How to Build the Perfect Scottish Christmas Cheeseboard
, by Scottish Store & Deli, 2 min reading time
Build a festive Scottish cheeseboard with a balanced mix of cheese, oatcakes, chutney, charcuterie and simple accompaniments.
A Christmas cheeseboard is one of the easiest festive dishes to prepare ahead, and using Scottish cheese gives it a distinctive sense of place. The key is balance: a few different cheese styles, crisp oatcakes, something sweet or sharp, and enough space on the board for everything to be easy to serve.
Browse our Scottish cheese range and Christmas Foods & Hampers to build your board.
How many cheeses should be on a Christmas cheeseboard?
For most gatherings, three to five cheeses is plenty. Too many can make the board confusing and leaves you with lots of small leftovers. Choose different textures and flavour strengths instead of several very similar cheeses.
Choose a mature hard cheese
A good mature cheddar or other firm Scottish cheese gives the board a dependable centre. Hard cheese is easy to portion, works with almost every cracker or chutney and is usually popular with a wide range of guests.
Add a soft cheese
A soft cheese introduces a creamy texture that contrasts with the firmer cheeses. Serve it at the right temperature for the best texture, but follow the storage guidance and do not leave chilled cheese out longer than is sensible.
Include a blue cheese
Blue cheese adds the strongest flavour on the board. You do not need a huge portion: a smaller wedge can provide plenty of character, especially alongside something sweet such as chutney or preserves.
What should you serve with Scottish cheese?
Oatcakes are the obvious Scottish partner. Add a few plain crackers as well if you want variety. Chutneys, caramelised onion relish, preserves and sliced fruit can provide sweetness and acidity.
Browse our Condiments and Biscuits & crackers for accompaniments.
Should you add charcuterie?
If the cheeseboard is acting as a larger grazing board, yes. A small amount of cured or smoked meat can turn the board into a more substantial meal. If it is being served after Christmas dinner, keeping it cheese-focused may be better.
See our Charcuterie, Meats & Pâté range for options.
How to arrange a Christmas cheeseboard
Place the cheeses first, spaced around the board. Add oatcakes and crackers in small groups, then fill gaps with chutney jars, fruit or charcuterie. Leave enough room to cut the cheese without knocking everything else over.
When should you serve the cheeseboard?
It works after Christmas dinner, as part of a Boxing Day buffet or as the main feature of a Christmas Eve grazing table. If serving several cheeses, take only what you expect to use and keep the rest stored correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheeses for Christmas?
A balanced selection is more useful than one “best” cheese. Aim for a firm mature cheese, a soft cheese and a blue, then add a fourth or fifth option if you have a larger group.
How much cheese per person?
The amount depends on whether cheese is the main food or an after-dinner course. Plan more for a grazing meal and less after a large Christmas dinner.
Where can I buy Scottish cheese for Christmas?
Scottish Store & Deli offers a changing range of Scottish cheeses alongside festive accompaniments.