To go out or not to go out… that is the question! And we’ve made the answer much easier with four of our best wine and Roth cheese pairings for a romantic date night in.
Even better, create a cheeseboard for a taste-as-you-go activity you can enjoy right from the comfort of your couch. Just add our suggested pairings (below), crackers, fresh fruit, nuts, and anything else you love. Featuring our Gouda, Grand Cru®, Havarti, and Buttermilk Blue® cheeses.
Gouda & Champagne
Mellow and mild Gouda has a creamy texture that pairs well with Champagne bubbles. Add a touch of sweetness by including dark chocolate and orange slices or dried mango. Not a fan of Champagne? Other bubbly wines, like a dry Prosecco or Cava, are great too!
Grand Cru® & Sauvignon Blanc
Our signature alpine-style Grand Cru® is nutty and full-bodied, making it the perfect match for a grassy yet zingy Sauvignon Blanc. Candied nuts, milk chocolate, and orange slices are well-balanced complements to the cheese and white wine.
Havarti & Malbec
A dry red wine like Malbec pairs wonderfully with our super creamy and buttery Havarti cheese. Add dark coffee chocolate to the plate for a surprisingly harmonious flavor trio. A few red-hued crackers add a visually romantic and festive touch.
Buttermilk Blue® & Rosé
Our creamy and tangy Buttermilk Blue® complements a dry Rosé like no other! Add in a few sea salt dark chocolates, and your partner will be seriously wowed. For those a bit hesitant on blue cheese, add a drizzle of honey to help cut the sharp flavor.
Pairings & photography brought to you by our pal Bev Cooks.
New Year’s Eve Cheese Plates for Two: Ring in the new year with Grand Cru®- and Grand Cru® Reserve-inspired cheese plates, and sip pear martinis in the comfort of your own home.
Years of working in the restaurant industry, having small kids, coupled with a husband that usually has New Year’s Eve duty has cured me of wanting to ever go out for New Year’s Eve again.
I’ve been there, done that, and much prefer to celebrate the new year with my people, on my couch in front of my fireplace with a movie or a game than fight crowds. And honestly, I don’t want to get dressed up. I’ll wear my fancy joggers for my couch date, but that’s about it these days.
It’s not to say that I don’t make it a special occasion, I do. When the kids were younger (before they had their own NYE plans) we would have raclette as a family. If you have never had it, it’s similar to fondue, but with a little tabletop grill/broiler. It’s so much fun. It takes a long time and we would talk for hours and I loved it.
Now, the kids are either out or are doing their own thing. So my husband Wes and I have a grown-up, yet low-key, New Year’s together.
More often than not, I skip making a full dinner and instead opt for an appetizer/heavy snack/dessert situation. It’s really our favorite way to eat. I buy fancy desserts from a bakery, make a really beautiful cheese plate, and maybe a new appetizer recipe I’ve been wanting to try.
And of course, we sip a festive cocktail while indulging! It’s honestly a romantic and lovely way to spend an evening.
Instead of making a really big cheese board, I was inspired by the cheese plates you can order at restaurants. They are made for one or two people and are often so beautifully plated they look like art.
You know I love my Roth cheese and Grand Cru® is my husband’s favorite, so it’s no surprise that they are heavily featured on these plates. Like all of my cheese boards, I use three to five cheeses that are different in texture and flavor but arrange them differently to utilize the more petite plates
I used both Original Grand Cru® and aged Grand Cru® Reserve. Grand Cru® is an alpine-style cheese that is nutty and creamy. Grand Cru® Reserve is hand-selected wheels of Grand Cru® that are aged for more than six months. It results in a bolder and more savory-flavored cheese. It’s delicious. Buttermilk Blue® is creamy, which is a nice contrast to the Grand Cru® and is tangy, but mellow. To round it out, I added Smoked Gouda. I love the creaminess paired with the smoky notes in this cheese.
Both kinds of cheese pair so well with apples and pears, so that was my inspiration for the pear martini. I didn’t want to make a really heavy cocktail that would overpower the cheese, but I did want it to compliment the flavors. I am really happy with how they tasted together.
If you want to pair your Grand Cru® but do not want a pear martini, try an amber beer or hard cider. They will work beautifully together.
How to Make a New Year’s Eve Cheese Plate for Two //
You can make one larger cheese plate, but I liked the idea of individual cheese plates. It made it feel special, but feel free to make one if you like.
