A stunning charcuterie board is my favorite way to grab everyone’s attention at dinner parties and gatherings during the summer months. Who doesn’t love cheese and fruit after a day in the heat? Dinner Snacksall of you! But there are many differences between building your typical board and creating a summer cheese board, including fresh cheeses, seasonal ingredients and cheeses that can withstand the intense heat of summer.
If you’re hosting an upcoming gathering or just want a creative meal, these tips will help you curate a summer cheese board that perfectly encapsulates the season. The best cheese boards are well-balanced, with a variety of sweet, savory and savory ingredients.
Keep reading for inspiration and tips to help you kickstart your summer. charcuterie efforts!
What makes a summer cheese board?
Seasonality is huge when deciding on the ingredients for your summer cheese board. Use herbs, fruits and flowers that bloom during the summer months will help your bed stand out in both color and flavor. Basil, rosemary, and dill make a beautiful presentation when paired with flavorful nuts and rich cheeses. And apricots, strawberries and blackberries bring the best flavor during the summer months. And to finish it all off with a natural touch, lavender and hibiscus are two beautiful ways to brighten up your board.
Which cheese is best for hot days?
Generally, soft cheeses are better suited to summer boards that will be enjoyed outdoors. Harder cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda and Swiss have dense textures or are high in fat, meaning they tend to release oil and become waxy when heated. Soft and mature cheeses like Brie and goat’s cheese are some of your best spreadable bets for a summer cheese board.
How to Create the Ultimate Summer Cheese Board
Below, Camille shares her tips for making a summer cheese platter like a pro. As our go-to source for summer entertaining confirms, the trick is to let the cheese take center stage, invest in a beautiful board and let the seasons guide you.
1. Start with a standout cheese that makes the whole platter feel special
Forget what you’ve heard about always serving a variety. If it’s REALLY good cheese, you only need one. This is a great tip for affordability, as cheese is usually the most expensive part of a cheese board. It could be an aged cheddar or gruyere, as used here, or a soft cheese like a triple cream brie or a very good goat’s cheese. I also like a good blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton. If you’re serving a larger group, use a combination of three cheeses with different textures and flavor profiles.
2. Use a board big enough so it’s really plentiful
The large Casa Zuma gathering board or the Large vintage wooden board are my personal favorites when building a large cheese board. They both create a stunning scene on your table and can hold an abundance of ingredients. Before selecting your board, be sure to take note of the amount of small and large ingredients you want to include.
3. Add cold meats
Whether you choose prosciutto, salami, soppressata, or all three, adding savory meat will make your board heartier, and the savory taste is a great complement to some of the sweet dishes on the board.
4. Include something sweet and something salty
Adding seasonal fruits like berries, cherries, peaches and figs is a great way to keep your board summery and fresh. To accompany your cheeses, jam or honey is also a sweet addition to any board. As for the savory element, salted nuts, olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers can help fill in the gaps and make your cheese board feel plentiful.
A simple tip that instantly enhances the presentation? Use small antipasto bowls to group ingredients like honey, olives, nuts, pickles or preserves. Not only does this keep your board from feeling cluttered, but it also creates visual interest through different heights and textures. Plus, guests can easily pick up and serve themselves without ingredients rolling around on the tray.
5. Create a summer vibe with edible herbs and flowers that add an elevated touch
Addition edible flowers or fresh herbs bring a unique touch to any cheese board. Not only do these toppings have the potential to add flavor, but they also serve as great decorations that create a pop of color wherever they are placed.
6. Offer a few variations of bread or crackers
I usually make sliced and toasted baguettes and a gluten-free seed cracker to give people options. However, feel free to arrange whatever variety of bread or crackers you desire to bring your board together and create a balanced palate.
7. Place the largest objects on the board first and group similar objects together for the prettiest display
Larger items, like sandwich bread and cheeses, should be the first to appear on your tray. This process makes it easy to strategically implement smaller, more delicate ingredients to create a cheese board with professional attention to detail.
The Best Summer Cheese Boards Feel Effortless
The beauty of a summer cheese board is that it doesn’t require complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. With some great cheeses, seasonal produce and thoughtful details, you can create something bountiful, relaxed and perfectly suited to long afternoons spent outdoors.
Remember: the goal is not perfection. It’s about bringing people together around a table and offering them something delicious to munch on while the conversations happen. Let the season guide your ingredients, focus on color and texture, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple. The best summer cheese platters are fresh, generous, and just a little undone, just the way summer entertaining should be.
This article was last updated on June 27, 2026 to include new information.
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