Meet Cortney LaCorte, widely known as Cheese Gal. Cortney is the founder and owner of the Nashville-based company Cheese Gal, which creates stunning charcuterie boards for high-profile clients in country music, including stars like Shania Twain and Tim McGraw.
What began in a small Nashville kitchen quickly grew into a thriving brick-and-mortar business. Cortney discovered that a well-crafted cheese board does more than feed guests: it brings people together, elevates gatherings, and creates memorable moments. As a cheese board expert and a mother of two, she transformed a passion for cheese and entertaining into a popular brand trusted by clients across the music industry and beyond.
In this episode of The Just a Taste Podcast, Cortney and I discuss:
- How Corteny scaled from a single Instagram customer to a busy Nashville company
- Practical tips for building an impressive charcuterie board at home
- Professional techniques for cutting different kinds of cheese, choosing the right boards, and selecting filler items that add visual impact
- How she balances the demands of running a business with motherhood, and how she manages mom guilt
- The favorite cheese of one of her regular clients, Tim McGraw
Tune in below for my interview with Cortney LaCorte!
Recipes related to this episode
Delicious additions to complete your charcuterie board
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps
Cortney’s approach emphasizes simplicity, quality, and presentation. She recommends starting with a variety of textures—soft, semi-soft, firm, and aged cheeses—paired with complementary accompaniments like seasonal fruit, crunchy crackers, and a selection of cured meats. Choosing a neutral wood board lets the cheeses and garnishes stand out, while small bowls for spreads and nuts keep the layout tidy and approachable.
For home entertaining, Cortney advises slicing firm cheeses into thin wedges or cubes, breaking soft cheeses into rustic pieces, and shaving aged cheeses for delicate flakes. She also highlights the importance of pacing: serve cheeses at room temperature for the best flavor, and replenish boards sparingly so each platter always looks fresh and abundant.
Beyond technique, Cortney views each board as an opportunity to celebrate relationships—whether for intimate family nights or large gatherings. Her business success stems not only from her craft but from creating experiences that feel personal and thoughtful. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a party, or simply elevating a weeknight meal, Cortney’s tips make putting together a beautiful charcuterie board both accessible and enjoyable.