15 Favorite Cheese Brands for the Perfect Charcuterie Board, Ranked

When it comes to building the perfect charcuterie board, cheese is the undeniable star of the show. Sure, the crackers and olives play their part, but let’s be honest – we’re all here for the cheese. Whether you’re going for a casual night in or impressing guests with your culinary prowess, picking the right cheese brands can make or break the spread. Let me cut to the cheese and reveal the top 15 favorite cheese brands for a perfect charcuterie board.

15. BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella

BelGioioso’s Fresh Mozzarella is a creamy and mild option that adds a refreshing element to any charcuterie board. Made from fresh cow’s milk, this cheese is best paired with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. While it may not have the bold flavors that stand out, its soft texture is a crowd-pleaser. It works well for those who prefer lighter cheese options that complement stronger cheeses on the board. Fresh Mozzarella is ideal when paired with cured meats like prosciutto or wrapped around roasted vegetables.

14. Tillamook Medium Cheddar

Tillamook Medium Cheddar offers a classic, familiar flavor that appeals to almost everyone. Its slight sharpness and creamy texture make it a versatile addition to any charcuterie board. This cheese melts perfectly for those who enjoy a variety of textures on their board. Pair it with crackers or hearty bread, and don’t forget the fig jam for a sweet and salty combination. While cheddar may be common, Tillamook’s quality ensures it stands out as a reliable choice for any cheese spread.

13. Castello Havarti

Known for its smooth and buttery texture, Castello Havarti is a cheese that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Its mild flavor makes it a great addition to balance stronger cheeses. With a slightly tangy aftertaste, Havarti pairs well with honey, dried fruits, and nuts. Its semi-soft texture also makes it easy to slice or cube, perfect for creating a visually appealing charcuterie board. Havarti’s creamy consistency can complement everything from fresh berries to charred vegetables.

12. Murray’s Burrata

If you’re looking for a showstopper, Murray’s Burrata is the ultimate choice. With its soft outer mozzarella shell and creamy, luscious interior, Burrata adds an unexpected element to your cheese board. Best served fresh with olive oil, cracked black pepper, and crusty bread, it brings a rich and decadent texture. While Burrata is not for everyone due to its richness, it makes an impression with its unique presentation. Its smooth, velvety center complements lighter fare such as arugula salad or delicate prosciutto.

11. Vermont Creamery Goat Cheese

For those who enjoy tangy, earthy flavors, Vermont Creamery’s Goat Cheese is a must-have. Its bright and slightly tart profile stands out on any charcuterie board, offering contrast to milder or creamier cheeses. This goat cheese is wonderfully spreadable, making it perfect for pairing with crackers or crostini. Add a touch of honey or some roasted figs for a sweet complement. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for adding depth to your cheese selection.

10. El Trigal Manchego (6 Months)

El Trigal is a well-known Spanish brand that produces high-quality Manchego cheese, aged for six months. This cheese brings a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to your charcuterie board, striking a perfect balance between creamy and firm textures. Its distinctive taste pairs wonderfully with quince paste, olives, and Marcona almonds. The semi-hard consistency of Manchego makes it easy to slice into neat wedges, perfect for a refined presentation. For those who enjoy bold, savory cheeses, El Trigal Manchego is a fantastic option.

9. Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog

Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog is as visually striking as it is flavorful, with a signature line of ash running through the center. Its tangy and creamy profile, combined with an earthy rind, makes this goat cheese a standout. The cheese matures from the outside in, so you’ll experience a range of textures—from the soft, oozy outer layer to the dense, crumbly center. This cheese pairs beautifully with crisp apples, honey, and walnuts. Humboldt Fog adds sophistication and complexity to any charcuterie board.

8. Point Reyes Blue Cheese

For fans of strong, pungent flavors, Point Reyes Blue Cheese delivers in every way. This bold cheese is both creamy and crumbly, with a robust salty tang that pairs well with sweet elements like dried figs or honey. The blue veins add a sharpness that contrasts beautifully with milder cheeses. It’s perfect for those looking to add an intense, memorable flavor to their charcuterie selection. While blue cheese may be polarizing, Point Reyes offers a balanced taste that’s both flavorful and accessible.

7. Parrano Originale

Combining the best of Gouda and Parmesan, Parrano is a unique, nutty cheese with a firm texture. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor profile makes it a versatile addition to your board, pairing well with everything from cured meats to fresh fruits. With its smooth texture and easy-to-slice nature, Parrano is ideal for entertaining guests. The cheese has a subtle complexity that enhances any charcuterie spread without overpowering other flavors. Add some almonds or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to bring out its full potential.

6. Taleggio by Ciresa

Ciresa’s Taleggio offers a rich, creamy texture with a subtle fruity tang, making it a luxurious addition to any cheese board. This Italian cheese has a soft, washed rind that gives it a distinct aroma, but its flavor is surprisingly mild and approachable. The creamy texture of Taleggio spreads beautifully on crackers or fresh bread, and it pairs well with fresh figs or roasted nuts. Ciresa is a reputable brand for Italian cheeses, ensuring that their Taleggio brings an authentic touch to your board.

5. Beecher’s Flagship Reserve

Beecher’s Flagship Reserve is a hand-selected cheddar that offers a deep, complex flavor with notes of caramel and nuttiness. Aged for a year, this cheese has a firm texture but melts in your mouth, making it an excellent addition to any charcuterie board. Its sharp yet smooth profile pairs well with pickles, charcuterie meats, and toasted bread. Beecher’s Flagship Reserve stands out for its artisanal quality and rich taste that elevates any cheese spread. It’s perfect for those looking to add a robust, savory element to their board.

4. Comté by Marcel Petite

Comté by Marcel Petite is a French cheese known for its nutty, slightly fruity flavor. Aged for at least 12 months, this semi-hard cheese has a complex flavor profile that evolves as you taste it. Its smooth texture makes it an excellent choice for pairing with both sweet and savory elements, from dried apricots to charcuterie meats. Marcel Petite’s Comté offers a sophisticated flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a must-try for any cheese lover seeking an authentic French experience.

3. Kerrygold Dubliner

Kerrygold Dubliner combines the sharpness of aged cheddar with the sweetness of Swiss and the nuttiness of Parmesan. This Irish cheese has a firm texture that crumbles easily, making it an ideal candidate for a charcuterie board. Its bold flavor stands up well to strong meats like salami or prosciutto, while its slightly sweet notes pair wonderfully with fruit and honey. Dubliner is a cheese that can appeal to both traditional cheddar lovers and those looking for something with a little more complexity.

2. Parmigiano-Reggiano (Aged 24 Months) by Zanetti

Parmigiano-Reggiano by Zanetti is a true classic that elevates any charcuterie board with its bold, salty, and nutty flavor. Aged for at least 24 months, this cheese has a hard, crumbly texture that’s perfect for shaving or breaking into chunks. It pairs beautifully with fresh pears, cured meats, and aged balsamic vinegar. Zanetti is a trusted name when it comes to producing high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano, ensuring that this cheese adds a sense of refinement and tradition to your board.

1. Époisses de Bourgogne by Berthaut

Topping the list is Époisses de Bourgogne by Berthaut, a French cheese renowned for its pungent aroma and rich, creamy texture. Washed in brandy, this cheese boasts a bold, intense flavor that is unmatched in complexity. Its strong, savory taste pairs well with crusty bread and a robust red wine. Though its smell may be off-putting to some, the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and full-bodied flavor make it a favorite among cheese lovers. Époisses is the perfect centerpiece for an indulgent and memorable charcuterie board.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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