Our team can’t wait to savor these bites this season.
Gathering around family may pose headaches, but savoring a decadent bite of aged gouda or a dollop of mascarpone doesn’t require complication. So, while your great aunt presses you about life choices, thankfully, you can fall into the hypnosis of a dreamy cheese plate. To help you out, our staff shared their go-to picks—that way, you can find some fromage-centered-joy this holiday season.
If you’re seeking a classic and dependable cheese to savor during the holidays, why not try Gruyère? CEO and Publisher Matt Thomas swears by Le Gruyère, and it’s easy to see why. This tasty cheese packs a flavorful punch with its unique blend of salty and fruity notes. Plus, it pairs perfectly with dates on a board, creating a savory, caramelly, and sweet bite that’s sure to spark some joy this season.
Looking to wow your guests with a mouth-watering dish? Follow CEO and Publisher Matt Thomas’ advice and try your hand at making raclette. This culinary masterpiece involves melting the traditional Swiss cheese over delectable fixings such as tender baby potatoes, tangy cornichons, and crusty bread.
National Brand Manager Natalie Herman recommends trying out the Red Hawk cheese from Cowgirl Creamery as a dessert that complements sweet wines like Riesling. The Red Hawk is a soft-ripened cheese made from cow’s milk and has a tangy, creamy flavor with a washed rind that is earthy and complex.
Executive Content Director Mallory Scyphers says you can never go wrong with pairing a triple cream cheese like Brillat Savarin with a bubbly Champagne to scrub the butterfat from your tongue. The experience mimics pop rocks, though less dramatic yet still festive. Pair it on a board with drizzled honey, fresh berries, and chocolate.
Snag a blue in any form for the holidays, and you won’t be sorry, explains CEO and Publisher Matt Thomas. His go-to? A crumbly and commanding Stilton. He remembers savoring bites of this unfamiliar yet captivating cheese during the holidays as a kid and keeps the tradition going after all these years.
Whether you’re a fan of tossing aged Gouda on a board or baking it into a dish, one thing’s for sure—it’s bound to light up your mood like a Christmas tree. Shauna Epstein, the Retail Partnerships and Event Manager, likes to savor bites of this cheese in its purity, while Ashia Aubourg, the Assistant Editor, loves to bake it into her family’s Haitian Macaroni and Cheese.
Looking to add a touch of luxury to your holiday season? Treat yourself to the delicious and sophisticated Comté cheese, as recommended by CEO and Publisher Matt Thomas. And what better way to enjoy it than by pairing it with a crisp and refreshing Champagne, perfect for ringing in the New Year’s Eve celebration? Trust us, this tasty duo will make your celebrations a truly unforgettable experience.
Add some texture to your cheese board with a few dollops of Mascarpone, explains National Brand Manager Natalie Herman. Crave Brothers offers a delicious chocolate flavor that she uses to make decadent after-dinner chocolate truffles.
When it comes to holiday cheese, Digital Strategy Lead Josie Krogh likes to keep it simple and delicious. She loves crowd pleasing and easy-to-enjoy cheeses. Her ultimate favorite is the creamy and delightful Robiola Bosnia. If you see it on a board, you know what to go for first.
If you’re in charge of the holiday dinner this year, try making a shrimp scampi and then grate Pepato from Rumiano Cheese Company on top, National Brand Manager Natalie Herman explains. It’ll provide your creamy pasta with delicious salty and buttery notes.
Related:
- This Seasonal Cheese Gift Supports Organizations Addressing Food Insecurity
- If You Plan on Gifting Cheese This Year—Here’s Your Guide
- Whole Foods’ 12 Best Cheeses Are on Sale For the Holidays
Ashia Aubourg
Ashia Aubourg is culture's former Assistant Digital Editor. She received her BA in Food Studies and Policy Studies from Syracuse University, where she researched components that make up equitable food systems. She previously held print and digital roles at Food & Wine, Cuisine Noir, America's Test Kitchen, and others, where her writing unearthed underrepresented narratives within food, travel, and culture. Before starting her writing career, she held food policy and social impact roles across various nonprofits and companies.
