When you picture a cheese board, you probably imagine a mixture of textures, flavours, and stories that come together on one plate. For me, there’s something about a cheese board that goes beyond just food. It’s an experience. You’re not only tasting the cheese, you’re tasting tradition, craft, and in the case of Somerset, centuries of dairy heritage.
I’ve worked in removals for years, helping families move house, but when it comes to winding down and enjoying something special, I always go back to cheese. So today, I want to share what I think makes the perfect Somerset cheese board. It’s a mixture of the mild, the strong, and the hot. Because the truth is, balance is everything.
My Top Tip for Building a Cheese Board
The best cheese board always has variety. Too many strong cheeses can overwhelm, while too many mild options might leave you wishing for more punch. So I like to aim for six different cheeses every time. That way, you cover all the bases—something smooth, something sharp, something creamy, and something that makes you sit up and notice.
And if you’re like me and enjoy a bit of heat, it’s worth bringing in one or two hot and spicy cheeses that wake up the palate. You want every bite to tell a different story, and Somerset is full of cheeses that do just that.
The Six Cheeses That Make My Somerset Cheese Board
Grim Reaper – A Fiery Take on Red Cheddar
Let’s start with the cheese that really makes a statement. Grim Reaper isn’t your average cheddar. It’s Somerset Red Cheddar mixed with Carolina Reaper chilli flakes. And if you’ve ever tried a Carolina Reaper, you’ll know just how powerful that is. It’s one of the hottest chillies in the world, but when paired with the mellow richness of Somerset Red Cheddar, it becomes something bold without being unbearable.
This cheese is for those who like a challenge, but it’s also surprisingly balanced. The deep, nutty notes of the cheddar anchor the chilli heat so it doesn’t overpower everything else on the board. It’s my way of making sure there’s excitement and surprise in every cheese board I put together.
Applewood – A Smoky Classic
Next up is Applewood. This cheddar is known across the UK for its smooth, smoky flavour. It’s creamy but carries that subtle smokiness that lingers after each bite. It’s not overpowering, but it adds depth. Applewood is one of those cheeses that sits happily between the mild and the strong. It appeals to everyone, and that makes it an important part of a balanced board.
It also pairs beautifully with crackers and chutneys. Add in a slice of apple alongside it, and you’ll see just how versatile it can be. It’s the kind of cheese that connects traditional cheddar with something a little more adventurous.
Somerset Brie – Best When Served Warm
A cheese board without a soft cheese always feels incomplete. For me, Somerset Brie fills that gap perfectly. Somerset produces some beautiful brie, with a creamy, soft texture that becomes even more luxurious when served slightly warm.
Brie offers a completely different experience from cheddar. Where cheddar gives you strength, brie gives you softness and richness. It spreads easily on bread or crackers, and its subtle flavour acts as a calming balance alongside spicier or sharper cheeses. On my board, it’s the one people go back to again and again because it brings comfort and variety.
Wyke Farm Extra Mature Cheddar – Bruton’s Finest
Cheddar has its roots in Somerset, so no cheese board from this county is complete without a proper mature cheddar. Wyke Farm in Bruton produces an extra mature cheddar that embodies everything cheddar should be—bold, crumbly, and full of flavour.
This cheese is aged longer to deepen its character. It has that tangy sharpness that hits the tongue immediately, but it also leaves a lingering richness. It’s the kind of cheddar that shows you why Somerset is famous around the world for cheese. On my board, it’s the anchor—the strong classic that represents the heritage of Somerset dairying.
Somerset Cider Cheese – With Rose Farm Pickle
Somerset is as famous for its cider as it is for its cheese, so combining the two just feels natural. Somerset Cider Cheese is infused with cider, giving it a fruity undertone that makes it unique. When paired with Rose Farm Cheddar pickle, it transforms into something truly special.
This is the cheese that brings a little bit of Somerset’s farming landscape directly onto your plate. It’s hearty and rustic, but the cider notes lift it, adding freshness and sweetness. On my board, it acts as a reminder that cheese is about more than just flavour—it’s about place, tradition, and community.
Fiery Fred’s Crazy Cheddar – Heat With a Twist
To finish my board, I bring in Fiery Fred’s Crazy Cheddar. Like the Grim Reaper, this one brings heat, but it does so in a slightly different way. Where Grim Reaper is sharp and intense, Fiery Fred’s feels cheekier. The spice is woven into the cheddar so that it builds gradually as you eat it.
This cheese is a conversation starter. People might hesitate at first, but once they try it, they go back for more. It has all the familiar richness of cheddar, but the heat makes it stand out. It’s my way of making sure no one forgets the board in a hurry.
Why Six Cheeses Work Best
The reason I always go for six cheeses is simple: it creates balance. You get a range of flavours without overwhelming the board. Too few and you’re limited, too many and you lose the ability to appreciate each one. With six, you can offer something for everyone—mild for those who prefer subtlety, strong for those who want boldness, and hot for those who love spice.
A Somerset cheese board like this doesn’t just fill a plate. It tells a story. From Bruton’s mature cheddar to cider-infused cheese that celebrates the orchards, you’re tasting the best of the county. Each cheese plays its part, and together they make something unforgettable.
Pairing Your Cheese Board
No cheese board is complete without the right accompaniments. Crackers, crusty bread, and fresh fruit bring contrast and balance. Apples and pears work particularly well with Somerset cheese because they echo the local cider-making tradition. Chutneys and pickles, especially those made in Somerset, add depth and sweetness that highlight the richness of the cheese.
A glass of Somerset cider or a crisp white wine ties everything together, making the experience as much about the drink as the food. Cheese boards aren’t about filling up, they’re about slowing down and savouring each combination.
Celebrating Somerset’s Cheese Heritage
Somerset has been producing cheese for centuries, with cheddar tracing its origins back to caves near the village of Cheddar itself. The county’s climate, soil, and farming traditions have created conditions that make exceptional dairy. Choosing Somerset cheese isn’t just about taste—it’s about celebrating that heritage.
When you put together a board like mine, you’re not just serving cheese. You’re sharing a piece of history and culture. Every bite connects you to the land, the farmers, and the craft that makes Somerset cheese what it is.
Final Thoughts
A great cheese board is about more than just what you put on it. It’s about creating balance, sharing stories, and celebrating tradition. For me, that means including six different cheeses every time, covering the mild, the strong, and the hot.
From the fiery kick of Grim Reaper to the comforting creaminess of Somerset Brie, every cheese has its place. Wyke Farm’s extra mature cheddar anchors the board with strength, while Somerset Cider Cheese adds a touch of local charm. Applewood brings a smoky twist, and Fiery Fred’s Crazy Cheddar ensures there’s fun and surprise.
So if you’re planning your own cheese board, take inspiration from Somerset. Choose variety, embrace balance, and don’t be afraid to add a little heat. Because the best cheese board is the one that makes people stop, taste, and remember.
