Hi friends — Ashley here again! If you’ve been around my kitchen, you know one of my favorite things to make for guests is a really beautiful cheese board. It’s easy, unfussy, and always feels special — which is exactly what KISS Cooking is all about.
Last week I put together a board for a family get-together, and I grabbed everything from Trader Joe’s… because sometimes the simplest option is also the best one. They have such an amazing cheese selection, fun seasonal items, and the prettiest olives. Truly a hostess’ best friend.
So today I’m sharing exactly what I used, plus a few swaps and suggestions if you want to recreate it at home.
✨ Building the Perfect KISS Cheese Board ✨
From Ashley’s kitchen to yours
Let’s Talk Cheese — My Go-To Picks from Trader Joe’s
I love mixing textures so the board feels interesting and balanced. Here’s what I typically reach for:
1. A Soft Cheese
Something creamy that spreads beautifully.
• Brie (TJ’s Double Crème Brie is a staple)
• Goat cheese (their Honey Goat Cheese log is always a crowd-pleaser)
2. A Semi-Soft Cheese
A little melty, a little mild — perfect for most palates.
• Havarti
• Fontina
• TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar spreadable version if you can find it
3. A Hard or Aged Cheese
For depth and those salty, crumbly bites.
• Unexpected Cheddar (an absolute must)
• Aged Gouda
• Parmesan or Pecorino if you want something extra sharp
4. Something Fun or Seasonal
This is where I add personality.
• Cranberry Chevre during the holidays
• Truffle Marcona almonds (not a cheese… but trust me)
• A flavored cheddar or a Toscano cheese rubbed with black pepper or syrah
The Olives — The Secret Star of the Board
I always like having a briny, savory element on my boards because it cuts through all the richness. Trader Joe’s makes this easy — their olive selection is surprisingly good.
Some of my favorites:
• Castelvetrano olives (buttery + bright green)
• Kalamata olives
• Marinated green olives with herbs
• Spanish Manzanilla olives
• The trio olive pack — perfect when you want a mix without thinking
If you want to elevate them, drain the liquid, drizzle with olive oil, add a squeeze of lemon, and finish with fresh herbs. It feels gourmet with zero effort.
Pairing Everything Together
To round out the board, I added:
• Rosemary crackers + pita crackers
• Seasonal fruit — grapes, pears, or figs
• Honey (always)
• A handful of nuts for crunch
And because we’re keeping it simple, sweetheart — just arrange everything in loose clusters. Don’t overthink it. Cheese boards are supposed to look slightly undone and inviting.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Cheese boards are the easiest way to make guests feel welcomed the moment they walk in. They’re beautiful, they’re delicious, and they give you time back to actually enjoy your company.
I hope this inspires your next gathering — whether it’s Thanksgiving week, a holiday party, or just a cozy night at home.
Keep it simple, sweetheart.
🤍 Ashley
