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A show-stopping charcuterie board is my favorite way to get 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? Snacks for dinner, you! But there’s a slight difference between building your typical plate and creating a summer cheese board—including fresh, seasonal ingredients and cheeses that can handle the intense summer heat.
If you’re hosting upcoming gatherings or are craving creative food, these tips will help you plan a summer cheeseboard that perfectly complements the season. The best cheese boards are well-balanced, with a variety of sweet, salty, and savory ingredients.
Read on for inspiration and tips to help you launch your summer charcuterie endeavors!
What makes a summer cheese board?
The season is big when deciding on your summer cheese board ingredients. Using herbs, fruits, and flowers that bloom in the summer months will help your board pop in both color and flavor. Basil, rosemary, and dill make a beautiful presentation when paired with sweet nuts and rich cheese. And apricots, strawberries, and blackberries bring the best flavor to the summer months. And to finish things off with a little natural bloom, lavender and hibiscus are both great ways to brighten up your board.
Which cheese is best for hot days?
In general, soft cheeses work best on summer boards that will be enjoyed outdoors. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, and Swiss have dense or high-fat cheeses—meaning they tend to release oil and become waxy when heated. Soft, ripe cheeses like brie and chèvre are 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 board like a pro. As our source for summer fun confirms, the trick is to let the cheese take center stage, invest in a good board, and let the seasons guide you.
1. Start with a bold cheese that makes the whole board feel special
Forget what you’ve heard about always offering variety. If it’s REAL cheese, you only need one. This is a great budget tip since cheese is the most expensive part of a cheese board. It can be aged cheddar or Gruyère, as used here, or a soft cheese like triple creme brie or a really good goat cheese. I also love a good blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton. If you’re serving a large group, use a combination of three cheeses with different textures and flavor profiles.
2. Use a large enough board to make it feel really spacious
The Casa Zuma Large Gathering Board or Large Vintage Wood Board are personal favorites when creating a large cheese board. Both create a stunning space on your table and can hold plenty of ingredients. Before choosing your board, be sure to note the number of small and large ingredients you wish to include.
3. Add the finished meat
Whether you choose prosciutto, salami, soppressata, or all three, adding cured meats will make your board feel more comfortable, and salt is a good foil for other delicious things on the board.
4. Add something sweet and savory
The addition of seasonal fruits such as berries, cherries, peaches, and figs is a great way to keep your board warm and fresh. To complement your cheeses, jam or honey it is a delicious addition to any board. As for the savory aspect, salted nuts, olives, pickled artichokes, and roasted peppers can help fill in the gaps and make your cheese board feel fuller.
One simple trick that quickly elevates a presentation? Use small antipasti bowls to corral ingredients such as honey, olives, nuts, cornichons, or preserves. Not only does it keep your board from feeling cluttered, but it also creates visual interest with different lengths and shapes. Also, guests can collect and serve themselves without the ingredients rolling around on the board.
5. Create summer vibes with edible herbs and flowers that add a touch of sophistication
Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs is a unique touch to any cheeseboard. Not only do these hats have the ability to bring flavor, but they also serve as wonderful decorations that create a pop of color wherever they are placed.
6. Offer a variety of bread or crackers
I often make sliced, toasted baguettes and gluten-free seeded crackers to give people options. However, feel free to put whatever types of bread or crackers you want to pull your board together and create a balanced palate.
7. Put the big things on the board first and group like things together to make the best presentation
Larger items—like sliced bread and cheese—should be the first to appear on your board. This technique makes it easy to use small and delicate ingredients strategically to create a cheese board with expert attention to detail.
The Best Summer Cheese Boards That Feel Ineffective
The beauty of a summer cheese board is that it doesn’t require complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. With a few delicious cheeses, seasonal produce, and thoughtful details, you can create something that feels rich, comfortable, and well-suited for long afternoons spent outside.
Remember: the goal is not perfection. Gather people around the table and give them something delicious to munch on while the conversation continues. Let the season guide your ingredients, depending on the color and texture, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple. The best summer cheeseboards feel fresh, generous, and a little laid back—just the way summer entertaining should be.
This post was last updated on June 27, 2026, to include new information.
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