1. Grab two pretty plates. It’s a fancy celebration, so grab the china or special occasion dishes. 2. Arrange cheese. I really wanted this to be a beautiful presentation so I wanted this to look like a plated dish from a restaurant. 3. Fill in gaps with fruit, jam, and nuts. Apples and Grand Cru® are a natural pairing or Smoked Gouda and nuts. 4. Slice a baguette and add crackers. 5. Serve with a pear martini.
How to Make a Pear Martini //
I feel so elegant when I am drinking a cocktail. It feels special and festive and indulgent, but it really is simple to make. You can purchase pear vodka from your favorite liquor store (or if you are in New England, your local packie) or make your own.
DIRECTIONS:
1 ½ ounces pear flavored vodka ¼ cup pear juice* Squeeze lime juice Garnish with pear slices
*Can substitute apple if desired
Add pear-flavored vodka, pear juice, and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Pour into a martini glass or serve in a cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with pear slices.
To make your own pear-flavored vodka, add a 750mL bottle of vodka to a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Add 5 sliced pears. Store in a dark place for 4 to 5 days. Remove the pears and enjoy.
Variations on a Pear Martini //
Use spiced pear vodka. To make a spiced pear vodka, add a few cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, and a slice of ginger. It will alter the color of your vodka, turning it brown, but it will still be delicious.
In place of pear, feel free to use apple. Use plain vodka, make an apple vodka, or any vodka flavor you like, and replace pear juice with apple cider.
New Year’s Eve Traditions and Ideas //
If you are spending the evening at home, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be fun and festive. You can plan some activities or start a new tradition. You don’t even need to stay until midnight unless you want to.
Set an intention for the year. Take a few minutes and write down what you want the year to look like, feel like, and how to want to go through the new year.
Light a sparkler at midnight. Is there anything more festive than a sparkler? They don’t smell great, and you need to do this outside, but I really love lighting them on New Year’s.
Play a board game or cards. My husband and I play Rummy 500 almost every night. We are very competitive and love connecting and talking about our day over a deck of cards. Yahtzee, Scrabble, Battleship, or Chess.
Buy a deck of conversation starters. Table Topics is a great one with so many different topics to choose from. I’ve learned so much this year about my husband of almost 20 years doing this. And I thought I knew everything about him already!
Make something. Paint, draw, do a craft. It sounds cheesy, but buy a kit for both of you. Tap into your creativity and use your hands.
Start a bucket list. Each person lists a few things they want to do in their lifetime.
Look through your photo album and reminisce over the past year. Even better, print them out or make a photo album. There are lots of great apps and services that make it easy to do right from your phone.
In Spain, everyone eats 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. It is said to protect you from evil spirits and happiness and prosperity in the new year. Make sure to put some grapes on your cheese plate.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope that you have a safe and happy New Year.
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Entertaining with Cheese: Which cheeses to buy, how much cheese to buy, how to serve cheese, ways to use cheese, and festive recipe ideas for holiday entertaining.
Whether I’m entertaining a crowd or serving my family a simple holiday meal, you know cheese is going to be involved. Cheese is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use ingredients available. It can be served on its own, shredded, melted, whipped… cheese can do anything!
If you are new to cooking or entertaining, you probably have some questions about cheese. Consider this your go-to cheese resource for the holidays.
How to Buy Cheese //
Ask yourself, what are you buying cheese for?Are you going to be cooking with it? Is it going to be melted or crumbled on top of something? Is it for snacking or a cheeseboard? Knowing what the intended purpose is will guide you in choosing the right varieties.
How many people are you feeding this cheese to?Is it for a recipe? If so, you need to buy enough for the quantity listed in the recipe. Is it for a cheeseboard? Then 1 to 2 ounces per person is enough.
What do you like to eat? Do you like soft cheeses or brine-y cheeses? Hard cheeses? Cheeses made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk? Try buying a few different ones and see what you like about them. If you like Monterey Jack, for example, try Havarti. They are similar in texture, but you might find the flavor of Havarti is more buttery and smooth.
Try something new. Try buying a new variety of cheese each week or month. Buy a small portion and give it a go! Keep a list in the Notes app of your phone of brands and/or varieties you have liked. I do this when I eat a cheese in a restaurant I haven’t tried before and like. (Same with wines.)
Make friends with the person behind the cheese counter. Whether it is a dedicated cheese shop or the person behind the specialty cheese counter, they are a wealth of information and knowledge about cheese. I often go to them for advice. Often they will let you sample before you buy. They are great for pairing ideas as well — like what to pair on a cheeseboard or what wine to drink with the cheese you selected.
