Here it is: the best cheese board cheese varieties — my go-to selections for creating a crowd-pleasing cheese plate. These are the exact cheeses I reach for time and again; reliable, flavorful, and loved by guests every time.
It’s officially summer cheese board season, and that means it’s time to build beautiful, tasty spreads.
I’ve written a lot about cheese boards over the years—methods, favorite combos, and full spreads. My top picks can shift a bit with seasonality and availability, and I’ll often choose based on what friends and family love. Because readers frequently ask me exactly which cheeses to buy, I’m listing my perennial favorites here so you can pick with confidence.
The cheeses below are my tried-and-true classics. I don’t always include all of them on every board; sometimes I choose one or two, sometimes I mix and match. Some are brand-specific, others can be substituted with similar options you’ll find at many grocers. I also love discovering limited-edition flavors at stores like ALDI, and I’ll add those for variety when the season calls for it.
These picks never fail me. They’re the ones I crave and the ones guests always ask about.
My Favorite Cheeses to Use on a Cheeseboard
Sartori Merlot BellaVitano
This cheese is always one of the first to disappear. The rind is soaked in Merlot, but you don’t need to be a red wine fan to enjoy it — the flavor is balanced, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s been a long-time favorite in our house and consistently delights guests.
Bonus: you can find large wedges at Costco, and Trader Joe’s offers a Syrah-soaked Toscano that has a similar appeal.
Sartori MontAmore Cheddar
This one might be my top pick for versatility. It’s a firm cheese that combines the tang of cheddar with Parm-style nuttiness. It’s popular on boards and pairs well with fruit, nuts, and crackers. Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar is a great, widely available alternative.
Sartori Gold BellaVitano
Yes, I’m a fan of Sartori! The Gold BellaVitano is nutty and buttery with delightful flavor crystals that give it a pleasant crunch and burst of umami. If someone isn’t into the Merlot-soaked option, this is an excellent, crowd-pleasing choice.
Side note: the Rum Runner BellaVitano (rind soaked in rum) is similar to Gold and also delicious — it’s sometimes available at specialty grocers.
Double Gloucester with Chives
Don’t underestimate this one. Double Gloucester is creamy and cheddar-like but softer than the harder Sartori cheeses. The addition of chives elevates it and makes it unexpectedly addictive. It’s the kind of cheese people rave about when it appears on a board. You can usually find it at cheese counters and Trader Joe’s carries a version as well.
Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog
I’ve loved Humboldt Fog for years and it’s a cheese I almost always consider for a smaller, indulgent spread. This mold-ripened goat cheese is creamy with a gentle tang; it’s more approachable than blue cheese for many people. Paired with a baguette, honey, and marcona almonds, it’s divine. Because it’s pricier, I tend to use it on smaller boards or special occasions. Most upscale cheese counters and Whole Foods stock it.
Saint André Triple Crème
Saint André is my preferred choice when I want a super creamy, spreadable soft cheese. It’s richer and more luscious than many bries at room temperature, making it perfect for spreading on bread or crackers without baking. If you want decadence and a luxurious mouthfeel, reach for this one.
Hard Aged Gouda
I don’t stick to one brand here — Trader Joe’s, ALDI, Beemster, and Old Amsterdam all make excellent aged goudas. These cheeses are sharp, crystalline, and pair especially well with fruit, honey, or stronger accompaniments. I almost always include an aged gouda because it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.
A few other cheese board loves right now:
Disposable bamboo cheese plates — practical and attractive for picnics, wineries, or delivering a cheese plate to friends. They’re perfect for transport and presentation.
Mini honey jars — I always include honey (and sometimes honeycomb) on boards. Small jars minimize waste and are ideal for individual or portable cheese plates.
Garlic confit — soft, caramelized garlic cloves are an incredible savory addition to a cheese board. Spoon a few onto crackers with cheese for an extra layer of flavor. I include a garlic confit recipe in my cookbook for those who like to make it at home.
Favorite crackers right now: pita-style crackers found at ALDI, Trader Joe’s, or Target, and Costco’s mini everything bagel chips. Both are excellent partners for cheese.
I’d love to hear: which cheeses are always on your list?