By Meg Quinn
5 from 62 votes
Dec 12, 2020 Updated Aug 01, 2024
Cheese Boards Charcuterie Boards Winter Recipes
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Discovering Cheese Paradise at Whole Foods Market
Calling all cheese enthusiasts and charcuterie aficionados! Prepare yourselves for the most anticipated cheese event of the year at Whole Foods Market. It’s not just a sale; it’s a cheese lover’s dream come true, an annual extravaganza that you simply cannot afford to miss.
Every year, I eagerly anticipate and share my excitement about this incredible event: the Whole Foods Market 12 Days of Cheese. Imagine twelve glorious days, each unveiling a different, exquisite cheese, offered at an unbelievable 50% off. It’s akin to a real-life advent calendar, but instead of chocolate, we’re treated to a daily dose of cheesy delight!
This year, I’ve curated a guide to navigate this spectacular sale, highlighting must-try cheeses and inspiring you with ideas to create stunning cheese boards and delightful meals. Whether you’re planning a grand gathering or a cozy night in, these cheeses will elevate your culinary experiences. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my guides on crafting amazing cheese boards on a budget, like my $50 Aldi Cheese Board, Trader Joe’s Shopping List, $65 Trader Joe’s Cheese Board, and $35 Trader Joe’s Cheese Board. Let’s dive into the world of Whole Foods Market cheese and unlock the secrets to creating the perfect Whole Foods Charcuterie Board.
La Tur (a delightful personal discovery!)
Maximizing the Whole Foods Cheese Sale for Your Charcuterie Board
Here’s a pro tip to make the most of this fantastic cheese sale, especially when building your ultimate whole foods charcuterie board:
Stock Up on Favorites: This is the perfect opportunity to grab your go-to cheeses at a significant discount. For instance, I’m a huge fan of Humboldt Fog and Harbison. I mark these dates on my calendar every December because I know I adore them, and let’s be honest, everything tastes even better when it’s on sale!
Embrace New Flavors: Venture beyond your usual selections and explore new, highly-regarded cheeses. Whole Foods Market carefully selects these cheeses because they are crowd-pleasers and beloved within the cheese community. If there’s a cheese you’ve been curious about, now is the ideal time to try it without breaking the bank. You might just discover your next favorite cheese! This happened to me this year with two exceptional cheeses: 1) La Tur (I can’t believe I, a self-proclaimed cheese board expert, had never tasted this before!) and 2) Cordobes (similar to Manchego but even more buttery – I’m completely obsessed!).
Accessibility: The best part? This cheese sale is available both in-store and online through Whole Foods Market on Amazon, making it incredibly convenient to participate.
Whole Foods Market 12 Days of Cheese Schedule and Flavor Profiles
Below is your essential guide to the cheese lineup for the sale, including the date each cheese is featured and a glimpse into their unique flavor profiles. If you have any cheese-related questions, you’ve come to the right place!
Discover 50% off on 12 popular cheeses at Whole Foods Market – a deal that truly can’t be beaten!
Must-Have Cheeses for Your Whole Foods Charcuterie Board
Don’t overlook these exceptional cheeses; they are among my top picks for creating unforgettable charcuterie boards:
December 12th: Klare Melk, Truffle Gouda
- Tasting Notes: Indulge in the rich, creamy, and buttery texture of this semi-firm Gouda. The truffle infusion is delicate yet distinct, adding sophisticated earthy undertones.
- Perfect Pairings: Truffle Gouda’s luxurious flavor is beautifully enhanced with a drizzle of honey, as showcased in my Honey Pairings Board. For a truly special Holiday Board, elevate your Gouda experience by incorporating this truffle version. Consider Savannah Bee Honey Comb for an exquisite touch. Pair with 34 Degree Crisps and Prosciutto for a balanced bite.
December 13th: Uplands Cheese Company, Pleasant Ridge Reserve
- Tasting Notes: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, this cheese boasts a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. Expect smooth, nuanced tastes with hints of caramel, a touch of salt, and a fresh, grassy finish.