Read the package. Every package of Roth cheese lists tasting notes and/or pairing ideas. For instance, for Grand Cru®, it tells me it is an excellent melting cheese and pairs well with fig jam and riesling wine. It also tells me it is creamy, nutty, and has been aged 4+ months. That’s super helpful!
Just buy a little bit. If you are entertaining, buy a lot of cheese — everyone loves it! But if it is just for snacking at home by yourself, buy small quantities at a time. This way it stays fresh.
Quality over quantity. Cheese can be expensive, but a little high-quality cheese goes a long way. If you are able to, buy what you can afford. And take advantage of the off-cuts bin, where you can often find small pieces of Roth cheese for less.
Ways to Serve Cheese //
The possibilities of how to serve cheese are endless. Cheese is incredibly versatile. You can slice it, shave it, shred it, grate it, crumble it, melt it, whip it, fry it, or just eat it straight out of the package.
Need some more ideas? I’ve got you.
Morning cheese. Add shredded or crumbled cheese to biscuits, muffins, egg dishes, even savory pancakes or waffles. How good does an apple and Grand Cru® waffle sound?
Add to salads. Crumble goat cheese, blue cheese, or Aged Gouda into your salad. These cheeses boast big flavor, so a little goes a long way. Even the non-salad eaters have a hard time saying no to a salad with cheese in it.
Casseroles. Is there anything sexier than a bubbly, cheesy, golden top on a comfy casserole? One of my favorite things on Earth is the burnt crispy cheese that falls off the side of a casserole. It’s really hard to beat. Havarti or Gouda are great choices for this.
Make a cheese sauce. Melt shredded cheese into a white Béchamel sauce and pour over roasted vegetables. Or stir it into pasta to create a decadent mac and cheese. Or make homemade queso for nachos.
Crisps. Mound grated hard or semi-hard cheeses like Grand Cru®, or Canela on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet. Melt in a hot oven until golden, then let cool for at least 5 minutes to crisp up.
Crumble. Crumble fresh Chèvre over a taco. Or Buttermilk Blue® cheese over some sautéed green beans!
Make a cheeseboard!Meats and cheeses and jams and nuts all on the same plate? Yes please.
Use it in desserts… or as dessert! Yes, you read that right. Goat cheese cheesecake, baked into pies (we love Gouda & pecan pie), a small cheese plate after dinner, or a plated cheese course. (We had a plated cheese course at our wedding, and it was my favorite detail of the entire meal.)
Now that we know how we can use cheese (I didn’t even scratch the surface!), let’s talk about how to serve cheese.
Serve at room temperature. Cheese for eating is best served at room temperature. Take it out at least 30 minutes before you are planning on serving it.
Arrange on a cheeseboard. Obviously a personal favorite. Check out this guide for helpful holiday cheeseboard tips!
Serving a crowd? Make a grazing table. People will ooh and ahh to find an oversized spread like that at your event. Or make a few different boards and place them around the room so people can mingle and everyone won’t stand in the same place.
Having kids over? Make a kid’s cheeseboard. It’s funny, I used to do this when my children were little and the adults would eat the Goldfish crackers and kids’ snacks, and hover over the kid’s plate. So now I just add the same stuff to the “adult’s” board.
How much cheese per person? You can assume someone will eat 1 to 2 ounces of cheese on a cheeseboard. If you’re expecting a gathering of crazy cheese lovers, double that amount.
How to store leftover cheese? Take the cheese out of its original packaging and wrap it in cheese paper or parchment paper. Put the wrapped cheese in a large zip-top bag, squeeze out the excess air, and keep it in the fridge until next time. Here are more tips for storing cheese.
Label. When you put out cheese for guests, label it! You can buy cheese tags or just stick a small card with the name of the cheese into the board. They might even put a note about their favorite cheese on their phone.
Vary the way you serve cheese. Keep some wedges whole, slice some into triangles, cut some into smaller wedges, and/or crumble hard cheeses into chunks. More tips on cutting here.
Try a one cheese tasting board.Like blue cheese? Buy a few varieties. A mellow blue like Buttermilk Blue® is interesting to compare side-by-side with Moody Blue, a smoked blue cheese, and a Gorgonzola. Taste them all to see how they are similar and different.
Limit to 5. It’s a fun idea to put 10 kinds of cheese on a board, but it will be a) expensive and b) overwhelming. Serve different varieties with different flavors, textures, and kinds of milk, but keep it to five, tops.
