20 Best Trader Joe’s Products for a Perfect Cheese and Charcuterie Board

When it comes to building a charcuterie board, the right selection of cheeses can make all the difference. Trader Joe’s is known for its high-quality, unique cheeses that bring variety and flavor to any gathering. Whether you’re looking for something rich and creamy or bold and spicy, this list highlights the best options to make your cheese board shine. With a mix of classic favorites and exciting new flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect cheeses for your next charcuterie spread.

Lactose Free Cream Cheese

Trader Joe's Lactose Free Cream Cheese; used in recipe for Double Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip, served with Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps and Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds surrounding
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

For those avoiding lactose but still craving the creaminess of cheese, this Lactose Free Cream Cheese is a must-have. It’s smooth, rich, and spreads easily, perfect for crackers or bagels. Whether you’re pairing it with sweet jams or savory meats, it’s versatile enough to fit right into your charcuterie spread. Even without the lactose, the flavor is as full and satisfying as any traditional cream cheese. It’s a great option to include for guests with dietary restrictions.

Sliced Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese

Trader Joe's Sliced Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Black truffle lovers will enjoy the luxurious flavor of this Sliced Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese. The earthy, bold taste of truffles adds a gourmet touch to any cheese board. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it an excellent addition to crackers or cured meats. Whether you’re going for an elegant or casual spread, this cheese brings something special. It’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their charcuterie experience.

Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese

Trader Joe's Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

This Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese combines aromatic herbs with the mildness of Monterey Jack. The subtle garlic and fresh basil flavors balance beautifully, offering a slightly savory kick. It melts easily, making it a great choice for grilled sandwiches, but also holds its own on a cheese board. If you want to introduce a hint of herbiness, this is a fantastic option. Pair it with cured meats or roasted veggies for a full-flavored bite.

Carr Valley Cheese Sweet Vanilla Cardona Cheese

Carr Valley Cheese Sweet Vanilla Cardona Cheese; on small wood board with Rosemary Sfogliette Cracekrs, sliced strawberries and Strawberry Preserves
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

For those with a sweet tooth, the Carr Valley Cheese Sweet Vanilla Cardona Cheese adds a unique twist. This goat cheese has a hint of vanilla that contrasts beautifully with its creamy texture. It’s slightly sweet but still savory enough to pair with fruits or honey on a charcuterie board. Its unusual flavor makes it a conversation starter, and it adds a lovely touch of elegance. Perfect for adding a bit of sweetness to your spread.

String Cheese

Trader Joe's String Cheese; shown in recipe for quick roll-up snack; mini tortillas on parchement, a wood board stacked with prepared roll-up snacks, and a small glass dish with strawberry preserves
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

String cheese might seem simple, but it’s a fun addition to any charcuterie board, especially for families. The individually wrapped sticks make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. It’s mild, chewy, and pairs well with meats, fruits, or nuts. It’s a playful and nostalgic option that can balance out the stronger, more complex flavors on your board. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Italian Truffle Cheese

Italian Truffle Cheese
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

The Italian Truffle Cheese brings rich, deep flavors of truffle combined with creamy, smooth cheese. It’s a luxurious option that pairs wonderfully with figs, honey, and crusty bread. The truffle infusion gives it an earthy, savory profile that’s sure to stand out on your cheese board. Slice it thin for a delicate, gourmet touch. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a bold, memorable flavor on their spread.

Cheese Party Tray

TJ's Cheese Party Tray package next to a styled cheese tray with crackers, green grapes and salami
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

If you want an easy option to cover all your bases, the Cheese Party Tray from Trader Joe’s is a lifesaver. It includes a variety of cheeses, giving you a balanced selection of flavors and textures. From mild to sharp, this tray offers something for everyone, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings. You can mix and match the cheeses with various meats, crackers, and fruits for a complete board. It’s a simple yet effective solution for hosting.

Everything but the Bagel Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Cheddar Cheese; shown in recipe for EBTB Cheddar Cheese Twists; twists on parchment paper next to bowl of Everthing but the Bagel Seasoning blend
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

This cheese takes the popular “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning and mixes it into a sharp cheddar base. It’s savory, a little garlicky, and loaded with flavor. This cheese pairs nicely with crackers, smoked meats, or even sliced vegetables. Its bold seasoning makes it stand out on any charcuterie board. If you’re looking for something that’s different but delicious, this cheddar is a great pick.

Mobay® Cheese

Mobay Cheese
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Mobay® Cheese is a unique, dual-layered cheese featuring a sheep’s milk side and a goat’s milk side, separated by a line of grape vine ash. The two layers provide a fun contrast in flavor and texture, with one being mild and the other tangy. It’s a visually interesting and flavorful addition to any cheese board, sure to spark conversation. Pair it with fruits or mild crackers for the best experience. This cheese adds an element of surprise to your spread.

Blueberry Fields Hard Cheese

Trader Joe's Bluberry Fields Hard Cheese sliced and presented on platter with blueberris, orange, dark chocolate pieces, walnuts and crackers
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

For a fruity twist, Blueberry Fields Hard Cheese is a delightful choice. The cheese is coated in a blueberry compote, adding a sweet-tart flavor that complements the creamy interior. It’s a bit unexpected but pairs beautifully with nuts and crisp crackers. If you’re looking to add some color and sweetness to your board, this cheese is a great pick. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite with its unique combination of flavors.