- Perfect Pairings: Pleasant Ridge Reserve pairs wonderfully with sweet complements. Think jammy Cabernet Sauvignon, crisp pear or apple slices, aromatic rosemary herb bread, or chewy dried cranberries. It’s a stellar addition to a Dessert Cheese Board or an elegant After Dinner Cheese Course.
December 14th: Mitica, Cordobes
- Tasting Notes: Imagine a tangier, more vibrant version of Manchego. This Spanish sheep’s milk cheese is wonderfully buttery and nutty, with a delightful zesty edge.
- Perfect Pairings: Embrace its Spanish heritage by pairing Cordobes with Spanish Jamón, Jamon Serrano, or its Italian counterpart, Prosciutto. Savannah Bee Honey Comb provides a lovely sweet counterpoint.
December 17th: Sweet Grass Dairy, Thomasville Tomme
- Tasting Notes: This is the quintessential farmhouse cheese—versatile and perfect for everyday enjoyment. Thomasville Tomme is semi-firm with a consistently smooth and approachable flavor.
- Perfect Pairings: Thomasville Tomme is incredibly versatile. Add it to virtually any cheese spread, incorporate it into a whimsical Wine & Cheese Handheld Corona Cone, or enjoy it on a simple Snacking Plate for Yourself!
December 19th: The Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm, Harbison Cheese, Prosecco Washed
- Tasting Notes: Herbaceous and woodsy, this soft cheese is sumptuously spoonable, offering a luxurious texture and complex flavors.
- Perfect Pairings: Harbison’s robust character shines when paired with bold flavors. Consider a Soft Pretzel Board or a deconstructed Holiday Meal Board.
- Serving Suggestion: To truly impress your guests, keep the bark intact around the Harbison cheese. Carefully slice around the top rind with a paring knife, just inside the bark’s edge. Gently peel back the top to reveal the rich, gooey center. I like to leave about half of the rind on for presentation. Serve with a spoon and let everyone dive in! For visual inspiration, check out this cheese board featuring Harbison and this video I created for Crate & Barrel showcasing Harbison.
December 21st: Cypress Grove, Humboldt Fog
- Tasting Notes: Humboldt Fog is incredibly creamy. This semi-soft goat cheese delivers bright flavors of buttermilk and fresh cream, complemented by delicate floral, herbaceous, and citrusy notes.
- Perfect Pairings: I use Humboldt Fog extensively. It’s exceptionally delicious with honey, apples, nuts, and prosciutto—a cornerstone cheese for your Classic Cheese Board. You can also see it featured on my fall cheese board.
Crafting a Stunning Whole Foods Cheese Sale Charcuterie Board
I assembled this impressive charcuterie board using only imported cheeses from the Whole Foods Market sale. My philosophy is to ensure each cheese is accompanied by a selection of complementary foods. Incorporate an array of crackers, seasonal fruits like clementines and mandarin oranges, and don’t forget to garnish generously with fresh herbs, nuts, and festive sugared cranberries! Refer to the pairing notes above and the photos for visual guidance.
The cheeses featured on this board (clockwise from top right) are:
- MonS Gabietou
- Neal’s Yard Dairy Sparkenhoe Red Leicester
- Mitica Cordobes
- Klare Melk Truffle Gouda
- Caseificio dell’Alta Langa La Tur (my absolute favorite from this selection!)
- Emmi Kaltbach Cave-Aged Le Gruyère
Beyond the Board: Creative Culinary Uses for Your Whole Foods Cheese Haul
You might be wondering, “What else can I do with all this cheese besides a charcuterie board?” I’m here to help you explore the versatility of these cheeses! I understand that showcasing a lavish cheese board might feel unusual this year, as large gatherings are less common.