Shredding cheese? The bagged stuff is great in a pinch, but shredding and grating your own cheese is a game-changer. You will be able to use quality cheese without any additives. Freeze your cheese for 15 minutes before shredding, then use a food processor or mixer attachment.
Utensils. Give each cheese its own utensil. You don’t want someone to cut into the Garlic Herb Chèvre, then use the same knife to cut Jalapeño Havarti. Each variety should have its own utensil, so flavors don’t get crossed
Hint: A set of cheese knives makes a great hostess gift.
Pair it with something delicious to drink. Wine and cheese are the most obvious pairing. But hard ciders are so good with alpine-style cheeses like Grand Cru® or a cocktail made with fall fruits (try our favorite seasonal pairings here. Not sure what to drink with your cheese? Ask the person behind the cheese counter!
As you can see, cheese is one of the most versatile and adaptable foods around. If you have cheese, you have a meal at the ready all throughout the holiday season.
How to Build A Holiday Pantry Cheeseboard! Create a showstopping holiday cheeseboard with delicious Roth cheeses by shopping your pantry. We’ll show you what to buy to have a beautiful and balanced board in no time.
I can make different appetizers with puff pastry and dips, and spend ages making unique things to nibble on, but everyone gravitates to the cheeseboard. (I’m not hating on things in puff pastry or a dip – there is a time and place for sure.) Maybe it’s because a cheeseboard just looks so welcoming and inviting?
These days, I often skip making traditional appetizers and only serve a cheeseboard or grazing table. Especially during the busy holiday season, who has time for anything else?
A secret about a holiday cheeseboard is that it takes very little effort on your part. Having a well-stocked holiday pantry makes it easy to create a gorgeous board like this one in no time. It doesn’t take a lot to make a board seem abundant, overflowing, interesting, and seasonal. Just some strategic shopping and you are good to go!
What Kind of Cheese Do I Put on a Holiday Cheeseboard? //
If you have been to a cheese shop or grocery store lately, then you know there are many incredible cheeses to choose from. I think it can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to cooking and entertaining. There are often HUNDREDS of varieties in the cheese case.
There are no hard and fast rules for choosing cheese for a board. Anything goes really, but what I think works best is a variety of flavors and textures. I tend to make sure I have something for everyone on each board I create.
My biggest piece of advice is to put cheeses that you like to eat on the board. If you don’t know what you like, try a new cheese each time you go to the grocery store. Bring home a small portion and see what you like about it. Is it creamy? Is it hard or soft? Do you love Chèvre? Do you love Aged Gouda?
When in doubt, ask the person at the cheese counter what they like or what they recommend. I do this almost every time I buy cheese from a specialty shop or specialty cheese section. Cheese people are passionate about their products.
Often, they will let you sample before purchasing. I often say, “I have alpine-style Grand Cru® and Gouda, what else should I include?” and they will have great suggestions and advice for you.
Hard cheeses: This can be Aged Gouda, Sharp Cheddar, Canela. These cheeses are typically very savory and bold. They often crumble and have a unique texture. They usually have a rind you cannot eat, but save it and add the rind to soups or stews to add another layer of flavor.
Semi-hard cheeses: These cheeses are often aged, but softer than hard cheeses. Grand Cru® is my go-to (and my husband’s favorite cheese) and on every cheeseboard I make. It’s alpine-style, mellow, and just looks beautiful sliced into triangles.
Crumbly or soft cheeses: These are cheeses you can typically spread on a cracker, like Chèvre goat cheese.These cheeses are creamy, typically mild, and moist. (Don’t hate me for using that word, but they are kind of wet.) They’re very distinct in flavor, fresh and milky. I like to add Plain Chèvre to my cheeseboards because I often will roll it in dried fruits or herbs for color to bring my palette together.
Blue cheeses: I put these in a category of their own. Blue cheeses are soft, but I find they are either something you like or don’t like. I happen to love blue cheese and Buttermilk Blue® is mild enough for even people that swear they don’t like blue cheese. This is a bold, distinctly-flavored cheese. I like to spread it on a piece of bread with a drizzle of honey.
Wild card: This is where you can really go crazy. A stinky cheese, holiday-flavored cheese, a new variety — something completely unique and different. Let your guests experience something FUN. This is also where I rely on the help of the person selling cheese. Ask them for a recommendation for a wild card and they will deliver.
