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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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
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