Whether you can’t find Manchego or Gruyère or just want to change up the flavor, the charcuterie skewer options are endless. Manchego and Gruyère are recommended due to their contrasting flavors. Manchego is a semi-hard, tangy cheese that pairs well with spicy flavors, while Gruyere is a nutty cheese that pairs well with sweets.
When planning your skewer set, be sure to choose cheeses that complement each other while giving your guests a chance to try different flavors. If you love mozzarella, try soppressata with mozzarella and pair it with skewers that include sweet elements like gouda or pear. If you’re a brie fan, layer with brie, figs, and toasted sourdough and pair with a salty mix of pecorino, honey, and salami. Both soft and hard cheeses work well, but make sure the cheese is soft enough to skewer without falling apart, but firm enough not to skewer. In other words, avoid nasty cheeses like burrata.