How Much Cheese to Buy For A Holiday Cheeseboard? //
When you buy the bags of cheese, they add starch to the bag to keep the shreds from sticking together and they just don’t melt the same sexy way that cheese you shred yourself does. It makes a huge difference in the end result.
What I Keep Stocked In My Holiday Pantry //
I’m going to confess to something that I am both embarrassed and proud of: I have a cabinet in my laundry room that is strictly my cheeseboard-making pantry.
I keep my cheese board pantry stocked with nuts, pickles, olives, dried fruits, crackers, mustards, seasonal things, jams, jellies, honey, anything that I see when I am shopping that I think will look or taste great with cheese.
When we lived in Europe, I did not buy typical souvenirs. I would go to a local grocery store and buy fun and unique things that I couldn’t get anywhere else or that the region was known for. I have holiday jellies from France and preserved lemons from Morocco and Marcona almonds from Spain and honey from Slovenia. It makes me so happy to pull them off the shelf and use them and think about where they came from.
I loved coming home from our travels and continuing the adventure on my plate. I don’t live in Europe anymore, but I still get delighted to find fun things while shopping.
Being able to shop my well-stocked (ok, fine, OVERFLOWING) pantry allows me to create a cheeseboard whenever I am feeling inspired — whether that is to have a movie-watching couch date on a Wednesday or a full-blown holiday gathering. I can go to that cabinet and pick and choose things to make my board festive, inviting, and interesting.
Along with the idea that cheeses should be different textures and flavors, I think everything else on the board should be as well. Sweet with salty, crunchy with soft, you get the idea.
Candied nuts Dried fruit Candies Chocolate Caramels Kettle corn
Fresh things to add:
Prosciutto Herbs Fruit Vegetables Baguette
Festive & Seasonal:
Decorated cookies Seasonal chutney/jams Spiced items Seasonal garnishes (think seasonal serving pieces like mini ornaments or glittery mini trees) Mini cupcakes Seasonal breads, like pumpkin or cranberry orange
Serving Pieces:
Parchment paper Rimmed platters Large plates Cheese knives Small bowls Spoons, picks, and forks
TIP: Line your boards or platters with parchment — this makes clean up so much easier.
You do not need to have everything on this list, but having one or two things from each category will allow you to make a beautiful, well-balanced, festive cheeseboard whenever the mood strikes.
Creating a holiday cheeseboard doesn’t have to be difficult. By having a well-stocked pantry and delicious Roth cheese, you will be able to serve your guests at a moment’s notice.
If you need some help styling your board, check out this post. I share all of my best tips for making a board that tastes AND looks amazing.
It’s always fun to delight guests with a touch of the unexpected during the holidays. Pairing cheese with pie is a perfect way to do just that. Adding slices of cheese (and other small, sweet treats) to a pie-laden plate elevates dessert into an interactive mini tasting.
Cheese and pie may seem like an unlikely duo, but cheese adds a special, savory bite that keeps pie from being too sweet. Here are four of our favorite pairings — perfect for Thanksgiving and all through the holiday season.
Grand Cru® & Apple Pie
Everyone’s heard of cheddar and apple pie, but swapping in our alpine-style Grand Cru® is a must. It adds a mild, nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the tart, sweet apples and flaky, buttery crust.
Cranberry Cinnamon Chèvre & Pumpkin Pie
Our seasonal Cranberry Cinnamon Chèvre (at Walmart Supercenters nationwide) is pumpkin pie’s perfect pair. The cranberries add a welcome jolt of acidity, while the cinnamon in both foods ensure a festive-tasting bite.
Original or Smoked Gouda & Pecan Pie
Our Gouda is sweet and creamy, while pecan pie is caramel-y and nutty — the two together are simply meant to be. If you want to up the ante, try our Smoked Gouda with the pie for a uniquely savory-sweet pairing.
Cinnamon Chèvre & Lemon Tart
A lemon tart is a classic, year-round dessert that requires a festive touch for the holidays. Enter in: Cranberry Chèvre goat cheese (available at Imperfect Foods). Together, lemon and cranberry are tart-sweet, and a few slices of our seasonal Chèvre add a needed earthy, savory balance.
Award-winning Roth Grand Cru® has a new look that’s as Swiss-inspired as its taste. Your favorite cheese is still made the same way you know and love, but now in a BLOCK shape for easier shredding, slicing, cheeseboarding, snacking, and cooking.
Want some inspired ideas for how to use this mild, nutty alpine-style cheese? We’ve got you covered with our favorite pairings and recipes for both versions — our Grand Cru® Original and aged Grand Cru® Reserve!
