Cheese is always a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season. Whether you are shopping for a Christmas gift or setting the table for Christmas Eve dinner, choose artisanal cheeses to take your gift or holiday appetizer to the next level. Unlike mass-produced cheese, artisanal cheese is made by hand, giving it a complex flavor profile and certain delicate nuances that cannot be achieved otherwise.
What Is Artisanal Cheese?
Cheese made by artisans who are skilled workers specializing in the art of cheesemaking. Artisans make cheese using traditional techniques passed done from generation to generation. Artisan cheese is produced primarily by hand in small batches with no machines and minimal mechanization. Its complex flavors, aromas, and textures distinguish it from mass-produced cheese.
Different Types of Artisanal Cheese
Artisan cheeses are an excellent choice for Christmas because they offer a wide range of flavors and textures that can appeal to different tastes. There are several hundred types of artisanal cheeses, but only some are widely available. Here are some more common artisan cheeses that you may find in the cheese section of your local grocery store:
Brie de Meaux - A soft-ripened cheese from the Brie region of France, it has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. Pairs well with sweet fruits, mainly stone fruits like peaches, figs, apricots and plums.
Stilton - A blue cheese from England, Stilton has a crumbly texture and a rich, tangy flavor. It pairs well with fruit and nuts.
Manchego - A sheep's milk cheese from Spain, Manchego has a firm texture and a nutty, savory flavor. Pairs well with cured meats and olives.
Gouda - A semi-hard cheese with a nutty, buttery flavor and a smooth texture. Pairs well with crackers and fresh or dried fruits.
Camembert - A soft-ripened cheese from Normandy, France, Camembert has a creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Pairs well with crusty bread and fruits like apples, pears and figs
Roquefort - A blue cheese from France, Roquefort has a creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavor. Pairs well with nuts, dried fruits and sweet fruits like pears and figs.
Cheddar - A hard cheese from England, cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture. It pairs well with crackers, tart apples and pickles.
Parmigiano-Reggiano - A hard cheese from Italy with a nutty, salty flavor and a crumbly texture. It pairs well with cured meats, nuts and fruits like apples, pears, grapes or strawberries.
Specialty Small Batch Artisanal Cheese for Christmas
It’s Christmas! Skip the boring grocery store cheese and dazzle your guests with handcrafted, small-batch cheese from Boarderie. We’ve hand-selected cheese from artisans and small family farms in Europe, where cheese-making has been an art form for centuries. Our experienced cheesemongers traveled the globe searching for distinctive cheese types that are not readily available without a passport.
Choose from cheese-only boards packed with various artisanal cheese types, flavor profiles and infusions. We chose cheese with unique flavors, ingredients and infusions such as black truffle to showcase the ancient art of cheesemaking. Our signature cheeseboards allow you to experience a variety of artisan cheeses, like the ones listed below:
• Moliterno Al Tartufo (Truffle Infused)
• Peppadew Pepper White Cheddar
• Aged Yellow Cheddar
• Blueberry Wensleydale
• Espresso Pecorino
• Fig & Rose Goat Cheese
• Apple Smoked Cheddar
• Wine Bathed Ubriacone
• Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese
• Mobay
• Wasabi Horseradish Cheddar
• Apricot Wensleydale
• Cranberry Goat Cheese
• Huntsman 2-Layer (Cheddar & Blue Cheese)
• Creamy Brie
• Sage Derby
• Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Cheddar
• Cranberry Wensleydale
Boarderie also has signature meat and cheese boards and limited-time Christmas cheese and charcuterie boards available. Each purchase includes complimentary overnight shipping. You may opt to order a few days earlier as our meat and cheese appetizers can be refrigerated for up 7-10 days.
