Who says creating an impressive cheese board has to be expensive? With a few clever tricks, you can put together something that looks luxurious, tastes incredible, and still stays within your budget. From choosing local gems to finding the right balance of flavour and texture, here’s how to craft a board that’s every bit as indulgent as it looks.
Plus, we highlight a few local cheese shops across SA to help you find the best quality without the imported price tag.
How to make a cheese board on a budget
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality or taste. With thoughtful planning and smart sourcing, you can create a board that feels fancy and full, without breaking the bank.
1. Choose the right cheeses
Many people think a show-stopping cheese board needs a dozen options, but it’s really about quantity over quality. Two to three well-chosen cheeses are enough: think a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, or a tangy blue. Add one special cheese that’s a touch more premium for that “wow” factor.
Top tip: Bulk up your board visually by slicing and spreading out cheese portions, or by adding decorative garnishes like fresh herbs and edible flowers.
2. Focus on variety and texture
A beautiful cheese board is all about contrast, in both taste and texture. Make sure to include:
- A hard cheese, a soft cheese, and a creamy or crumbly one.
- Two types of crackers or fresh breads for texture.
- Fruits and nuts for colour and crunch: think grapes, dried apricots, berries, mixed salted nuts (even peanuts will do!).
- Condiments: a cheese cracker needs that something extra. To stay within the budget, choose your go-to chutney or jam, or have a couple of choices to make it interesting.
- Optional: Add a selection of cured meats, or vegan-friendly nuts and cheese options to add more variety.
Arrange your items in mirrored bundles across the board so everyone has easy access to everything.
3. Finish with a “wow” factor
Add a touch of creativity that makes your cheese board unforgettable. Try:
- Serving it on an antique platter or slate tile.
- Creating a mini “cheese cake” by stacking similar cheeses (ask your local cheesemonger to help you select the perfect combo). Adorn it with fresh and dried fruits and nuts for an interesting twist.
- Pre-assemble a few creative pairings with chutney, honey, or fruit to inspire your guests.
A thoughtful finishing touch can transform a simple spread into something truly memorable.
Local cheese stores across SA
Gauteng
- Cheese Gourmet, Linden, Johannesburg: Great local deli that serves speciality cheeses (and makes affordable platters too).
- Cremalat, Hyde Park, Johannesburg: A nice selection of local and imported cheeses plus deli items.
Western Cape
- The Mousetrap, Brackenfell, Cape Town: Serves artisan fine cheeses.
- French Market, Gardens Shopping Centre, Cape Town: Family-run cheese store that sells French cheeses, deli items, pastries and wines.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
- The Smoking Gourmet, Durban North: Artisan cheese shop also selling dairy, smoked items and deli items.
- Bush Hill Cheese, Creighton: Local, artisanal cheeses.
Free State
- Papas Halloumi Braai Cheese, Hilton, Bloemfontein: Authentic Cypriot cheeses made in SA.
- Udder Delight, Willow Bend Farm: Serves farm-style cheeses and dairy.
Mpumalanga
- Cavalieri Cheese Deli, Nelspruit: Well-stocked deli with speciality cheeses.
- Honeymoon Valley Cheese, Wakkerstroom: Handmade local cheeses.
Limpopo
- Indezi River Creamery @ Food Lovers Market Farmyard, Polokwane: Stockist for local Indezi River products.
- Klippiesveld Cheese, Polokwane: Local cheese producer.
Northern Cape
- The Kalahari Cheesemaking Company, Augrabies: Small-batch micro-cheesery.
- Kimberley Discount Cash & Carry, Kimberley: While not specialists, it’s a great store to buy in bulk at affordable prices.
Eastern Cape
- De Pekelaar Boerenkaas, Paterson: A small artisanal cheesery that produces Gouda-style farmer’s cheeses.
- Crickley Dairy, Gqeberha and Queenstown: Produces a range of cheeses locally.
A beautiful cheese board doesn’t need to be over-the-top to impress. With a few good-quality cheeses, fresh fruits, your favourite condiments, and a little imagination, you can serve up something that looks luxurious and feels just as indulgent – all while staying on a budget.
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