Grand Cru® Original
Cheeseboard Pairings:
Pair Grand Cru® with fresh apples, figs, pears, and grapes. Add in almonds, crackers, and salty prosciutto (or other cured meats) to tie it together. Once your board is complete, enjoy with a hard cider or golden amber beer. If you prefer a simpler snack option, choose two or three of your favorite pairings listed above, and create a custom snack plate for one.
Recipe Ideas:
If you’re looking to elevate your meals, Grand Cru® is perfect for adding to sandwiches & paninis, melting over potatoes, and topping classic French onion soup. If you want to take your cooking a step further, try these delicious Grand Cru® recipes: Cheesy Chicken Kale Orzo and Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
Grand Cru® Reserve
Cheeseboard Pairings:
Grand Cru® Reserve is aged for a total of more than six months! This extra aging time gives it a more robust, intense flavor which pairs wonderfully on a cheeseboard with fruit jam, mostarda (an Italian condiment made from fruit, syrup, and spices), and apricots (fresh, dried, or preserved). Round out this bold flavor experience with a glass of Riesling, Bock beer, or IPA.
Recipe Ideas:
Like Original, Grand Cru® Reserve enhances the flavor of anything it’s paired with. Sprinkle into omelets, frittatas, quiches, and mac & cheese for tangy, rich bite or, if you’re looking for something new, try one of these recipes: Fig Flatbread en Croute and Alpine Asparagus Rolls.
Summer is in full swing and so are backyard dinners and hang-outs. And every outdoor get-together requires something tasty: like a summer cheeseboard! We love a good theme, and these summer-themed boards make for delicious spreads that are sure to impress family and friends. From dessert to tailgating to craft beer, we’ve got a cheeseboard for everyone.
Give Me the Gouda Cheeseboard
Our two core Goudas — Original and Smoked — shine on this summery cheeseboard from The Cheese Board Queen which is perfect for snacking, an easy dinner, or dessert.
What better way to spend a warm summer evening on the patio than with summer wine and cheese pairings. Add a glass (or bottle) of vino to your cheeseboard or snack plate that complements both your favorite Roth cheeses and the sunny weather. Don’t forget to chill your wine in the fridge or chiller bucket before serving to keep it extra refreshing!
Champagne pairs perfectly with our Alpine-style cheeses. This sparkling wine highlights Grand Cru®’s creamy, nutty flavor which, in return, complements the slight dryness of Champagne. A perfect combination for those who enjoy bubbles and more savory flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, dry, and aromatic white wine that pairs well with our Plain Chèvre goat cheese. The acidity of the wine matches the acidity of the cheese, so that neither overwhelms the other. This is an ideal pairing alongside fresh berries & fruit for those looking for a light, refreshing snack.
A Pinot Noir rosé is perfect for Roth Original Havarti. This rosé wine has a delicate, crisp, and fruity flavor that blends beautifully with our creamy, mellow Havarti cheese. Those that are looking for a fruitier pairing should give this easy-pleasing combination a go.
Semi-dry or sweet Riesling pairs great with Roth Buttermilk Blue®. The sweetness and acidity of the wine balances the more tangy, earthy flavors found in Blue cheese. This pairing is a winner for those looking for a subtly sweet-savory match. Best enjoyed with dates, berries, & honey.
Wine Chilling Tips
These white & rosé wines are best chilled at 50 to 55 degrees, while Champagne is best chilled to 45 degrees F (or ~2 to 3 hours in the fridge). Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead if you want to enjoy a bottle at its optimal temperature and taste.
If you’re running short on time, submerging the bottle in an ice bath can greatly reduce chill time to 15 to 30 minutes. Also, keep in mind: there IS such a thing as too much chilling. If wine is too cold, the taste and aroma can be greatly muted.
However, don’t stress too much about getting your wine the perfect temperature! After all, it’s only one small part of a great evening spent with friends, family, and cheese!
The dog days of summer are here, and it’s the perfect time for a taste of the tropical. Featuring our fresh Plain Chèvre goat cheese, this vibrant cheeseboard comes together quickly and is a fun centerpiece for your next summer party or backyard BBQ.
We made this spread with the help of our friends at Imperfect Foods — advocates for sustainable, affordable groceries — but it can also be made using similar foods found at your preferred grocery store.
The key to this tropical cheeseboard is balancing flavors: the sweet, salty, and tangy. Feel free to swap some of the items for your own favorites (i.e. fresh pineapple would be a great swap for kiwi), but keep in mind how the foods compliment each other.
