From the formal to the whimsical, cheese knives and cutting boards are always useful serving tools. Usually much smaller than a full-sized bread or cutting knife, the etiquette surrounding these utensils is easy to learn.
Hors D'oeuvre
When cheese is served as an hors d'oeuvre, it's cut or spread on a cracker with a cheese knife. Use a separate knife for each cheese so that flavors do not mingle.
Dessert
If cheese is served with fruit for dessert, it will be sliced with a cheese knife and placed on a plate with the fruit. The cheese and fruit should be eaten with a knife and fork.
After Dinner
Cheese will be served on a board or on individual plates with bread, crackers, fruit and cakes. Use the cheese knife for cutting or spreading the cheese. Cheese served on bread or crackers is eaten with the fingers.
Handling Cheese
A clean cloth will usually accompany harder cheeses served on a board. Use the cloth to hold the cheese while cutting it with a cheese knife.
Individual vs. Communal Cheese Knives
If you receive an individual plate containing cheese and are provided with a cheese knife and fork, use the utensils only on your plate. If cheese is served on a board, leave cheese knives on the board for use by other guests.
Tags: cheese knife, with cheese, with cheese knife, cheese served, served board