or wooden cheese board.
2. Enjoy!