The Ultimate French Cheese Pairing Guide for Your Charcuterie Board

 

If you're looking to elevate your charcuterie board with the finest selection of cheeses, nothing beats the variety and depth of flavor found in French cheeses. Whether you're a seasoned cheese lover or just beginning your charcuterie journey, this guide will walk you through the best French cheeses to include and how to pair them for the perfect spread.

Step 1: Select Your French Cheeses

To create a balanced and varied cheese selection, aim for 3–5 cheeses that offer different textures, flavors, and intensities. We recommend including a mix of soft, semi-soft, hard, and blue cheeses to provide a range of experiences.

Here’s a list of classic French cheeses and tips for pairing them with your other charcuterie board items.

Soft & Creamy Cheeses

1. Brie

  • Flavor: Mild, buttery, and creamy

  • Pair With: Fresh fruit (grapes, figs), honey, mild crackers

  • Wine Pairing: Champagne or a light Chardonnay

2. Camembert

  • Flavor: Earthy, tangy, and creamy

  • Pair With: Apple slices, walnuts, baguette slices

  • Wine Pairing: A fruity red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc

3. Neufchâtel

  • Flavor: Smooth, cream cheese-like texture with a slightly tangy flavor

  • Pair With: Strawberries, crusty bread, fig jam

  • Wine Pairing: Sparkling wine or light red wine like Beaujolais

4. Boursin

  • Flavor: Rich and herby, typically garlic and herbs

  • Pair With: Caramelized nuts, crackers, cucumber slices

  • Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or light white wines

Semi-Soft to Semi-Hard Cheeses

5. Tomme de Savoie

  • Flavor: Nutty, earthy with a smooth texture

  • Pair With: Pear slices, olives, crusty bread

  • Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or a dry white like Chardonnay

6. Reblochon

  • Flavor: Creamy, slightly tangy with a soft rind

  • Pair With: Prosciutto, roasted vegetables, or a handful of dried fruit

  • Wine Pairing: Soft red wines like Pinot Noir or light whites

7. Morbier

  • Flavor: Mild, creamy with a hint of smokiness and a striking layer of ash in the center

  • Pair With: Sweet figs, smoked meats, crackers

  • Wine Pairing: A fruity red wine like Gamay or a floral white like Viognier

Hard & Aged Cheeses

8. Comté

  • Flavor: Nutty, slightly sweet, and complex

  • Pair With: Apples, roasted nuts, dry cured meats

  • Wine Pairing: Full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or a dry Champagne

9. Beaufort

  • Flavor: Firm, rich with a fruity aroma

  • Pair With: Fresh grapes, honey, spicy sausage

  • Wine Pairing: A full-bodied red like Syrah or an aromatic white

10. Cantal

  • Flavor: Strong, tangy, with a sharp finish

  • Pair With: Crusty baguette, dried figs, olives

  • Wine Pairing: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity white

Bold & Blue Cheeses

11. Roquefort

  • Flavor: Sharp, tangy, and rich with creamy blue veins

  • Pair With: Sweet jams (apricot or fig), nuts, pear slices

  • Wine Pairing: A bold red like Port or a sweet white like Sauternes

12. Bleu d'Auvergne

  • Flavor: Creamy, rich, and slightly milder than Roquefort

  • Pair With: Dark chocolate, roasted almonds, spicy sausage

  • Wine Pairing: Full-bodied reds like Zinfandel or a sweet Riesling

Step 2: Build Your Board with French Flair

Once you've selected your French cheeses, it’s time to create the perfect board. Here are a few tips for arranging your cheeses and pairings:

  • Start with your bold cheeses like Roquefort or Comté, and place them in the center of your board for focus.

  • Add your soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert around the bold ones, making sure they’re spread evenly for easy access.

  • Incorporate fruits, nuts, and crackers to add color and texture. Think figs, grapes, walnuts, and baguette slices.

  • Drizzle honey or add jams (like fig or apricot) near your bold cheeses to balance out the tanginess with sweetness.

Step 3: Perfect Your Pairings

Pair your board with the right drinks to elevate your French cheese experience:

  • Red Wine: Opt for medium to full-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • White Wine: Light whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines like Champagne are perfect with most French cheeses.

  • Pairing with Beer: Try a light beer like Pilsner or a fruity ale with your cheeses for a fun twist.

✅ Bonus Tip: Make It a Gift

A beautifully arranged French cheese charcuterie board isn’t just for personal indulgence—it also makes an impressive gift. Pair a selection of cheeses with one of our artisan charcuterie boards and you've got a memorable, thoughtful gift for any occasion.

Ready to create your own French cheese charcuterie masterpiece?
✨ Browse our collection of charcuterie boards and start building the perfect spread today!

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