Best Cheeses for a Mediterranean Appetizer Board

The best cheeses for a Mediterranean appetizer board include feta, ricotta salata, halloumi, manchego, kasseri, and labneh.

A Mediterranean cheese board balances briny, salty flavors with creamy textures, and mild sweetness, which is ideal for pairing with olives, flatbreads, dried fruits, and fresh herbs. Whether you're serving a mezze-style spread or prepping for summer entertaining, these cheeses offer delicious variety.

Top Cheeses to Include

Feta

Buy fresh if available. Good feta is tangy and briny, and crumbles nicely.
Use: Serve in blocks with olive oil and oregano or whipped as a dip.
Pairing: Perfect with olives, tomatoes, and pita.

Ricotta Salata

Sweet and salty with a creamy-yet-firm texture.
Use: Slice thin to medium, or crumbled.
Pairing: Pairs well with cured meats, especially prosciutto.

Halloumi

Quality halloumi is firm, salty, and ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Use: Slice and sear just before serving.
Pairing: Pairs well with raw honey and grilled vegetables.

Manchego

Nutty and semi-firm with a deliciously buttery finish.
Use: Slice thinly.
Pairing: On its own, Manchego pairs well with almonds, figs, and grilled peppers.

Kasseri

Mild and buttery, often compared to young provolone.
Use: Cube it or serve warm.
Pairing: Delicious with cured meats and roasted peppers.

Labneh

A strained yogurt cheese that’s rich and creamy, with a slight tang.
Use: Serve in a shallow bowl drizzled with olive oil.
Pairing: Cured meats, za’atar, fresh mint.

How to Build a Balanced Board

I suggest pairing your cheeses alongside classic Mediterranean accompaniments:

• Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives
• Roasted nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• Dried figs, dried apricots, and dates
• Flatbreads, crusty bread, or sesame crackers
• Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and mint
• Olive oil and balsamic drizzle

Bonus Tip:

You want a variety of different textures: one creamy (labneh), one firm (manchego), one fresh (feta), and one melty/grilled (halloumi). Bonus points if you have one that is mild-firm (ricotta salata). This creates a well-rounded board that’s both visually inviting and flavor-rich.

And that’s my answer to what cheeses work well as a Mediterranean-themed cheese board.

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