Club-style crackers, plantain chips, and roasted, salted cashews
/ / The Sweet
Dried mango, honey, kiwi fruit, mango salsa, pears, and sea salt & almond chocolate bark
Imperfect Foods Haul
Want to get everything you need to make this cheeseboard? Head over to Imperfect Foods for the easiest one-stop shop! We have listed all the cheeseboard items below that you can buy it online (availability varies).
Our beloved Gouda cheese got an upgrade! It’s still the creamy, mild & sweet cheese you love, but now boasts a bright purple label that will be easier to spot next time you’re grocery shopping.
What better reason to try one of our Goudas (Original, Smoked, Aged, & Spinach Artichoke!) and make a beautiful summer cheeseboard or tasty recipe out of it.
Our Go-To Gouda Pairings
Wondering what to make or pair with our new Gouda once you buy it? Here is a refresher of some of our favorite Gouda pairings:
Original Gouda
For a cheeseboard or a small snack plate: pair our rich, creamy Gouda with peaches, plums, cashews, and pecans. Enjoy it with Riesling or Bock Ale.
For a simple meal: Gouda is perfect for melting on a panini, shredding into stew or chili, or using in mac & cheese.
Smoked Gouda
For a cheeseboard or a small snack plate: pair our Smoked Gouda with raw vegetables (think broccoli, cucumber, & tomatoes), cured meats, and pumpernickel bread. Enjoy it with an Amber ale or Lager.
For a simple meal: Smoked Gouda adds great flavor atop sandwiches, melted on burgers, and shredded into dips & spreads.
When your cheeseboard or recipe is complete, make sure to join the fun on social media using #givemethegouda to share how you Gouda with other cheese lovers!
If you like spicy cheese, Sriracha Gouda may be your new best friend. It’s made with Sriracha chili sauce and rubbed with crushed red peppers to make its unique rind and bold flavor. You’ll get a creamy texture like a traditional Dutch-style Gouda, but with a kick of heat.
And we know what you’re thinking: what do I eat with this spicy little devil? Pair it with cool and sweet flavors to balance the heat. Here are some of our favorite combos:
Crackers: Crackers are a classic pairing, and clean your palette after a bite of spicy cheese.
Berries: Cool, sweet fruits like raspberries or strawberries balance out the spicy flavor.
Olives: Enjoy them side by side with the cheese or skewer on a pick for a surprisingly tasty snack.
Honey: Serve it on a cheeseboard next to a bowl of honey for a sweet/spicy combo you’ll crave.
Berry Cider: The sweet flavors of cider complement spicy cheeses.
Rosé: Even though they range in sweetness level, you can pick your favorite to balance out the Sriracha flavor.
IPA: These beers have bold and distinct flavors that combine stand up well next to this bold cheese.
And when you really want to go spicy, add it to your favorite recipes, like:
Chili: Spice up a mild chili or even give a hot chili recipe some extra flavor.
Tacos: You can’t go wrong with adding a little extra heat.
Quesadillas: It’ll take a sad homemade quesadilla to the next level.
National Beer Day is coming up on April 7th and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than pairing Roth cheeses with our favorite Midwestern craft brews. Here are a few of our favorites:
Grand Cru® Reserve & Capital Brewing Special Pilsner Grand Cru® Reserve is aged for more than six months in copper vats to achieve its bold and crowd-pleasing flavor. Nutty undertones in the cheese pair perfectly with a balanced pilsner. We’re partial to Capital Brewery’s Special Pilsner from our home state of Wisconsin.
Havarti & Bell’s Bohemian Pilsner
With its extra creamy texture and fresh, milky flavor, Havarti makes a great pair with a crisp pilsner, like the Bell’s Brewery Lager of the Lakes from Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Buttermilk Blue® & Summit Great Northern Porter Buttermilk Blue® can turn any blue cheese skeptic into a fan with its balanced, earthy flavor and soft, creamy finish. But it’s still got enough boldness to stand up to a big dark beer, such as Saint Paul Minnesota-based Summit Brewing Company’s Great Northern Porter.
Sriracha Gouda & Revolution Anti-Hero IPA
Looking to take things up a notch? Our Sriracha Gouda blends the creaminess of a classic Dutch-style Gouda with a spicy kick. Pair it with a pale ale or IPA for a well-balanced bite. We like Revolution Brewing’s Anti-Hero IPA from Chicago.
