No matter what kind of holiday party you’re throwing, there’s one snacking option that’s always a crowd-pleaser: the cheese board. You see it at every party, but not all cheese boards are created equal. We’ve helped create a few stellar spreads this holiday season, so we figured we’d pass on our cheese curation skills to you!
Cheese Board Rule 1 – There Must Be Cheese
Otherwise, it’s just a board! And the last thing you want at a party is board guests (womp womp). Luckily, we’ve got lots of cheese. You’ll want a few different kinds of cheese on your board, and in a variety of shapes. This helps add visual interest to your creation, as well as flavour.
Our top picks include:
BellaVitano Merlot – a wedge of cheese that’s rich and creamy, with a hint of plummy Merlot.
Snowdonia Amber Mist – an aged Welsh cheddar with “a generous splash” of whiskey. This truckle of cheese is wrapped in a festive golden wax.
Woolwich Goat Brie – this creamy wheel of brie is delicious sliced or melted, and because it is goat milk based, it’s easier for those with lactose issues to digest
VegNature Nuts & Cranberry Cashew Cheese – a cheese sure to satisfy the vegans at your party! Hailing from Quebec, this cashew cheese is rolled in nuts, herbs, and cranberries, adding both color and inclusiveness to your cheese plate.
Cheese Board Rule #2 – The Cheese Cannot Stand Alone
Cheese & crackers go together like bread & butter, peanut butter & jam and, well, cheese & crackers. No doubt you have your cracker staples, but here are a couple you may not have thought of.
Mary’s Crackers – These gluten-free beauties are popular with those who can’t eat gluten and – get this – with those who CAN. They’re round, seedy, and crunchy – just right for pairing with all your favourite cheeses.
Kii Naturals Rosemary and Pistachio Crackers – need I say more? Larger and sturdier than Mary’s, these wheat-based crackers both look and taste fancy.
Cheese Board Rule #3 – More is More
A good cheese board always has cheese, something to put it on, and variety. Here are our top conventional and unconventional picks for your cheese board this holiday.
Nuts – Nuts are a great protein-dense snack that can help keep blood sugar balanced and stave off drunkenness just a little while longer. Our favourite crowd-pleasers: Pistachios, Salted Cashews, Honey Roasted Pecans
Dried Fruit – There aren’t many fresh fruit options (besides maybe grapes) that can go on a cheese board. You don’t want slimy cheese or soggy crackers. So dried fruit is a great option to add some sweetness and some colour. Try dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
Hummus – A less conventional choice, but always a favourite. Put out a small dish of Sunflower Kitchen in Classic or Roasted Garlic and Onion, and you’ll be refilling it a few times throughout the evening – guaranteed!
Olives – Great for a martini, great for a cheese board. Put out a bowl with a few varieties, or just a single classic like our Silver Leaf Olives.
What are your cheese board go-tos? Do you go fancy, or keep it simple? Whatever you do, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and, if we don’t see you beforehand, a very happy new year!