French Heritage Saint Paulin Cheese

French Heritage Saint Paulin Cheese; on wood board, with red grapes and Fig & Olive Crisps; orange bacckground
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Saint Paulin is a soft, buttery cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. It has a slight tang that makes it a versatile addition to any charcuterie board. This French cheese melts beautifully, but it’s just as good served with crackers or fresh fruit. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something smooth and mild. It brings a bit of classic French elegance to your spread.

Carr Valley Cheese Glacier Wildfire Blue

Carr Valley Wildfire Blue Cheese; on wood board, piece cut off and crumbled, surrounded byb crackers, cashews and prosciutto
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

For blue cheese fans, the Glacier Wildfire Blue from Carr Valley is a must. This cheese has a strong, tangy flavor with a touch of spice, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys bold cheeses. It pairs wonderfully with honey, pears, or even dark chocolate for a surprising twist. Its crumbly texture adds variety to your board, and it’s a standout for those who love intense flavors. Definitely a bold choice for adventurous eaters.

Dorothy’s Comeback Cow Soft Ripened Cheese

Dorothy's Comback Cow Soft Ripened Cheese on board, pieces cut out and served wtih multigrain crackers, fig butter and rosemary sprigs
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Dorothy’s Comeback Cow is a soft-ripened cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a slightly earthy flavor. Its buttery smoothness makes it perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. The cheese has a pleasant tang that lingers just long enough to keep things interesting. If you want something soft and indulgent, this cheese is an excellent addition. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances well with sweet or savory pairings.

Triple Cream Brie Cheese with Green Peppercorns

Trader Joe's Triple Cream Brie Cheese with Green Peppercorns; on a slate cheese board with salami, prosciutto, blackberries and toasted baguette slices
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

This decadent Triple Cream Brie is rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of peppery bite from the green peppercorns. Its velvety texture spreads easily on crackers or bread, making it perfect for charcuterie boards. The peppercorns add a mild heat that complements the buttery cheese without overpowering it. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your board. Its luxurious flavor and texture are sure to impress.

Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili Peppers

Trader Joe's Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili Peppers broken pieces on a plate; selection of crackers on a wood board, and olives in a small bowl
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

For those who like their cheese with a kick, the Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili Peppers is a fiery choice. This cheddar has a bold flavor with the heat of Scotch Bonnet peppers mixed in. It’s perfect for adding some spice to your charcuterie board, pairing well with sweet accompaniments like honey or dried fruit. If you’re looking to mix things up, this spicy cheddar will certainly do the trick. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s delicious for those who love heat.

Double Cream Gouda Cheese

Trader Joe's Double Cream Gouda Cheese
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Double Cream Gouda is smooth, rich, and has a slightly nutty flavor that makes it a favorite on any cheese board. Its creamy texture is perfect for pairing with crackers, fruit, or even slices of meat. The double cream adds extra indulgence, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy buttery, mild cheeses. If you’re after something classic but indulgent, this Gouda is a great choice. It pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese

Trader Joe's Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese on a cheese board, with ginger thins cookies and raspberry jam
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese is a light, citrusy option that adds a fresh flavor to your charcuterie board. The hint of lemon brightens up the creamy ricotta base, making it a great match for fruits or honey. Its light texture and zesty flavor make it a refreshing contrast to richer, heavier cheeses. This is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more delicate and sweet on your board. It’s a unique option that surprises and delights.

Smoked Ghost Pepper Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe's Smoked Ghost Pepper Cheddar Cheese; shown sliced on a black tray, with seedy crackers, ranch cashews, apple slices and honey on red surface
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Smoked Ghost Pepper Cheddar is for the adventurous cheese lovers who crave both smoke and heat. The cheddar base is sharp, while the ghost pepper brings a fiery kick, balanced by the smokiness of the cheese. It’s bold, spicy, and not for the faint of heart, but it pairs wonderfully with sweeter elements like honey or figs. If you want to add a daring element to your charcuterie board, this cheese is sure to be a conversation starter. It’s intense but satisfying.

Gran Capitan Hard Cheese with Black Olive Paste

Gran Capitan Hard Cheese with Olive Paste
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Gran Capitan Hard Cheese is firm, nutty, and full of flavor, enhanced by a layer of black olive paste. The combination of the rich cheese and the salty olive paste creates a bold, Mediterranean-inspired taste. It pairs well with crusty bread, meats, or even roasted red peppers. This cheese is perfect for adding a bit of robust flavor to your board. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy more complex flavors.

Point Reyes TomaProvence Artisan Cheese

Point Reyes Toma Provence Artisan Cheese with Basil, Thyme and Rosemary; on a wood scoop, sliced and alongside cashews, red champagne grapes, and fresh rosemary and thyme
Image Editorial Credit: Trader Joe’s

Point Reyes TomaProvence Artisan Cheese is a semi-hard cheese infused with savory herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme. Its creamy texture and herby flavor make it a standout on any charcuterie board. This cheese pairs beautifully with crusty bread, roasted meats, or even olives. If you’re looking for something with a touch of Mediterranean flair, this cheese is an excellent pick. Its balance of creaminess and herbiness is hard to beat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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