The Best Cheeses for a Holiday Cheese Board
The Best Cheeses for a Holiday Cheese Board
A holiday cheese board works best when it covers a range of textures and intensities rather than three versions of the same thing. The reliable formula is a mild, creamy crowd-pleaser everyone reaches for, at least one sharp aged cheese with real bite, one or two aromatic or herbed cheeses for variety, and something soft and spreadable to round it out. Get those four roles filled and the crackers, fruit, and nuts fall into place. Everything below comes from Smith's Country Cheese, a family-run farmstead creamery in Winchendon, Massachusetts that makes its gouda, cheddar, and havarti in small batches from its own herd's milk.
The short answer to "what cheeses should I put on a holiday board": start with a mild base like Plain Farmstead Gouda or Creamy Havarti, add a sharp aged cheese such as Extra Sharp Cheddar or the peppery Black Pepper Cheddar, include one or two aromatic options like Smoked Gouda or Sage Cheddar, and finish with a spreadable like the Gouda With Bacon Spread. Plan on roughly two to three ounces of cheese per person.
The crowd-pleasing base
Plain Farmstead Gouda
The natural anchor for the board. This is Smith's award-winning original, the cheese that built their reputation: smooth, semi-firm, and gently sweet with a clean, long finish. It pairs with mild crackers, green apple slices, and a glass of Pinot Gris, and it gives guests who are unsure what to pick an easy, broadly liked starting point. $9.
Creamy Havarti
A buttery, mild, Danish-inspired semi-soft cheese with a smooth, supple texture that slices clean. The gentle, milky flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages, so it is a good choice when kids and beginner cheese eaters are at the table. It is also vegetarian and gluten-free. Slice it onto the board alongside pear and apple. $9.
Sharp Cheddar
A firm, tangy, full-flavored cheddar and a Bronze Medal winner at the 2016 Big E Cheese Competition. It has the bold character of a classic New England sharp cheddar with a smooth texture and a sharp, lingering finish, without going as intense as the extra sharp. Pairs with apples, pears, and mustard, plus hard cider or an IPA. $9.
The aged, sharp options
Black Pepper Cheddar
A handcrafted farmstead cheddar with freshly cracked black pepper folded into a rich, sharp, aged base. The pepper is generous but balanced, giving each slice warm, spicy bite and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the cheese. Smith's recommends it for cheeseboards with cured meats, cornichons, and grainy mustard, and it pairs with cabernet, malbec, porter, or bourbon. Sharp and creamy with a long, peppery finish. $9.
Extra Sharp Cheddar
For the guest who wants full intensity. This cheddar is aged at least a full year, which gives it a bold, tangy bite and the crystalline crunch that forms as the wheel matures. The flavor is deep and concentrated with a long, sharp finish. Cube it onto the board with apple, honey, and walnuts, and pour a big red like cabernet or syrah. $9.
The aromatic and herbed cheeses
Smoked Farmstead Gouda
Cold-smoked over natural hardwoods, this gouda develops a deep smoke flavor with vanilla and caramel notes and a long savory finish under a golden wax rind. It goes well beyond ordinary smoked cheese and adds a savory counterpoint to the sweeter and milder options on the board. Pairs with cured meats, dark lagers, and apple slices. $9.
Farmstead Gouda With Cumin Seed (Leyden)
A conversation-starter modeled on the Dutch Leyden tradition. Whole cumin seeds are folded into a firm, aged gouda base, releasing earthy, warm-spiced aromatics that grow more pronounced with age. It is buttery and nutty with a long, gently spiced finish. Slice it thin onto rye with sharp mustard, and pair with a cold lager. $9.
Sage Cheddar
A natural fit for a holiday or autumn board. Sage is folded into a firm, sliceable cheddar for an earthy, aromatic profile that carries through every bite and lingers on the finish. It sits well next to roasted squash, apples, and walnuts, and pairs with pinot noir, hard cider, or a brown ale. The lowest-priced cheese here at $8.
Chive Cheddar
A longtime staff favorite that blends farmstead cheddar with fresh chives for a mild, savory pop. The chives add a gentle onion-herb note over the creamy, mildly sharp cheddar, making it a versatile board and snacking cheese that is also vegetarian and gluten-free. Cube it alongside grapes and crackers. $9.
The soft, spreadable finish
Gouda With Bacon Spread
Every board needs one soft, spreadable option, and this one packs creamy farmstead gouda with real bacon for a rich, smoky, savory flavor. It is a guaranteed standout for holiday gatherings and game days. Spread it on crackers or warm baguette, or dip pretzels and vegetables. Note it contains pork, so it is not vegetarian. $9.
How to put the board together
For a board that serves six to eight as an appetizer, a workable combination is one mild base (Plain Gouda or Havarti), one sharp aged cheese (Extra Sharp Cheddar or Black Pepper Cheddar), one or two aromatic or herbed cheeses (Smoked Gouda, Leyden, Sage, or Chive Cheddar), and the Gouda With Bacon Spread as the spreadable. Plan on roughly two to three ounces of cheese per person across all the cheeses. Take the cheeses out of the refrigerator twenty to thirty minutes before serving so they reach room temperature and their flavors open up, slice or cube the firm cheeses, and surround everything with crackers or sliced baguette, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and a little honey or mustard.
Frequently asked questions
How many cheeses should I put on a holiday cheese board?
Three to five cheeses is a good range for most gatherings, chosen to cover different textures and intensities rather than picking several similar ones. A simple approach is one mild crowd-pleaser, one sharp aged cheese, one or two aromatic or herbed options, and one soft or spreadable cheese. For a larger party you can add a second cheese in each category.
How much cheese do I need per person?
For a board served as an appetizer or grazing course, plan on about two to three ounces of cheese per person across all the cheeses combined. If the board is the main event rather than a starter, increase that to roughly four to six ounces per person and add more crackers, bread, and accompaniments.
Which of these cheeses are best for guests who like mild flavors?
The Plain Farmstead Gouda and the Creamy Havarti are the mildest, most broadly liked options, both smooth and gently flavored and well suited to kids and beginner cheese eaters. The Havarti is also vegetarian and gluten-free. The Sharp Cheddar is a step up in intensity but still familiar and approachable.
Are there vegetarian options on this list?
Yes. The Creamy Havarti and the Chive Cheddar are listed as vegetarian and gluten-free, and several of the cheddars and goudas are available with vegetarian rennet. The one cheese to avoid for vegetarian guests is the Gouda With Bacon Spread, which contains real bacon and is not vegetarian.
How far in advance can I prepare the board, and how should I serve the cheese?
You can slice and arrange firm cheeses a few hours ahead, keep the board covered in the refrigerator, and add crackers and fruit just before serving. Take the cheeses out twenty to thirty minutes before guests arrive so they come to room temperature, which lets the flavors and textures show at their best. Keep any soft spread chilled until close to serving.
Related
Shop the collections: Cheese and Dairy.
More guides: How to Build a Charcuterie and Cheese Board, The Best Jams and Preserves for a Cheese Board, and The Best Gouda Cheese Spreads for Easy Entertaining.