Patrick Oconnell
The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in some delicious cheese, whether you're looking for a gift or a show-stopping party platter. There are many options available, from classic choices like cheddar, camembert, and gouda to more adventurous selections such as blue cheese or goat's cheese. If you're looking for a gift, companies like Murray's Cheese, Amazon, Wisconsin Cheese Mart, and Pennyroyal Farm offer holiday cheese samplers with a variety of cheeses and additional treats like salami, crackers, and chutney. For those who want to impress at a party, a cheese sampler with a range of cheeses is a great way to cater to different tastes and create a memorable spread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Cheeses | 6 |
| Types of Cheese | Cheddar, Camembert, Gouda, Harbison, California Blue, Gruyere, Roomano, High Plains Cheddar |
| Add-ons | Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney, Rustic Bakery Apricot, Pistachio, & Brandy Crisps, Murray's Sliced Genoa Salami, Mitica® Caramelized Walnuts, Murray's Wildflower Honey, Fabrique Delices Saucisson Sec, Murray's Spiced Cherry Preserves, Rustic Bakery Olive Oil & Sel Gris Flatbread |
| Best Sellers | Vacherin Mont D'Or, La Tur, Stichelton, Blue Cheese, Ultimate Wisconsin Cheese Sampler, Holiday Sampler, Hickory Farms Cheddar Cheese Variety Sampler, Wisconsin Cheese Company Sampler, GiftWorld Meat and Cheese Gift Basket, Cheese Bros. Brotherhood Gift Box |
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What You'll Learn
Holiday cheese as gifts
Holiday cheese samplers are a great way to celebrate the season and make perfect gifts for any cheese lover. There are many options available, from classic favourites to more adventurous selections, and they can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to create a delightful festive feast.
Classic Cheeses
A classic cheese sampler is a safe bet for any occasion, and there are some excellent options available. The Wisconsin Cheese Company offers a specialty gift box featuring 100% Wisconsin Cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheese, along with pretzels, mustard, and crackers. This is a popular choice for parties and charcuterie boards. Similarly, the Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers a Best Sellers Sampler Gift Box, which includes a variety of cheeses and sausages, neatly packaged in a handmade wooden box.
International Cheeses
For those with a more adventurous palate, there are samplers featuring cheeses from around the world. Murray's Cheese offers a Holiday Sampler with six cheeses ranging from classic to bold, including crowd-pleasers like cheddar and camembert, as well as more unique selections like the funky Harbison from Jasper Hill Farm. Another option is their Cheeses of the World Sampler, which includes classics like the crunchy and sharp High Plains Cheddar and Roomano Gouda, as well as a Gruyere that is perfect for melting into fondue or French onion soup.
Holiday Favourites
The holiday season brings with it some special cheese selections. The Cheese Professor recommends the ultimate holiday cheese, Harbison, wrapped in spruce cambium by the folks at Jasper Hill, Vermont. It develops a pudding-like gooeyness as it ripens, perfect for dipping. For the holidays, they launch mini Harbison wheels washed in Founder's Reserve Ruby Port, evoking flavours of rich red fruit, vanilla, and oak. Another holiday favourite is the Vacherin Mont D'Or, a sprue-wrapped cheese from the Swiss-French border.
Festive Pairings
To elevate your holiday cheese sampler, consider adding some accompaniments. Murray's Cheese suggests pairing their Holiday Sampler with Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney and Rustic Bakery Apricot, Pistachio, and Brandy Crisps. For their Cheeses of the World Sampler, they recommend Fabrique Delices Saucisson Sec, Spiced Cherry Preserves, and Olive Oil & Sel Gris Flatbread. If you're feeling indulgent, melt their Sottocenere cheese into a risotto or omelet for a holiday treat.
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Classic holiday cheeses
Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic, crowd-pleasing cheese that is a must-have for any holiday cheese sampler. For something special, opt for an aged cheddar like the 8-Year Aged Cheddar from Cheese Brothers or the High Plains Cheddar, which is known for its sharp, crunchy flavour. You can also find unique varieties like Honey Sriracha Gouda or Dill Havarti.
