7 Great Cheeses to Garnish Your Christmas Cheese Board

1. Stilton (or any Blue Cheese)

• Why: Stilton is the "King of Blues," known for its creamy, crumbly texture and robust, tangy flavor. It’s deeply traditional for Christmas in the UK but works worldwide as a festive indulgence.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Drizzle with honey, serve with figs or medjool dates.
  • Savory: Pair with walnuts or rye crackers.
  • Drink: A sweet Madeira wine or a tawny Port enhances its rich tangy flavor with sweetness.
• Garnish: Decorate with sprigs of thyme or edible gold flakes for a luxurious touch.

2. Brie or Camembert

• Why: The soft, bloomy rind and creamy interior make these cheeses crowd-pleasers. Brie tends to be milder, while Camembert can be earthier and funkier.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Spread with cranberry compote or orange marmalade.
  • Savory: Add a dollop of caramelized onions or truffle honey.
  • Drink: Champagne or sparkling wine cuts through the richness.
  • Serving Tip: Warm the Brie or Camembert in the oven with rosemary and garlic cloves for a gooey centerpiece.
• Garnish: Surround with pomegranate seeds or dried orange slices for holiday flair.

3. Aged Cheddar

• Why: Aged cheddar adds a savory depth and crumbly texture that pairs well with almost everything. The nuttier and more crystalline the cheddar, the better.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Granny Smith apple slices, dried apricots, or fig jam.
  • Savory: Smoked almonds or pickled onions.
  • Drink: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a seasonal ale.
• Garnish: Fresh sage leaves or a sprig of holly near the cheddar display.

4. Manchego

• Why: A hard cheese with a slightly nutty, caramel flavor, Manchego offers a versatile option that’s universally loved.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Classic membrillo (quince paste) or spiced pear preserves.
  • Savory: Marcona almonds or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Drink: Sherry or Rioja wine.
• Garnish: Add rosemary sprigs for a Mediterranean feel.

5. Graceburn (or Marinated Cheese)

• Why: This creamy cheese, marinated in olive oil and aromatic herbs, brings a luxurious Mediterranean touch to the board. Graceburn's smooth texture contrasts beautifully with firmer cheeses.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Serve with roasted red peppers or fresh basil leaves.
  • Savory: Kalamata olives or artisan sourdough.
  • Drink: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.
  • Serving Tip: Provide small spoons for serving the oil as a dip for bread.
• Garnish: Place alongside cherry tomatoes and sprigs of oregano.

6. Shamembert (or Vegan Cheese)

• Why: Offering a plant-based alternative ensures all guests are included. Vegan cheeses like Shamembert replicate the creamy indulgence of traditional cheeses.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Top with roasted grapes or fresh figs.
  • Savory: Crusty bread with olive tapenade.
  • Drink: Pair with cider or a light rosé.
• Garnish: Use edible flowers or a sprinkle of sumac for a colorful finish.

7. A Festive Flavored Cheese (e.g., Wensleydale with Cranberries)

• Why: Seasonal cheeses with dried fruit or spiced flavors create a visual and flavor highlight on the board.
• Pairings:
  • Sweet: Gingerbread cookies, candied pecans, or cinnamon-roasted pears.
  • Savory: Serve alongside a spiced chutney or mulled wine reduction.
  • Drink: A mulled wine or dessert wine like Sauternes complements the sweetness.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with sugared cranberries or place near mini pinecones for a wintery aesthetic.

Tips for Assembling the Cheese Board

Presentation:

• Use a large wooden board or slate.
• Arrange cheeses from mildest to strongest, placing soft cheeses at one end and blue cheeses at the other.

Accompaniments:

• Fruits: Fresh (grapes, apples, pears) and dried (figs, apricots).
• Crunch: Crackers, grissini, and rustic bread slices.
• Extras: Honeycomb, chutneys, mustard, and candied nuts.
• Garnish: Scatter rosemary sprigs, edible flowers, or cinnamon sticks for seasonal appeal.

Enjoy Christmas season at its best, with peace and joy which is what matters above all. Cheese and wine just make all gatherings happier.