I love cheese boards because they can be literally anything. They are simply an outline. They can capture any flavor profile, feed any amount of people, and be served at any time of the day.
When I lived in New York, I went to a Brooklyn restaurant called Blueprint multiple times a week after my shift waiting tables. They had a $9 single cheese cheese board that I still dream about to this day. It consisted of one cheese of your choice, a warm, fresh baked mini baguette, and thinly sliced apple. It was truly *chef’s kiss*.
Using Blueprint’s blueprint, I’ve concocted five three-ingredient cheese board recipes for anyone and everyone using only Trader Joe’s cheese and accoutrements. Each cheese board recipe on this list feels refined but, thanks to Trader Joe’s cheese and ingredients, they are all super affordable. It’s time to invite friends over, stat!
The Spreadable: Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread + Organic Apricot Preserves + Mini French Baguette
No cutting is required for this cheese board. All you need is a butter knife for spreading. You get the soft, spreadable Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread (which is one of our favorite Trader Joe’s cheese varieties). You get fruitiness from the jam. Last but not least, you get the warm and perfectly sized mini baguette. This three-ingredient cheese board recipe hits all the traditional cheese board notes (salty, fruity, bready) and makes a simple cheese board anyone could love.
The After Dinner: Chevre with Honey + Strawberry & Jalapeño Crisps + Dark Chocolate Orange Sticks
If you’re not big on dessert but want a little something sweet after dinner, this is the best cheese board for you. The goat cheese with honey is sweet, but not too sweet. The Strawberry Jalapeño Crisps are fruity, crunchy, and just a tad spicy. The dark chocolate orange sticks are the perfect jelly-like accompaniment. This cheese board recipe might sound weird but you should try it. I think you’ll like it!
The Italian: Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper + Rosemary Sfogliette Crackers + Bruschetta Sauce
This Italian-inspired cheese board recipe is perfect for anyone who can’t swing the cost of airfare to the Amalfi Coast this summer. The peppery Trader Joe’s cheese, herby crackers, and fresh bruschetta sauce make a bite that will make you feel like a nonna in the best way possible.
The Sweet & Spicy: Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili Peppers + Organic Dried Mango + Plantain Chips
Contrast is king with this cheese board recipe. The cheese itself is both creamy and spicy. The dried mango is fruity. The plantain chips are crunchy but have a hint of banana-y sweetness. This would be a great cheese board to serve as an appetizer if you’re serving a Latin American meal. This would also be a great cheese board to eat alone on the couch while watching The Righteous Gemstones (the best show currently on TV).
The Vegan: Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative + Olive & Herb Mixed Nuts + Marinated Artichokes On The Go
Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you should have to miss out on cheese boards! This cheese board recipe goes out to anyone avoiding dairy. The crunchy, savory nuts combined with the tangy marinated artichoke hearts and Trader Joe’s creamy, salty vegan feta (one of the best vegan cheese options out there) are a match made in lactose-free heaven.
Jordan you need to try the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread with a Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecan on top of a Ritz Cracker. Chefs Kiss.
Love this idea! This is officially a Trader Joe’s cheese board think tank!