Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a festive dinner party, or enjoying a cozy night in, a beautifully crafted cheese board can become the centerpiece of your celebration. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds – and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to select the best cheeses, pair them with festive accompaniments, and arrange everything into a stunning Christmas cheese board your guests will love.
1. Selecting the Best Cheeses for Your Holiday Board
When building a cheese board, variety is key. Choose cheeses that differ in flavor, texture, and color for a balanced and beautiful display. Here are some festive favorites to include:
- Traditional Amish Cheddar: Aged to perfection, this cheese offers a sharp, bold flavor that everyone will love.
- Amish Goat Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, goat cheese pairs beautifully with sweet holiday accents like honey or cranberries.
- Grass-Fed Organic Cheese: Made with milk from grass-fed cows, this rich and buttery cheese feels extra indulgent for the holidays.
- Cheese Curds: These fresh, squeaky bites are perfect for snacking and can even be warmed for a comforting treat.
Pro Tip: For a festive touch, focus on a red and white color palette with cheeses like white cheddar, goat cheese, and cheeses infused with cranberries.
2. Add Festive Flair with Sweet and Savory Pairings
Cheese is delicious on its own, but adding the right pairings can elevate the entire experience. Think of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements to complement the flavors of the cheeses.
Sweet Pairings
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Fig jam or raspberry preserves
- Honeycomb for a natural, sticky-sweet treat
- Pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color
Savory Pairings
- Nuts like pecans, walnuts, or roasted almonds
- Troyer's Trail Bologna: This hearty Amish meat adds a smoky, savory balance to the board.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (both for flavor and decoration)
Pro Tip: Use sprigs of pine, holly, or edible flowers to add a seasonal touch to your board.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Arrange Your Cheese Board
Arranging a cheese board is like creating a piece of art, but it’s easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps:
- Start with the cheeses: Cut them into wedges, cubes, or rounds, and spread them out evenly across the board.
- Add the meats: Fold slices of Troyer's Trail Bologna or other charcuterie for visual appeal. Place these near the cheeses they pair well with.
- Include small bowls: Fill small bowls with jams, honey, or olives, and place them on the board for variety.
- Scatter the extras: Add handfuls of nuts, dried fruits, and fresh herbs in the gaps around the cheeses and meats.
- Garnish with holiday flair: Finish with fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or sprigs of rosemary for a festive and colorful touch.
The result is a beautiful, balanced cheese board that tastes as good as it looks!
4. Bring It All Together with Simply Cheese
Looking for the perfect cheeses and pairings to create your holiday masterpiece? Simply Cheese has everything you need to build the ultimate Christmas cheese board.
Here are a few must-haves to include:
- Traditional Amish Cheese
- Amish Goat Cheese
- Cheese Curds
- Grass-Fed Organic Cheese
- Troyer’s Trail Bologna
- Amish Gift Collection – A ready-to-go assortment of cheeses, perfect for gifting or entertaining.
This Christmas, impress your friends and family with a cheese board that’s as festive as it is delicious. With rich, flavorful Amish cheeses, savory meats, and colorful garnishes, your holiday table will truly shine.
Ready to start? Shop our cheese selection today and make this season the cheesiest yet!