PARTNER POST- Create the perfect holiday cheese board spread with Castello’s selection of expertly crafted cheeses. It’s sure to bring extra joy to this wonderful time of the year. Find inspiration here.
Bring some extra joy to your holiday gatherings with this festive Christmas cheese board. Decked out with a variety of textures and flavors, this spread make for an ideal centerpiece for all the quality time you want to spend with friends and family.
Some of my favorite memories in life are centered around a cheese board spread similar to this one. 
I’ve always been known for grazing, especially during the holidays. There are so many sweets and special treats lurking around the house that grazing just becomes an inevitable part of my eating plan.
In fact, I almost prefer the grazing to those large multi-course meals because I can combine any flavors or textures that pop into my head. It’s the ultimate playground for anyone who loves food because experimentation isn’t just expected, it’s encouraged.
I remember last year around this time I put together a cheese board for a very dear friend and myself around the holidays. We were both spending them a little more unconventionally than we had in the past, and we just wanted one of those girls’ nights in where we could eat, drink and be merry.
Just like when I was a child, I found myself in a haze of happiness as I plucked various cheese and cracker combinations from the board. So I’ve decided to make it tradition around the holidays – whether it’s just for a couple of friends or a giant family gathering.
This year’s cheese board is all about the joy that this season brings for me.
At the center are four Castello cheeses that I absolutely adore. From cheddar to Havarti, creamy to sharp, these four cheeses provide a wide variety to accompany all the little extras flooding the spread.
This year I went with three fairly unconventional Lesley Stowe crackers that boast both bold and subtle flavors that are perfect for the holiday season. My personal favorite is the pumpkin spice that blends perfectly with the fig jam and creamy Havarti…
Finally, you need a couple star wines to really set the mood. For me, only a red wine will do in the winter so the Folie à Deux Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir filled my top slots. They are both so smooth and rich without being completely overbearing.
Then I filled up the plate with dried fruits like apricots and hearty dates, nuts and different types of chocolates (I went for salted almond and candied ginger because HOLIDAYS!).
Not to mention the little pickles that remind me of finding the pickle ornament on my grandparents’ tree every year (please tell me you know about this German tradition?!).
This whole spread will be the center of attention that everyone will be gathered around. Much better than gathering around the TV, am I right?
Looking for more cheese board spreads and inspiration? Try this butternut squash and cranberry recipe. It’s perfect on a crostini with blue cheese!
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- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas cheese board features a delightful variety of Castello cheeses paired with Lesley Stowe crackers, dried fruits, chocolates, and pickles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Castello Extra Creamy Danish Blue
- Castello Havarti Creamy
- Castello Havarti Aged
- Castello Extra Mature Cheddar
- Lesley Stowe Pumpkin Spice Crackers
- Lesley Stowe Fig & Olive Crackers
- Lesley Stowe Butternut Squash Crackers
- Dried apricots
- Hearty dates
- Salted almond chocolate
- Candied ginger chocolate
- Pickles
- Folie à Deux Cabernet Sauvignon
- Folie à Deux Pinot Noir
Instructions
- Start by arranging the cheeses on a large platter, ensuring a variety of textures and flavors are evenly distributed.
- Place the Lesley Stowe crackers around the cheese, creating a border on all sides of the platter.
- Fill in the spaces between the cheeses with dried apricots, hearty dates, and pickles to add color and variety.
- Add pieces of salted almond chocolate and candied ginger chocolate for a sweet contrast.
- Serve with glasses of Folie à Deux Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir to complement the cheese flavors.
- Encourage guests to mix and match flavors, creating their own combinations for a personalized tasting experience.
Notes
For a more personalized touch, consider adding your favorite nuts or fresh fruits like grapes and apple slices. Store any leftover cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The combination of pumpkin spice crackers with fig jam and creamy Havarti is a must-try. This board pairs beautifully with red wines, enhancing the flavors of the cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cheeses should I include for a festive Christmas cheese board?
For your cheese board, consider using a variety of textures and flavors from Castello’s selection, such as creamy blue cheese, aged cheddar, and tangy goat cheese to create an appealing spread.
How can I enhance the flavors on my cheese board?
Incorporate sweet and savory elements like dried fruits, nuts, and a selection of crackers to complement the cheeses and encourage flavor experimentation.
What is the best way to arrange the cheese and accompaniments on the board?
Arrange the cheeses first, spacing them out on the board, and then fill in the gaps with crackers, fruits, and nuts to create an inviting and visually appealing centerpiece.
