How much cheese per person for a cheese course?

For a cheese course served after dinner, allow 80g per person. This is a modest but sufficient portion when guests have already eaten a main course. For cheese as the main event (like a ploughman's lunch), increase to 150g per person.

How many varieties of cheese should I offer?

For a well-balanced cheeseboard, offer 3-5 varieties. A classic selection includes one hard (Cheddar or Gruyere), one soft (Brie or Camembert), one blue (Stilton or Roquefort), and optionally a goat's cheese and a washed rind. For larger groups, 5 varieties is ideal.

What accompaniments do I need for a cheeseboard?

Essential accompaniments include crackers or bread (5 pieces per person), grapes or seasonal fruit (50g per person), chutney (20ml per person), and optionally celery sticks, walnuts, and honey. Offer a mix of plain and seeded crackers.

Should I buy cheese in blocks or pre-cut?

Buy whole pieces or wedges and slice some before serving, leaving the rest in larger pieces for guests to cut themselves. This looks more attractive and helps the cheese stay fresh longer. Cut hard cheeses into thin slices, serve soft cheeses as wedges.

How far ahead can I prepare a cheeseboard?

Arrange the board up to 2 hours before serving and cover loosely with cling film. Remove from the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving so the cheese comes to room temperature, which brings out the flavour. Add crackers and fruit just before serving.

BakeCalcs

Cheese Board Calculator

Calculate cheese quantities, varieties, and accompaniments for a cheeseboard by number of guests.

Number of Guests

Cheese Varieties

Serving Type

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses UK cheese course portion sizes, then divides the total cheese weight evenly across your chosen number of varieties and adds standard accompaniment quantities.

Cheese Portions

After-dinner cheese course: 80g per person
Cheese as main: 150g per person
Buffet option: 50g per person
Ideal variety count: 3-5 types

Accompaniments per Person

5 crackers or biscuits
50g grapes or fruit
20ml chutney

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Buffet Quantity Calculator

Calculate total food quantities for a buffet based on guest count and dish types.

Wedding Cake Portions Calculator

Calculate tiered cake sizes needed for a specific number of wedding guests.

Pasta Portions Calculator

Calculate dry and cooked pasta quantities per person and for groups.

Rice Portions Calculator

Calculate dry rice quantity needed per person and for groups, by rice type.

Potato Portions Calculator

Calculate potato weight needed for mash, roast, baked, or chips by number of servings.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.