Season of Cheesin’
Celebrate the holidays with cheese! Explore delicious pairings for your December gatherings.
The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings, delicious food, and sharing joy with friends and family. One of the simplest ways to elevate any celebration is by serving a beautiful spread of artisanal cheeses, and we’ve got just the selection at Viroqua Food Co+op to make your holiday moments even more memorable. Here are some perfect pairings and ideas for incorporating some of our favorite local cheeses into your December festivities.
1. Sartori Spreads and Dips: A Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion Whether you’re hosting a casual holiday party or a more formal gathering, Sartori’s spreads and dips are a sure way to impress your guests. Try the Garlic & Herb BellaVitano or Merlot BellaVitano for a rich, creamy texture and a delightful flavor profile. These cheeses can be served as dips on their own, but we suggest adding a little flair by pairing them with Lark Fine Foods Biscuits. These artisan biscuits—flaky, buttery, and with a variety of flavors— are perfect for scooping up the spreads, creating a simple yet elegant bite.
You can also use these cheeses as the base for a cheese board. The Merlot variety pairs beautifully with fruits like pears and figs, while the Garlic & Herb is delicious with roasted nuts and olives.
2. LaClare Cranberry Cinnamon Rolled Goat Cheese: Sweet Meets Savory For a more festive touch, the LaClare Cranberry Cinnamon Rolled Goat Cheese is a must-try this holiday season. The sweetness of the cranberries and the warmth of the cinnamon make it a standout option for both savory and sweet holiday spreads. Serve it on a cheese board alongside Hidden Springs Creamery Driftless Fresh Cheese, which has a mild and creamy texture that balances the sharpness of the cranberry.
This combination works wonderfully on a sliced baguette or paired with crackers. You can even get creative and serve the goat cheese as a topping for roasted vegetables or fresh salads—adding a touch of holiday cheer to any dish.
3. Landmark Creamery Rebel Miel: Sweet, Savory, and Simply Delightful The Landmark Creamery Rebel Miel is a semi-firm cheese that is intensely savory and mineral-forward, but also fruity, boozy, and complex thanks to it's wash in Paint It Black beer from Giant Jones in Madison, Wisconsin. Add a drizzle of honey or a few slivers of fresh apple for the perfect bite.
This pairing is ideal for a holiday cheese board or as an appetizer at a festive gathering. It’s a great way to get guests excited about the flavors of the season!
4. Uplands Rush Creek Reserve: The Star of Your Cheese Board No holiday spread is complete without a standout cheese, and Uplands Rush Creek Reserve fits the bill. This seasonal favorite (picture left) has a decadent, creamy texture and a smoky, earthy flavor that’s perfect for pairing with charcuterie or fresh, crusty bread. Try it warmed alongside some Landmark Creamery Rebel Miel for an added layer of deliciousness, or simply enjoy it with a glass of red wine for a cozy, indulgent moment.
Rush Creek Reserve is also a great addition to any holiday brunch. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs or on a croissant with a little fig jam—your guests will rave about the flavors.
5. Hidden Springs Creamery Driftless Fresh Cheese: A Light and Creamy Treat If you’re looking for a milder option to balance out the stronger flavors of some of the other cheeses, Hidden Springs Creamery Driftless Fresh Cheese is a wonderful choice. This soft, fresh cheese has a clean, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with everything from fresh herbs to roasted vegetables.
For an easy holiday appetizer, spread Driftless Fresh Cheese on small toasts or crostini and top with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, or a drizzle of olive oil. You could also pair it with fruit, such as pomegranate seeds or roasted pears, for a refreshing bite that’s both creamy and light.
How to Build Your Holiday Cheese Board
When building your holiday cheese board, remember to mix textures and flavors for a balanced spread. Start with some soft cheeses like Hidden Springs Driftless Fresh Cheese and LaClare Cranberry Cinnamon Rolled Goat Cheese, then add in some richer, aged options like Sartori Bellavitano and Uplands Rush Creek Reserve. Add a few sweet elements—dried fruits, honey, or even dark chocolate—along with some crunchy elements like nuts or crispy crackers. Don’t forget to finish with a few seasonal touches like fresh herbs or sprigs of rosemary. There are no rules. Make it your own!
Final Tips for Your Holiday Gatherings:
Pair with Wine: Choose wines that complement the cheeses you’re serving. For example, a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with the savory Sartori BellaVitano, while a crisp white like Chardonnay works nicely with creamy cheeses like Landmark Creamery Rebel Miel.
Make It Interactive: Let your guests create their own perfect pairings with a DIY cheese board. Offer a variety of cheeses, crackers, and toppings so everyone can mix and match to their heart’s content.
Serve with Seasonal Sides: Think beyond just the cheese. Serve your spread with holiday-inspired sides like roasted nuts, spiced apples, or even a little dish of cranberry relish.
No matter how you choose to incorporate these delicious cheeses into your holiday celebrations, one thing’s for sure—your guests will talk about your cheese board long after the last bite. Happy holidays from all of us at Viroqua Food Co+op!