Save to Pinterest I discovered lavender-infused cheese at a tiny farmer's market tucked between art galleries, where a vendor was arranging cheeses like they were painting a canvas. The lavender-coated goat cheese caught my eye immediately—pale purple rounds dusted with crystallized flowers—and I knew right then I'd build an entire board around it. What started as curiosity became an obsession with balance: soft purples meeting cool greys, floral notes dancing with savory richness, a board that looked like it belonged in a design magazine but tasted like comfort. This isn't fancy-for-fancy's sake; it's the kind of spread that makes people linger and talk longer than they planned.
I made this for my sister's book club, and it completely upstaged the wine I'd brought (which I'm still not over). What surprised me was how people's eyes actually lit up when they saw the purple and grey tones—like the board itself was part of the experience, not just a vehicle for eating. By the end of the evening, the edible flowers were gone, the honey had been drizzled on everything, and someone asked me to make it again for their wedding. That's when I realized a cheese board could be both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Ingredients
- Lavender-coated goat cheese (150g): This is the star of the show—seek out ones where the lavender is actually crystallized on the surface, not just dusted on. If you can't find it, regular goat cheese works, but you'll lose that visual punch and the subtle floral note that makes people wonder what's different about this board.
- Ash-rinded brie (200g): The grey exterior isn't mold; it's vegetable ash, and it's essential. It looks like it was painted by someone who understands elegance, and the creamy interior is so buttery it's almost decadent.
- Seedless grapes, halved (1 cup): Red or black depending on whether you want brightness or drama—halving them makes them easier to eat with cheese and looks more intentional on the board.
- Fresh figs, quartered (1/2 cup): If they're out of season, dried figs work beautifully and actually photograph better because of their jewel-like color.
- Candied walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup): The sweetness cuts through the tanginess of the cheeses and adds crunch—this is non-negotiable for textural interest.
- Lavender honey (2 tbsp): Drizzle it over the goat cheese where it'll pool slightly, creating this gorgeous visual that also tastes incredible. Regular honey is fine if lavender feels too adventurous.
- Edible flowers (1/2 cup): Violets and pansies are your best bet, but make absolutely sure they're from a food-safe source—never use flowers from a garden center or florist. They're the final flourish that turns a nice board into a show-stopper.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: A small handful, scattered across the board for color and aroma—they also give people something to nibble on while they're thinking about which cheese to try next.
- Toasted baguette slices: Slice thin, toast until golden and crispy so they don't get soggy under the cheese. This is where most people go wrong—soft bread disappears; crispy bread stays the star.
- Charcoal or black sesame crackers: These create a visual contrast against the purple and white cheeses and have a nutty, slightly mineral flavor that's unexpected and memorable.
Instructions
- Set the stage:
- Place your large board or platter in front of you and take a breath—you're about to create something beautiful. Position the lavender goat cheese and ash-rinded brie on the board with intention, leaving space around them because negative space is part of the design.
- Build your clusters:
- Arrange grapes and figs in small groups around the cheeses, thinking about color balance and how people's eyes will travel across the board. Leave gaps; a full board feels chaotic, but a thoughtfully sparse one feels intentional.
- Add richness and crunch:
- Scatter candied walnuts between the fruit and cheese in little piles, like you're planting treasure for people to discover as they eat.
- Add the golden touch:
- Drizzle lavender honey directly over the goat cheese, letting it pool slightly in the crevices—this is where you're adding both flavor and visual drama.
- Finish with flowers and herbs:
- Scatter edible flowers and fresh thyme across the entire board, focusing on areas that need color pop but avoiding covering the cheeses themselves. The flowers should look like they landed there naturally, not like you arranged them with tweezers (even though you probably did).
- Complete the foundation:
- Arrange toasted baguette slices and charcoal crackers around the edges, creating a frame that invites people to build their bites. These are the vehicle for everything else, so give them honor of place.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring the board to your gathering and let it sit for a moment before people dive in—you've created something worth pausing for. If you have extra honey on the side, pour it into a small bowl so people can add more without making a mess.
Save to Pinterest There was this moment at my sister's book club when someone took a bite of lavender goat cheese, honey, and candied walnut on toasted bread, and just closed their eyes. She didn't say anything; she just savored it, and everyone at the table got quiet too, which never happens at a book club. That's when I understood that the best food isn't about being difficult or showing off—it's about creating a moment where people actually taste what's in front of them. This board does that effortlessly.
The Art of Cheese Board Balance
A cheese board is really about creating conversation between flavors and textures. The lavender goat cheese brings floral notes and creaminess, the ash-rinded brie offers earthiness and butter, and everything else—the grapes, figs, candied nuts, honey—are supporting players that make those cheeses shine. Think of it like assembling a band where everyone gets a solo but the cheese is the lead singer. The key is variety: soft and hard cheeses, sweet and savory elements, smooth and crunchy textures. When you nail that balance, the board doesn't need a lot of fussy components; it just needs intention.
Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This board practically begs for a chilled Provence rosé—something dry and mineral that won't overpower the delicate lavender notes. If your crowd skews toward whites, a floral Gewürztraminer is magical, or even a crisp Albariño if you want something lighter. The point is choosing wine that treats the board as a partner, not a background. I've also served this with sparkling water infused with fresh lavender and lemon for a non-alcoholic option that people loved just as much. The ritual of sipping and eating slowly, of savoring, is what makes this spread feel special rather than just convenient.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this board is that it's a template, not a rule book. Purple endive leaves or thin-sliced purple radishes add even more color and a subtle bitterness that plays against the sweetness of the honey. In summer, fresh berries replace some of the figs and grapes. In fall, roasted hazelnuts work beautifully instead of candied walnuts. The principle stays the same: balance color, texture, and flavor, and let the cheeses be the foundation everything else builds from.
- Keep extra honey in a small bowl on the side so people can add more without hesitation.
- If you're feeding gluten-free guests, swap the baguette for good-quality gluten-free crackers—they deserve the same visual and textural care you're giving the rest of the board.
- Arrange everything on a neutral-colored board so the colors of the cheeses and flowers actually pop instead of competing with the surface.
Save to Pinterest A cheese board is permission to slow down and actually taste things, to let eating be an event instead of a task. When you set this one down in front of people, you're giving them more than food—you're creating a moment.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cheeses are featured in this board?
Lavender-coated goat cheese and ash-rinded brie provide a delicate floral flavor and creamy texture.
- → Can this board be adapted for gluten-free guests?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can easily replace the baguette and other crackers.
- → What accompaniments enhance the flavors?
Fresh figs, seedless grapes, candied walnuts or pecans, lavender honey, and edible flowers create balance and visual appeal.
- → How should the board be served for best experience?
Arrange cheeses with fruit clusters and nuts, drizzle honey over goat cheese, garnish with flowers and thyme, and add toasted bread or crackers.
- → What drinks pair well with this selection?
Chilled Provence rosé or floral white wines like Gewürztraminer enhance the floral and fruity notes.