Spring Snacking – Boards made easy

Winter is all about the cozy vibes, but spring is here and we’re bringing something fresh.

With the move to longer and warmer days, we’re moving to lighter meals, spontaneous gatherings, and a seasonal refresh for our cheese boards! Think bright, crisp, herbaceous, and a little unexpected.

Follow these steps to build a board that is effortless but impressive and sure to satisfy all.

1. A bold Center piece

Of course we’re going to start with blue. Every board needs a bold piece to center around and Shaft’s 1-Year Aged blue is perfect for such an occasion. Though its bold richness may seem like a winter mood, pairing is where it really shines here. Instead of heavy meats, we’re leaning into fresh and sweet substitutes. Balance the blue with:

Fresh pear
Green grapes
Lemon zest honey
Pickled shallots
Marcona almonds

Think contrast and fresh flavors.

2. Add a creamy counterpart

Is it blasphemy if we recommend something that isn’t blue?! Nope, it’s not. Because we are truly just cheese lovers when it comes down to it. So, which non-blue should you be adding to your spring boards? Think fresh creamy: ricotta, chevre, burrata… all of these are made for springtime snacking:

Drizzle chèvre with olive oil and cracked pepper
Serve burrata with torn basil and flaky salt
Whip ricotta with lemon zest and honey

Create layers and depth with these delicious counterparts.

3. Fresh, seasonal produce

Every season, this will be our motto – lean into the season! Specifically in the spring, let the produce do the heavy lifting:

Radishes with flaky salt
Snap peas
Fresh strawberries
Cucumber ribbons
Microgreens for color

Choose your favorites and let the produce shine!

4. Play with florals and herbs

What is spring without fresh flowers and herbs? They go hand in hand and should not be neglected on your cheese board. Some ideas:

Rosemary sprigs
Edible flowers
Fresh thyme
Lavender honey drizzle

A few small touches can go a long way. Just be sure any florals you add are safe for consumption, even if they won’t necessarily be eaten – better safe than sorry!

Final Thoughts:

Think layers not piles – instead of separating everything into neat little sections, overlap textures and colors. Let cheeses partially touch fruit. Tuck herbs around wedges. Stack crackers in loose rows. Abundance should be evident.
Spring entertaining is about ease, not perfection – open windows, bright & natural lights, easy conversations. That’s what it’s all about. Don’t stress too much. As long as your board is inviting, not overwhelming, your guests will devour it!
Easy pairing ideas – some final thoughts on pairing:
- Ellie’s 2-Year Blue Cheese + strawberries + honey
- Shaft’s 1-Year Blue + cucumber + fresh dill on crostini
- Sparkling water with citrus (or a crisp white wine)