The run-up to Christmas is in full swing and I’m absolutely here for it. The air’s full of festive cheer, twinkly lights are all around, and best of all, it’s an excuse to consume mountains of cheese.

In the name of all that’s merry, I’ve put together my top 5 flavour pairings that’ll take your festive cheese board to the next level. Whether you’re hosting Friendsmas, a night of cheese and wine, or going the whole hog on Christmas Day, consider this my gift to you. 

1. Cream cheese and sweet chilli sauce

Unconventional? Maybe. A crowd-pleaser? Every. Single. Time. Scoop cream cheese into a bowl and smother it in your favourite sweet chilli sauce. Spread it on a cracker or dip it with posh crisps for a fully-loaded taste explosion. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look back.

2. Comte with cranberry sauce

Put that leftover cranberry sauce to good use for this sweet-savoury taste sensation. Sweet, sticky and slightly tart, cranberry makes hard cheeses sing. My go-to is comte but it’s just as good with any mature cheddar or nutty French gruyere.

3. Brie with hot honey and chilli

Moreish, decadent and easy on the eye, this one will steal the show. Simply heat runny honey with a pinch of chilli flakes over low heat. Once it starts to bubble, drizzle the lot over your brie and wait for the flavours to bloom. Crumble over a little honeycomb if you’re really in the mood to impress.

4. Goats cheese with fig chutney

Your goat cheese will be singing merrily on high with this picture-perfect pairing. Caramelise sweet onions before stirring in jammy fig chutney for a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll pour all over your goat cheese log. Ready in minutes, it’ll be gone in half the time.

5. Stilton with mango chutney

Any good cheese board needs a wild card. And trust me, this is it. Dig out the leftover mango chutney you’ve got hiding in the fridge and pair it with a good English stilton. Fruit and funky, this combo gets guests talking.

And there you have it. Equal parts art and science, these pairings will make every cheese board extra merry. Arrange them on a beautiful wooden board scattered with nuts, dried fruits and some sprigs of fresh rosemary. Voila, let the festivities begin.

What is Gousto?

Dinner, but not as you know it. Our big red recipe boxes will help you whip up wholesome, impressive meals no matter your skill level, with all of the flavour and none of the fuss.

From everyday favourites and ten-minute meals to global cuisines and healthy choices, you’ll have over 75 recipes to choose from each week from our menu. We’ll send you step-by-step recipes and all the fresh ingredients you need too. Just pick what you fancy for dinner, and leave the planning to us.