The Ultimate Summer Cheese Board Starring Fromager d’Affinois
There’s something irresistibly luxurious about a summer cheese board – the colors, the flavors, the textures. We’ll teach out how to make the ultimate.
The summer grazing board is the edible centerpiece of any gathering, whether it’s a casual backyard hang or an elegant evening on the patio. And at the center of this seasonal celebration? Fromager d’Affinois, the double-crème dream from Lyon, France.
Meet the Star: Fromager d’Affinois
Crafted by expert cheesemakers in Lyon using pasteurized cow’s milk, Fromager d’Affinois is a French double-crème brie-style cheese with a rich, buttery texture and mild sweetness. What makes it special is its ultrafiltered milk, a process that breaks down fat molecules and redistributes them evenly throughout the cheese. The result is a creamy and gooey texture—ideal for pairing with fresh summer fruits and a glass of chilled champagne. With a butterfat content of 60% or more (based on the fat in dry matter), this cheese defines indulgence.
How to Build Your Summer Board with Fromager d’Affinois
1. Choose a Cheese Variety
Start with Fromager d’Affinois as your hero soft cheese, then layer in variety with different textures and flavor profiles:
- Soft: Brie, goat cheese, burrata
- Semi-soft: Havarti, Munster
- Semi-hard: Aged cheddar, Gruyère, gouda
- Hard: Parmesan, manchego
Pair Fromager d’Affinois variants strategically:
- Le Fromager: Pair with raspberry jam for a bright, balanced contrast
- Le Campagnier: Perfect with redcurrant jelly and fresh strawberries
- Excellence (triple crème): Enjoy with zesty orange marmalade
- Bleu: Match with apricot preserves or honey
- Florette (goat) & Brebicet (sheep): Counterbalance with strawberry or fig conserve
2. Add Charcuterie
Complement the creaminess of Fromager d’Affinois with savory, salty meats:
- Crowd-pleasers: Prosciutto, salami
- For depth: Coppa, pâté, or even spreadable n’duja
As a pro tip, try Fromager d’Affinois on crusty bread with Prosciutto Cotto and sour cherry jam—a sweet and savory bite of summer heaven.
3. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Nothing says summer like a burst of produce:
- Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries
- Grapes, apple slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radish, carrots, celery
- For a wow factor: Watermelon radish slices or edible flowers
4. Briny Snacks
Balance out rich cheeses and meats with sharp, salty contrasts:
- Cornichons
- Olives
- Pickled mustard seeds
5. Nuts for Crunch
Scatter walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or pecans throughout the board for crunch and texture.
6. Dips, Spreads & Drizzles
Add layers of flavor:
- Preserves: Raspberry, fig, apricot, or sour cherry jam
- Spreads: Hummus, garlic dip, mustard
- Drizzles: Honey or balsamic glaze (a drizzle over Fromager d’Affinois Bleu is divine)
7. Bread & Crackers
Provide a base for all those rich bites:
- Crusty baguette (toasted for crostini)
- Whole grain and water crackers
Presentation Tips for a Show-Stopping Board
- Odd Numbers Rule: Choose 3–7 meats, cheeses, and condiments for visual balance.
- Mix Shapes and Colors: Fan out sliced fruits, pile nuts in clusters, fold meats into rosettes.
- Fill Every Corner: Let no empty space remain—overflow is part of the charm.
- Finish with Flair: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and don’t forget the bubbly!
Celebrate the Creamy Centerpiece
Fromager d’Affinois isn’t just another cheese—it’s the silky centerpiece that brings the whole board together.