October is full of things we can’t resist, like pumpkin spice, Halloween candy, and October-inspired craft beer. Now also on our list: CHEESE. Making a cheeseboard for Halloween parties, gatherings or dinner during your trick-or-treat duties is simple and fun. Just gather some cheeses, your favorite candy and try some new flavor pairings.
The Cheese
This cheeseboard features all of our favorite Halloween-inspired Roth cheeses, from Moody Blue to orange-hued Prairie Sunset, spicy Sriracha Gouda and Vintage Van Gogh® Gouda with a dark rind.
The Candy
Whether you use mini candy bars, candy corn, or opt for fancier accompaniments, you really can’t go wrong pairing cheese and sweets. Here’s what we loved:
Looking for an easy appetizer or new twist on your plain ol’ cheeseboard? Top a radish slice with a square slice of Roth Havarti cheese, then sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt. Try many Havarti flavors like Dill (pictured), Jalapeño or Original.
What you’ll need: 1 package (6 or 8 ounce) Roth Havarti cheese
1 bunch fresh radishes
Coarse sea salt, for topping
How to do it 1. Slice radishes into disks
2. Slice Havarti into strips, then cut into squares
3. Top radish slices with Havarti slices and sprinkle with sea salt. Or, place Havarti squares and radishes on a cheeseboard for quests to assemble their own pairings.
It’s finally Spring! Whether you’re making a cheese board for a party, a shower, or just because, you might as well make it as lovely, tasty, and seasonal as possible. Here’s our latest inspiration:
STEP 1: Choose your cheese
We recommend starting with a creamy, flavored Havarti. Roth Horseradish Havarti has just enough kick without overpowering your palate. Plus, it pairs especially well with seasonal ham.
Next, add a nice, nutty alpine-style cheese. Alpine-style cheeses, like Roth Grand Cru, have a rich, complex flavor and appeals to just about any party-goer. Plus, it pairs beautifully with nuts, fruits, and ham—which makes it a perfect partner for this spring board.
Add a pop of color with a mild cheddar or American Original cheese. Roth Prairie Sunset is a perfect choice for spring. It is slightly sweet with a hint of butterscotch, and so approachable that it tastes great in just about any combination.
Step 2: Pair with Accompaniments
Have fun adding color to your cheese board with seasonal vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Here are some ideas:
Marcona almonds: These simple salted, slightly oily almonds provide a great crunch between bites.
Pickled spring onions: You can make these a few days in advance in the fridge by putting trimmed spring onions into a simple brine—a quick search for pickled spring onions or scallions will turn up dozens of tasty options.
Grapes: Pick your favorite variety—we love the color of red grapes against the color of the Prairie Sunset.
Rhubarb jam: Nothing says spring like rhubarb!
Beauty heart radishes: Peppery-sweet and oh-so-pretty, these radishes may look boring from the outside, but when you slice them, they’re show-stoppers. Great on a sliced baguette with ham and your choice of cheese.
Candied Meyer Lemon: Meyer lemons have a distinctive taste—less sour than regular lemons, with a slightly floral aroma. If you can’t find them candied, you can make your own! Martha Stewart’s version calls for simmering sliced lemons in a simple syrup for 30 minutes, letting them cool, then laying them out on a rack.
Step 3: Add a Base
Bulk up your cheese board with meats, crackers and bread. For spring, we love:
Country ham: Salty country ham is a great choice for a cheese board, but an unctuous liver pâté would be lovely, too.
Whole wheat crackers and sliced baguette: These serve as the perfect base for stacking up adventurous cheese board combos.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Of course, our favorite is with cheese—that’s why we put together this little Valentine’s Day Cheese board for two.
To keep it light enough for two, we only used two cheeses: Roth Buttermilk Blue® and Roth Original Havarti.
Buttermilk Blue® is an exceptionally creamy blue cheese that traditionally pairs well with figs, pears, dates and dark chocolate.
Havarti is a crowd-pleasing, buttery cheese that pairs well with, well … just about everything.
For this cheese board, we dipped strawberries in dark chocolate—rich and sweet berries pair with either cheese. Honey, too, pairs well with both cheeses on water crackers, and the crunchy candied nuts make a perfect nibble.
The final touch on this board: Smoked oysters. Great with Havarti, and of course oysters are also a purported aphrodisiac.
And finally, of course, we chose a sparkling rosé to pair with our board. Make sure to look for a dry—or brut—version, as a sweeter wine doesn’t play well with the earthier flavors in this cozy cheese board.