Gouda
Gouda is another popular choice for the holidays, with its sweet and savoury flavour profile. Look for a well-aged Gouda, such as the variety from North Holland, which has rich flavours of butterscotch, whiskey, and pecan, along with mouthwatering crystals. Smoked Gouda and Honey Sriracha Gouda are also delightful options to consider.
Blue Cheese
A creamy, fudgy blue cheese with notes of caramel and a bright piquancy is an excellent choice for a holiday sampler. Drizzle it with wildflower honey for an extra special treat. A California blue cheese is a fun, adventurous option to include in your selection.
Seasonal Specialties
Some cheeses are only available seasonally, such as the Vacherin Mont D'Or, a Swiss-French cheese wrapped in spruce. Another seasonal treat is the mini Harbison wheels from Jasper Hill, washed in Founder's Reserve Ruby Port, evoking flavours of vanilla and oak.
Other Classics
Complete your holiday cheese sampler with other classic cheeses such as Camembert, Gruyere, and Stilton. For a British twist, serve Stilton with port, a traditional pairing for the holidays. Don't forget to include crackers, chutney, and other accompaniments to round out your cheese board!
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Seasonal cheeses
Murray's Cheese offers a Holiday Sampler that features six cheeses ranging from mild to bold. This sampler includes crowd-pleasers such as cheddar, camembert, and gouda, as well as more unique choices like the funky Jasper Hill Farm Harbison and a peppery California blue. To enhance the flavour, they suggest pairing the cheeses with Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney and Rustic Bakery Apricot, Pistachio, and Brandy Crisps.
Pennyroyal Farm also offers a Holiday Cheese Sampler with a focus on farmstead cheeses handmade in small batches. Their selection includes fresh chèvre Laychee, Laychee with Fennel Pollen and Pink Peppercorn, Bollie's Mollies, and aged Boont Corners and Fratty Corners. These cheeses are all made from goat milk, with the Boont Corners, in particular, offering a mild, herbaceous flavour after being aged over two months.
For those who prefer a more classic approach, the Cheeses of the World Sampler from Murray's Cheese includes well-known varieties such as cheddar, gouda, and gruyere. However, they also encourage exploring the versatility of these cheeses, such as using the gruyere for melting into fondue or topping French onion soup.
When it comes to holiday cheese samplers, there is also the option to create your own. Amazon offers a wide range of cheese assortment and samplers, including the Wisconsin Cheese Company's Specialty Wisconsin Cheese Gift Box. This option allows for customisation and the ability to create a unique and personalised holiday cheese experience.
In addition to the cheese selections, Murray's Cheese also provides suggestions for complementary items. These include salami, caramelised walnuts, wildflower honey, and chutney, all of which can elevate your holiday cheese sampler and create a memorable culinary experience.
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Cheeses for parties
When it comes to holiday parties, cheese samplers are a great way to impress your guests and elevate the festive atmosphere. Here are some ideas and tips for creating the ultimate cheese platter for your celebrations:
Choosing the Right Cheeses
The key to a successful cheese sampler is variety. Opt for a range of cheeses that differ in flavour, texture, age, and colour. Include mild and sharp cheeses, as well as soft and hard varieties. A mix of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheeses will provide your guests with a diverse tasting experience. Some classic choices for holiday cheese platters include cheddar, camembert, and gouda. If you want to add some adventurous options, consider funkier varieties like Jasper Hill Farm Harbison or a peppery California blue. Goat cheese, often likened to the "little black dress of cheese," is a versatile option that can be dressed up with jams, honey, fresh herbs, or dried fruits. It pairs well with a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, such as a Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume.
Accompaniments and Pairings
Cheese samplers are best served with accompaniments that complement the cheeses without overwhelming them. Rustic bread, crackers, and baguettes are ideal bases for your cheese platter. Fresh fruits like pears, apples, figs, grapes, or dried apricots, cranberries, and cherries also pair well with cheese. If you'd like to include berries, consider presenting them in the form of compotes, jams, or chutneys. Pickled vegetables, nuts, and charcuterie are also excellent additions to your sampler. For a heartier spread, include meats such as salami or sausages.