However, if you’re still tempted to take advantage of the Whole Foods Market cheese sale (and I wholeheartedly encourage you to!), here are some delicious meal ideas to make the most of your cheesy treasures:
- Pizza Night Elevated: Pizza is always a hit, and it’s a fantastic way to use various cheeses. This holiday season, get creative with pizza shapes! Try candy canes, Christmas trees, or Hanukkah stars. Check out my Instagram video showcasing these 3 Holiday pizzas. See below for perfect cheese and flavor pairings.
- Pasta Perfection: While mozzarella is a pasta staple, have you ever tried goat cheese in your pasta dishes? It’s a revelation! Humboldt Fog would melt beautifully into sauces, or you could grate Mitica Cordobes over the top as a flavorful garnish.
- Fondue Fun: Fondue is the ultimate interactive and comforting meal, especially during colder months. For the best melt, choose cheeses like Truffle Gouda or Gruyère from this list—or combine both! Dip baguette slices, assorted veggies, savory sausages, or even more cheese for a truly decadent experience.
- Quesadilla Creativity: Leftover cheese board components are ideal for quesadillas. It’s like having all your fillings pre-prepped and ready to go! Gabietou (use sparingly due to its intensity), Gruyère, Thomasville Tomme, or Hop Along would all be fantastic choices.
Perfect Flavor pairings for pizzas!
Suggested Cheese Pizza Flavor Pairings for Your Whole Foods Haul
- Le Gruyère with Creminelli Varzi salami
- Cordobes with Naturalissima Jamon Serrano
- Truffle Gouda with sautéed mushrooms, Creminelli Prosciutto, and roasted onions
Share Your Whole Foods Charcuterie Board Creations!
I hope this guide inspires you to create incredible cheese boards and explore the delicious world of Whole Foods Market cheeses. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the beautiful spreads you create using my tips. If you make a charcuterie board inspired by this post, please tag me @ainttoooproudtomeg on Instagram so I can admire and share your cheesy masterpieces!
And, if you enjoyed this guide, please rate and review below!
5 from 62 votes
Whole Foods Cheese Sale Charcuterie Board Recipe
Whole Foods Market provides an unparalleled selection of cheeses, fresh produce, premium meats, and all the essential accompaniments you need for an exceptional charcuterie experience, any time of the year.
Ingredients
Cheese
- Klare Melk (Truffle Gouda), sliced
- Mitica (Cordobes), sliced
- Alta Lang (La Tur), whole and in the wrapper
- Mons (Gabietou), sliced
- Emmi (Kaltbach Le Gruyere), sliced
- Neal’s Yard Dairy (Young Red Leicester), sliced
Meat
- Prosciutto, sliced and artfully arranged in ribbon-like layers
- Vincenza’s Sliced Sopresetta
Carbs
- Rustic Bakery Onion Crème Fraiche Flatbread
- 34 Degree Crisps
- Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Gingerbread
Accoutrements
- Mitica Marcona Almonds
- Savannah Bee Honey Comb
- Divina Cornichons
- Sugared cranberries
Produce
- Red grapes
- Clementines, segmented
- Blueberries
- Persimmons, sliced
Garnish
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Begin by strategically placing the prepared cheeses around the outer edge of your board.
- Arrange the cornichons, honey comb, Marcona almonds, and sugared cranberries in ramekins or small bowls and distribute them across the board for visual and gustatory appeal.
- Fan out the 34 Degree Crisps around the ramekin of honey, then position the Raincoast Crisps along one edge of the board and the flatbreads along another edge, creating textural and shape variety. Serve any remaining crackers on the side to maintain board abundance without overcrowding.
- Scatter sections of red grapes, blueberries, and clementine segments throughout the board, adding bursts of color and freshness.
- Neatly tuck the salami folds and prosciutto ribbons into any remaining spaces around the ramekins, ensuring no gaps and maximizing visual fullness.
- Finish with sprigs of rosemary as a fragrant garnish, enhancing the board’s aesthetic and olfactory appeal before serving.
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