The quick answer:
- Cheese is one of several appetizers: plan on 80 to 85 g per person
- Cheese board is the main event: plan on 120 to 125 g per person
- Long gathering where guests graze for hours: plan on 125 to 170 g per person
It's one of the most common entertaining questions, and one of the trickiest to judge. Buy too little and your board looks bare before the main course arrives. Buy too much and you're wondering what to do with half a wheel of Brie on a Tuesday.
The good news is that a few simple guidelines make this one of the easiest parts of hosting.
How much cheese do you need per person?
The right amount depends on how much else you're serving. Here's a simple way to plan:
| Type of gathering | Cheese per person | For 20 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail party with several snacks | 80 to 85 g | 1.6 to 1.7 kg |
| Cheese board as the main event | 120 to 125 g | 2.4 to 2.5 kg |
| Long gathering, such as a holiday party or open house | 125 to 170 g | 2.5 to 3.4 kg |
Think of these as starting points, not hard rules. If your crowd tends to linger by the cheese board (and let's be honest, most do), it never hurts to round up a little. And if the board is doubling as supper, we have easy ideas for turning a cheese board into dinner.
How many types of cheese should you serve?
Here's something we tell customers in the shop all the time: a board with three to five different cheeses feels more generous and interesting than one big chunk of a single cheese, even when the total weight is the same. Guests love having options, and a mix of textures and flavours makes the whole spread feel more special.
A simple formula for a well-balanced cheese board:
- One soft cheese: something creamy and spreadable, like Brie or a triple cream.
- One firm or aged cheese: a nutty aged cheddar, Gouda, or Manchego.
- One bold or blue cheese: for guests who like a little punch.
- One local or seasonal pick: a great conversation starter, and a nice nod to what's fresh right now.
This mix means there's something for everyone, whether your guests are seasoned cheese lovers or just starting to explore. Not sure where to begin? Browse our cheese selection for a soft, firm, and bold pick to match each style. And whatever you choose, give it time out of the fridge before serving so every cheese is at its best when guests arrive.
How much should you serve with the cheese?
Cheese rarely stands alone. Crackers, sliced baguette, preserves, nuts, olives, and fresh fruit all round out the flavours and help your cheese go further.
As a general guideline, plan for about the same weight in accompaniments as you have in cheese. That keeps the board balanced and gives guests plenty to pair with each bite. Something warm alongside is always welcome, and our roasted butternut squash and sage with melted Gruyère makes an easy shareable appetizer.
Not sure? Ask your local cheesemongers
Every gathering is a little different. If you're ever unsure, we'd genuinely rather you stop in and ask. At Farmhouse Artisan Cheese in Kerr Village, Oakville, we can help you work out quantities for your guest list and occasion, and put together a selection that feels balanced, generous, and easy. If you'd rather skip the assembly, take a look at our cheese and charcuterie boards.
That's really what we're here for: taking the guesswork out of hosting so you can enjoy the company instead of doing the math.
Planning a gathering soon? Visit us at 345 Kerr Street in Oakville, tell us what you have in mind, and we'll help you build a board that's just the right size, with a little something for everyone at the table.