Forget about dinner, summer cheese board is THE best dinner on a very hot summer evenings… And perfect for summer entertaining too!
When juicy peaches, sweet melons and plump berries are in abundance, and when days are sweltering hot, you don’t crave anything but those juicy fruits and something light to nibble on. Right?
And that’s exactly why cheese board has been my favorite dinner lately. It takes zero preparation, no dishes to clean (thanks, paper plates!), no turning the stove, and LOTS of cheese, sweet fruits, and olives! Who can say no to that? Not I!
There’s absolutely nothing fancy going on here.
My favorite Sartori cheeses are hero of the plate here. We’re having creamy Merlot Bellavitano with a punch of sweetness of wine, Espresso Bellavitano (OMG, that espresso-rubbed crust is to die for!) and incredibly rich Montamore Cheddar. Special thanks goes to Sartori Cheese for sharing their special cheeses and making sure we never run out! (And believe me, I’m not just loving these cheeses because they are sent to me. I actually really LOVE them, so does my family!)
Ok, moving onto other parts of the cheese board. Summer fruits make this board summer-y. Obviously! I had extra juicy peaches and nectarines, blueberries, and melon on hand. They bring all the summer vibes for sure!
And what kind of cheese board doesn’t have meats, right? I only had salami, but prosciutto would have been FANTASTIC with those melon!!!
OLIVES! Always olives, please! Castelvetrano olives are hands down my favorite kind of olives. Buttery crisp and mild in flavor, which is perfect to pair with cheeses! Oh and my toddler is obsessed with them as well!
Then goes crackers, toasted almonds, and some honey, if you need a touch of sweetness. Fresh slices of baguette is also welcome.
Oh and wine, duh! I have yet to enjoy a glass of wine though. I’m a little worried that my little guy won’t appreciate it, since I’m nursing him full time. In the meantime, please enjoy an extra glass for me, and I’ll enjoy an extra slice of cheese for you! 😉
And because this photoshoot was my first in a very long time, I carried away a little and took one too many photos. But I sure hope you’ll enjoy them nonetheless.
Did I mention cheese boards are great for entertaining? If you need something quick and tasty for Labor Day weekend, THIS IS IT!! I’d love to see your cheese board creations too. Share it on Facebook or Instagram, and make sure to tag me!
Summer Cheese Board
Ingredients
- 3 varieties of cheese I used Merlot Bellavitano, Espresso Bellavitano and Montamore Cheddar
- Aged salami thinly sliced
- Castelvetrano olives pitted
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Blueberries
- Melon
- Toasted almonds
- Crackers
- Honey
Instructions
- Bring the cheeses to room temperature, about 30 minutes on the counter.
- Arrange everything on serving platter right before serving.
Barbara says
Shinee, you and your lovely family are a delight. Glad to have you back. Writing to tell you I like how you think! The beautiful cheese board of yours and a glass of wine at the end of the day are a culinary delight. I have long been an advocate of simple suppers. I’ve been known to make appetizers for a laid back delicious dinner. Life isn’t all pot roasts and baked breads which ARE favorites of mine. Life only gets hard if you make it that way. It can be simple and elegant all at the same time. Your style of cooking is proof. Definitely Bon Appetit`. Best wishes. Barb
Shinee says
Thank you, Barb!!! You’re so sweet! And yes to all the simple dinners. “Life only gets hard if you make it that way.” THIS!! This’s gold! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!