Summer travels may be cancelled, but you can bring the feeling of a Mediterranean summer into your home by serving an Italian-inspired cheese board. Whether it's a date night at home or socially-distanced outdoor gathering, a board full of bright Italian flavors will have you feeling like you're on the shores of Capri or under the Tuscan sun...even if just for the evening.

Serve the spread on a large serving tray with sides to help keep all the components on the board. We used the the White Porcelain Insert to the turn The Interchangeable Tray into a cheese board.

THE CHEESE

There is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing Italian cheeses. Our board features Italian white truffle cheese, wine soaked Toscano (cheese drenched in wine? count us in.), and marinated herbed mozzarella balls served in a small bowl. Other delicious options include Fontina, Gorgonzola, and Ricotta with drizzled honey or herbs.

THE CHARCUTERIE

You can't go wrong with any cured Italian meat, but we suggest picking meats with different flavor profiles and textures like prosciutto and Calabrese salami.

THE CRACKERS

Spread assorted crackers throughout the board. We included wheat crackers as well as parmesan crisps for crunch and ginger mango crisps (a delicious sweet complement to the Italian flavors). The “Italian Summer Cheese Board” theme is only just a guide; feel free to mix in some crackers that aren't necessarily "Italian" in origin.

THE TOPPINGS

Toppings really make this board special: olives, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, candied orange slices, dried figs, fresh basil leaves, rosemary Marcona almonds, and scattered pine nuts. Mix and match the toppings with the cheese, meats, and crackers to make a variety of delicious bites.

Our favorite combo: ginger-mango crisps topped with Italian Truffle Cheese and a dried sweetened orange. Sweet and savory with a slight kick.

Arrivederci!