Wait until you hear what the experts recommend.
A cheese board can be a highlight of any meal, but putting it together can feel overwhelming, especially for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to buy too much of the same cheese or pick ones that don’t pair well.
Experts from the Interprofessional Dairy Organisation (InLac) suggest choosing European cheeses from Spain to “surprise your guests with a gourmet and authentic touch.” They also shared three themed boards featuring some of the most popular European cheeses in the US.
“European cheeses of Spanish origin…provide an element of sophistication and diversity that will make your Thanksgiving table a real success,” the group stated.
The Traditional Board has classic cheeses with a mix of flavors. Cured Manchego is salty and goes well with quince. Tetilla is soft and creamy, while Murcia cheese is mild and fruity. It also includes grapes, toasted almonds, and honey for a sweet touch.
For those who like strong flavors, the Table of Intense Flavors is a go-to. Idiazábal is smoky with a deep taste, Cabrales is a creamy blue cheese with a strong flavor, and Cured Mahón is salty with a complex aroma. Pair it with figs, walnuts, and red wine.
The Festive Table offers a variety of cheeses: Iberian, which is balanced; San Simón da Costa, which is smoked and buttery; and Castilian, which has a strong, lingering flavor. Cheese experts claim that the board is ideal to “please all tastes at the table:”