If you follow us on our social channels, you know we’re wrapping up 12 straight days of delicious cheeses for the holiday season. Here’s a roundup of all the cheeses – a great resource for your shopping list, whether that’s for party-hosting or gift-giving. Each of these cheeses are made in America – so consider it supporting local!
To make a fantastic holiday charcuterie board, just select three to five of these cheeses, add a handful of nuts, some crackers, one to two sliced meats and some dried cranberries. Arrange on a wooden cutting board, holiday tray or your favorite serving ware. Need more inspiration? Follow the #charcuterieboard hashtag on Instagram.
![Ancho Chile Caciotta](/sites/default/files/1A-AnchoChileCaciotta.jpg)
![Ancho Chile Caciotta poem](/sites/default/files/1B-AnchoChileCaciotta.jpg)
Ancho Chile Caciotta by Mozzarella Company
Mozzarella Company describes this caciotta as a Texas version of Monterey Jack.
- Tasting Notes: Mild tang, smoky spice
- Pairings: Melons, mango, olives, jalapeños
- Firmness: Semisoft
![Rogue Creamery’s blue cheese](/sites/default/files/3A-Rogue-River-Blue.jpg)
![Rogue Creamery’s blue cheese poem](/sites/default/files/3B-Rogue River Blue_.jpg)
Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery
This special summer edition of Rogue Creamery’s blue cheese is wrapped in grape leaves that have been soaked in pear brandy.
- Tasting Notes: Sharp, pungent, slightly sweet
- Pairings: Honey, figs, walnuts
- Firmness: Soft
![Cello Riserva Artisan Parmesan by Schuman Cheese](/sites/default/files/4A-Cello-Riserva-Artisan-Parmesan.jpg)
![Cello Riserva Artisan Parmesan by Schuman Cheese poem](/sites/default/files/4B-Cello Riserva Artisan Parmesan_.jpg)
Cello Riserva Artisan Parmesan by Schuman Cheese
This Parmesan was an award-winner for Schuman Cheese.
- Tasting Notes: Nutty, salty, medium tang
- Pairings: Apples, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary
- Firmness: Hard
![Muenster Natural Cheese](/sites/default/files/5A-Muenster-Natural-Cheese.jpg)
![Muenster Natural Cheese poem](/sites/default/files/5B-Muenster Natural Cheese.jpg)
Muenster Natural Cheese by H-E-B
This Muenster from grocery brand H-E-B is a whole milk cheese for a richer flavor (it can be found at Central Market, too).
- Tasting Notes: Mild, creamy
- Pairings: Melted on bread, tuna or quesadillas
- Firmness: Semisoft
![Dill Havarti](/sites/default/files/6A-Dill-Havarti.jpg)
![Dill Havarti poem](/sites/default/files/6B-Dill Havarti_.jpg)
Dill Havarti by Roth Cheese
Roth doesn’t normally like to interfere with the pure flavor of their havarti, but a hint of herb was the perfect addition to this award-winning cheese.
- Tasting Notes: Mild, creamy, a kick of citrus and anise
- Pairings: Radishes, smoked salmon, capers
- Firmness: Semisoft
![Mt Tam Triple Cream](/sites/default/files/7A-Mt-Tam-Triple-Cream.jpg)
![Mt Tam Triple Cream poem](/sites/default/files/7B-Mt-Tam-Triple-Cream.jpg)
Mt Tam Triple Cream by Cowgirl Creamery
Double cream was not good enough for this brie: triple cream, or nothing! And unlike most soft cheeses, it’s pasteurized, so it’s safe for pregnant ladies.
- Tasting Notes: Creamy, mildly pungent
- Pairings: Apricots, blackberries, honey, candied walnuts
- Firmness: Soft
![45-Day Red Wax Gouda](/sites/default/files/8A-45-Day-Red-Wax-Gouda.jpg)
![45-Day Red Wax Gouda poem](/sites/default/files/8B-45-Day-Red-Wax-Gouda.jpg)
45-Day Red Wax Gouda by Central Market
Gouda starts mild, but gets tangier as it ages. At 45 days, this Gouda is just between “young” and “young matured” – so, just beginning to be tangy.
- Tasting Notes: Mild, creamy, fudgy
- Pairings: Melons, cured meats, bread, mustard
- Firmness: Medium-hard
![Habanero White Cheddar](/sites/default/files/9A-Habanero-White-Cheddar.jpg)
![Habanero White Cheddar poem](/sites/default/files/9B-Habanero-White-Cheddar.jpg)
Habanero White Cheddar by Cabot Creamery
This white cheddar has two kinds of kick: the tangy kick of a sharp cheese and the hot kick of habanero. Plus, it’s naturally lactose-free.
- Tasting Notes: Tangy, sharp, hot
- Pairings: Cured meats, mango, melon
- Firmness: Semihard
![Clothbound Cheddar](/sites/default/files/10A-Clothbound-Cheddar.jpg)
![Clothbound Cheddar poem](/sites/default/files/10B-Clothbound-Cheddar.jpg)
Clothbound Cheddar by Cabot Creamery
Ripened at the famous Jasper Hill Farm for 9-14 months, this cheddar was the American Cheese Society's 2006 Best of Show.
- Tasting Notes: Slightly tangy, deeply savory, caramel finish
- Pairings: Apple jelly, chestnut honey, cured meats
- Firmness: Hard
![Natural Smoked Gouda](/sites/default/files/11A-Smoked-Gouda.jpg)
![ANatural Smoked Gouda poem](/sites/default/files/11B-Smoked-Gouda.jpg)
Natural Smoked Gouda by Kindred Creamery
This Gouda by Kindred is naturally smoked, adding that extra special something to an already toothsome cheese.
- Tasting Notes: Creamy, nutty, smoky
- Pairings: Cranberry relish, pears, brown mustard
- Firmness: Medium-hard
![Natural Yogurt Cheese](/sites/default/files/12A-All-Natural-Yogurt-Cheese.jpg)
![Natural Yogurt Cheese poem](/sites/default/files/12B-All-Natural-Yogurt-Cheese.jpg)
All-Natural Yogurt Cheese by Henning's Wisconsin Cheese
This is an unusual version of yogurt cheese, with a similar tangy taste, but a harder, Jack-like texture than the yogurt cheeses you may have had before.
- Tasting Notes: Tangy, creamy
- Pairings: Sweet bell peppers, pickles, cucumber
- Firmness: Semihard
![Aged Cheddar](/sites/default/files/2A-Aged-Cheddar.jpg)
![Aged Cheddar poem](/sites/default/files/2B-Aged Cheddar.jpg)
Aged Cheddar by Henning's Wisconsin Cheese
This cheddar, aged more than six months, is part of a cheese legacy: a creation of third-generation licensed master cheesemaker Kerry Henning.
- Tasting Notes: Sharp, tangy, nutty
- Pairings: Roasted red peppers, whole grain mustard, black olives
- Firmness: Hard
Learn more about cheese pairing: