Remove all cheeses from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before serving so their flavors and textures open up. Place the aged cheddar, goat cheese, and blue cheese on a wooden board or platter, spacing them so knives won't cross flavors.

Temper and plate cheeses

Cut the cheddar into thin wedges or bite-sized slices. Put the goat cheese in a small spreadable log or leave whole with a small cheese knife. Crumble or leave a chunk of blue cheese for guests to break off pieces. Garnish lightly with the fresh herb sprig near the goat cheese.

Slice and shape

If nuts are raw, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–6 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool. If using pre-roasted nuts, simply measure and place them in a small bowl or scatter around the board.

Prepare nuts

Halve the dried figs or apricots and arrange them in a small pile on the board. Pour honey into a small ramekin or drizzle a little directly over the goat cheese or blue cheese for a sweet-salty contrast.

Arrange dried fruit and honey

If using olives, drain and transfer to a small dish. Place on the board to provide a briny counterpoint to the cheeses and nuts.

Olives

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the baguette on the diagonal into 1/2-inch (1–1.5 cm) slices. Lay slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with extra-virgin olive oil on both sides, and toast in the oven 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden, flipping halfway. Alternatively, toast slices in a skillet over medium heat until charred spots appear.

Prepare bread

If using butter, place softened butter in a small dish beside the bread so guests can spread it on toast. For extra flavor, mash a little soft goat cheese into the butter or mix butter with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Butter (optional)

Arrange toasted bread, butter dish, bowls of nuts, dried fruit, and olives around the cheeses. Leave small knives or spreaders for each cheese. Drizzle any remaining honey over nuts or near the goat cheese. Serve immediately.

Assemble board

Aged cheddar

Soft goat cheese (chèvre)

Blue cheese

Fresh herb (optional: rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Mixed nuts (roasted, unsalted or lightly salted: walnuts, almonds, pecans)

Honey

Dried figs or apricots (halved)

Olives (optional)

Baguette or crusty country loaf

Extra-virgin olive oil

Unsalted butter (softened, optional)

cheese, nuts, bread

Make Cheese, Nuts, Bread Recipe in just 35m. cheese, nuts, bread

Cheese, Nuts, Bread Recipe

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