Top 6 Christmas 2024 Cheeses Curated by an Expert

Top 6 Christmas 2024 Cheeses Curated by an Expert

As the festive season casts its luminous glow, it invites us to gather around a table laden with the finest fare, and what could be more apropos than a selection of expertly chosen cheeses?

Lucie Nock, revered owner of The Cheese Society and a virtuoso in the art of cheese curation, has assembled her Best Christmas cheeses for Christmas 2024. These are no ordinary cheeses; they embody tradition, craftsmanship, and an unmatched depth of flavour that transforms any holiday gathering into an unforgettable feast.

Vacherin Mont D’Or

To begin, we honour a cheese synonymous with convivial indulgence. Vacherin Mont D’Or is a perennial favourite, the kind of cheese that whispers comfort on a frosty Christmas Eve. Its versatility, whether served in its pure form with fresh fruit and rustic biscuits or gently warmed in its wooden box until it achieves a state of molten bliss, is what sets it apart. Picture it paired with good bread or a selection of crisp crudités for dipping – a delight for the senses, no preamble needed.

Isle of Mull Cheddar

This traditional Christmas cheese is a Cheddar that wears its heritage on its sleeve. Robust, punchy, and undeniably charismatic, the Isle of Mull Cheddar has a story as rich as its flavour. Born of a symbiotic relationship between the dairy and the Tobermory Whisky distillery, the cows feast on leftover whiskey grains during the winter months, adding a unique nuance to the cheese. The resulting complexity – a tapestry of bold, savoury notes – makes it a non-negotiable addition to any serious cheeseboard.

 

Colston Bassett Stilton 

A true star of the Christmas season, Colston Bassett Stilton embodies the essence of Yuletide tradition.

Known as the King of British Blues, this Stilton has a regal quality that manifests in its impeccable blue veining and rich, herbaceous palate. Serve it with a fruity mince pie—or, for an inspired twist, tuck a cube inside the pie’s warm pastry—and discover how its sharp, creamy depth harmonizes with the sweetness of spiced fruits.

 

Swaledale Cheese

Lightly textured and hand-crafted in the verdant heart of Yorkshire, Swaledale is an understated yet 

quintessentially British cheese that pairs magnificently with Christmas cake. Its subtle tang and crumbly profile counterbalance the opulent richness of the cake, creating a taste that harks back to farmhouse traditions of centuries past. Its similarity to a classic Wensleydale, with softer, creamier notes, makes it a delightful surprise on the palate.

 

 

Delice de Bourgogne

Decadence is given a name with Delice de Bourgogne, a triple-cream marvel that seduces with its buttery, velvety texture and tangy undertones. Made by blending crème fraîche with full-fat cow’s milk, it unveils layers of flavour beneath its white, bloomy rind, crowned by a faintly earthy aroma. For those seeking to impress, Delice de Bourgogne is a winning selection that feels luxurious without being ostentatious.

 

 

Petit Langres AOC

Completing this symphony is the Petit Langres AOC, a Champagne de Marc-washed rind cheese that boasts a singularly elegant touch. The “fontaine” indentation at its summit begs for a splash of white wine or Champagne, allowing the liquid to infuse the dense, silky cheese with a subtly enhanced flavour. Its fruity, complex bouquet, perfected over a month-long maturation, will linger long after the table is cleared.

In Lucie Nock’s world, every cheese tells a story, each with its own unique terroir and character. This selection not only promises to delight taste buds but also epitomizes the art of true cheese curation. For those spontaneous holiday moments, it’s wise to have a Parmesan Reggiano, an aged Comte, or a tangy Ferme Chevre on standby. With these versatile cheeses at the ready, a sumptuous bite can be quickly crafted, perhaps with grilled goat’s cheese adorned with thyme honey or nestled alongside leftover cranberry sauce.

Let your Christmas 2024 be a celebration of tradition and indulgence with these curated gems, chosen by an expert who understands that the heart of every feast is the story it tells.

 

FAQs: Best Christmas 2024 Cheeses

1. What are the essential cheeses for a Christmas cheeseboard?

Best Christmas cheeses for a cheeseboard include a balanced mix such as Vacherin Mont D’Or for creaminess, Isle of Mull Cheddar for a punchy flavour, and Colston Bassett Stilton for a classic blue cheese option. Adding Delice de Bourgogne for decadence and Swaledale for a crumbly texture completes the selection.

2. What are some popular British cheeses for Christmas?

Popular British Christmas cheeses include Stilton for its deep flavour, Isle of Mull Cheddar for a rich, bold taste, and Swaledale for a light, crumbly texture that pairs well with fruit cake.

3. Which blue cheese is best for Christmas?

The best Christmas blue cheese is Colston Bassett Stilton due to its creamy, herbaceous flavour and perfect balance of sharpness, making it ideal for festive gatherings.

4. What cheese goes well with Christmas pudding?

Best Christmas cheeses to pair with Christmas pudding include a crumbly, tangy Swaledale or Wensleydale, as they complement the sweetness of the dessert with their light, fresh flavours.

5. How should I store cheese before and during Christmas?

Store Christmas cheeses in the fridge wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper to maintain moisture and freshness. For serving, bring cheeses to room temperature about an hour before presentation.

6. What are some good cheese gift ideas for Christmas?

Best Christmas cheese gift ideas include hampers with artisan selections like Vacherin Mont D’Or, a mature Cheddar, and a triple-cream Delice de Bourgogne. Pairing them with gourmet crackers and chutneys creates a complete gift package.