There’s something undeniably satisfying about winding down after a day of adventure with a carefully curated cheeseboard. 

Whether you’re parked by a serene lakeside, nestled in the mountains, or enjoying the ocean breeze, a cheeseboard is the ultimate treat that combines simplicity with indulgence. 

The best part? You don’t need a gourmet kitchen to create one! 

With these tips, your next spring caravan trip will be a cheesy (in the best possible way) success. After all, the best journeys are those filled with great food, good company, and the joy of discovery. 

But before we jump in, here’s a few things to keep in mind for making it caravan ready: 

• Pre-prep: Do as much prep as possible before you hit the road. Slice your cheese, wash and cut your fruits and store them in airtight containers. 
• Pack smart: Use small, stackable containers to keep everything organised and easy to access. Your van fridge, no matter how big or small, is ideal for keeping everything fresh. 
• Keep it simple: You don’t need to go overboard. A small, well-curated cheeseboard can be just as satisfying as a larger one. Choose a few key items and focus on quality. 
• Be creative with leftovers: Any leftover cheese can be repurposed into meals the next day – think cheese toasties, salads or even a cheesy pasta dish. 

Choose your cheeses wisely

The cheese is the star of the show, so choose a variety that offers different flavours and textures. A well-balanced cheeseboard usually includes:

• A soft cheese: Think brie or camembert. These cheeses are creamy and spreadable, perfect for adding a rich, indulgent element to your board.
• A hard cheese: Aged cheddar or gouda brings a sharp, nutty flavour to the mix. These cheeses also hold up well in a caravan fridge, making them ideal for travel.
• A blue cheese: If you’re a fan of bold flavours, a crumbly blue cheese like Roquefort or gorgonzola adds a punchy, tangy taste to your board.
• A fresh cheese: Goat cheese or ricotta can provide a milder, tangy option that’s versatile enough to pair with both sweet and savoury accompaniments.
• A specialty cheese: If you want to get a bit fancy, include a cheese that’s a little out of the ordinary, like truffle-infused cheese or a smoked variety. It adds a touch of luxury to your cheeseboard and can be a great conversation starter.

Now obviously you don’t have to go for all of these – pick your favourites and build your board around them.

Pro tip: Opt for locally sourced cheeses from your travel destinations! It adds a regional touch and supports local artisans.

Add some crunch

No cheeseboard is complete without a bit of crunch. Think of these as your cheese’s best friends:

• Crackers: Go for a mix—classic water crackers, something with seeds, and maybe even a sweet option like oat biscuits.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans roasted with a sprinkle of sea salt will do the trick.
• Breadsticks: For something different, add some crispy breadsticks or a crusty baguette sliced thinly.

Sweet and savoury accents

Balance is key, so add a touch of sweetness and savoury to your board:

• Fruits: Fresh berries, sliced apples, or juicy figs not only add sweetness but also colour. Dried fruits like apricots and cranberries are great too!
• Honey or Jam: A drizzle of honey or a small pot of fig jam brings out the flavours in the cheese.
• Charcuterie: Some slices of prosciutto, salami, or chorizo will add a savoury punch to your board.

Perfect presentation 

Here’s where you get to have some fun. If you’ve got a rustic wooden board, you’re already halfway there! 

Arrange the cheeses first, giving them space to shine. Fill in the gaps with your crunchy, sweet, and savoury bits. Don’t forget to throw in a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra touch of greenery.

Pair with a drink

What’s a cheeseboard without the perfect beverage? If you’re a wine lover, pair your cheeses with a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Pinot Noir. 

Not into wine? A craft beer or even a sparkling water with a slice of lemon can elevate your snack time.

Once your cheeseboard is assembled, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy. 

Whether you’re sharing it with a partner, friends, or simply treating yourself, a cheeseboard is the perfect way to savour the moment and appreciate the simple pleasures of caravanning life.

If you still need some inspiration for your cheeseboard, try one of these ideas from Woolworths.