Amount and Storage
As a guideline, it is recommended to provide 3-5 ounces of cheese per person. When storing leftover cheese, remember that it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For hard cheeses, wrap them in parchment paper and then place them in a plastic bag to ensure they have room to breathe.
Pre-made Cheese Samplers
If you're looking for convenience, there are several pre-made cheese samplers available from companies like Murray's Cheese and Wisconsin Cheese Company. These samplers typically include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and sometimes meats, making them ideal for holiday parties and gifts.
Wine and Cheese Gifts
For the wine connoisseurs, consider pairing your cheese sampler with a bottle of wine. You can create a unique gift by including a bottle of your favourite wine, or opt for customised wine glasses engraved with names or special dates. For a hands-on experience, a DIY cheese-making kit paired with an affordable bottle of wine can be a fun and budget-friendly option.
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Cheese and meat combinations
When it comes to cheese and meat combinations, there are numerous options to choose from, especially when considering holiday cheese samplers. Here are some ideas for creating delightful pairings:
Murray's Cheese Holiday Sampler
Murray's Cheese offers a Holiday Sampler that includes six cheeses, ranging from classic and mild to bold and adventurous. This sampler features crowd-pleasers like cheddar, camembert, and gouda, as well as unique selections such as the funky Jasper Hill Farm Harbison and a peppery California blue. To elevate this sampler, consider adding Murray's Sliced Genoa Salami and pairing it with their suggested chutney and crisps.
Amazon's Best Sellers in Cheese Assortments and Samplers
Amazon offers a variety of cheese and meat combinations that are perfect for holiday gifting. The GiftWorld Deluxe Meat and Cheese Gift Basket includes a selection of charcuterie items, featuring salami and summer sausage. Another option is the Hickory Farms Cheddar Cheese Variety Sampler, which is a gourmet charcuterie pack that includes cheddar cheese and complementary meats.
The Ultimate Wisconsin Cheese Sampler
For those who want to focus on cheese, The Ultimate Wisconsin Cheese Sampler from Cheese Brothers offers an extensive assortment, including their Smoked Gouda and the mouth-watering 8-Year Aged Cheddar. To create a meat and cheese combination, pair this sampler with salami or summer sausage, as suggested by the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, for a hearty and savoury holiday spread.
Cheeses of the World Sampler by Murray's Cheese
If you're looking for a global cheese tour, the Cheeses of the World Sampler from Murray's Cheese includes classics like crunchy and sharp High Plains Cheddar, Roomano Gouda, and Gruyere. To add a meat element, Murray's recommends their spread with Fabrique Delices Saucisson Sec, a type of dry French sausage. This combination will surely impress any foodie.
When creating cheese and meat combinations, consider the balance of flavours and textures. Pair milder cheeses with more delicate meats, while stronger cheeses can stand up to heartier, more robust meat selections. Remember to include complementary accompaniments, such as crackers, chutneys, or fruits, to enhance the overall tasting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The Pennyroyal Farm Holiday Cheese Sampler includes six farmstead cheeses, handmade in small batches at the farm. These include fresh chèvre Laychee, Laychee with fennel pollen and pink peppercorn, Bollie's Mollies, and raw, aged Boont Corners and Fratty Corners.
Amazon offers a variety of cheese samplers, including the Hickory Farms Smoked Cheese Sampler, the Wisconsin Cheese Company's 100% Wisconsin Cheese Block Assortment Sampler, and the Cheese Bros. Brotherhood Gift Box.
The Holiday Sampler from Murray's Cheese is a popular option, featuring six cheeses ranging from classic mild to bold and bright, including cheddar, camembert, gouda, and more adventurous selections. The Pennyroyal Farm Holiday Cheese Sampler, mentioned above, is also a great choice for the holidays.
