A Guide to Artisan Cheese Made in Vermont
Create the Perfect Cheese Board for Your Next Gathering
When it comes to putting together a cheese platter, rely on The Vermont Country Store’s selection for some of the finest cheese. From sharp cheddar wheels to a number of raw-milk flavors, you’ll be able to create a cheese plate with a variety of tastes and textures. Consider including the following on your plate:
Cheddars
The Vermont Country Store carries classic and flavored cheddar cheese. We offer a variety of aged cheddar to suit your palate. Whether you want the sharp bite of cheddar cheese aged 3 years, or one with a milder, smoky maple flavor, our cheddar varieties are always a hit.
Plymouth Cheese, one of the oldest artisan cheese makers in the US
The Plymouth Cheese Factory is the second oldest cheese factory in the United States - producing high quality and distinctive artisan cheeses for over 125 years from an original recipe just as old. The milk is sourced from a single dairy herd in close proximity to the cheese factory which helps in the unique art of achieving the rich, open-bodied texture of Plymouth’s uniquely textured granular curd cheese. Each 8oz block is crafted, cut and colorfully waxed by hand in the same building since 1890.
Raw-Milk Cheeses from Crowley Cheese Factory
What's believed to be the oldest operating cheese factory in the United States is located just a few towns over from our store in Weston. Crowley Cheese Factory, located in Healdville, Vermont, has been a producer of delicious raw-milk cheese since 1824. Raw-milk cheese falls somewhere between a cheddar and colby. Choose from a number of varieties to compliment the flavor profiles on the rest of your cheese plate.
Cheese Samplers
A Cheese sampler is a perfect way to start building a cheese plate, especially if you're unsure of where to begin. A variety of cheddar flavors make the perfect foundation to the platter you’re putting together.
Other Snacks to Include on Your Cheese Plate
Building your own cheese plate allows creativity. When it comes to flavors and colors, you can go in a number of different directions to play up the cheese you’re serving. Don't be afraid to mix and match your flavors and textures! Pairing salty with sweet, crunchy with smooth, and savory with creamy are some great combinations that will make your plate great. Some popular cheese plate additions include:
- Seasonal fruits (the combination of sweet fruit and salty cheese is delicious)
- Marinated Olives
- Bread
- Crackers
- Cured Meats
- Jams & Jellies
- Honey
- Whole grain mustard
- Assorted Nuts
- Edible flowers
Serving Accessories for the Display
Provide The Proper Cheese Knife
One thing people might not put much thought into is the knife they place alongside a plate. If you're serious about your cheese though, you'll want a knife that's sharp enough to cut through harder cheese and also built so soft cheese doesn't get stuck to it. The right serving tool is capable of taking your cheese plate to another level.
Cheese Serving Board
Presentation plays a major role in this party favorite. A cheese serving board made from slate makes a wonderful backdrop to a variety of cheeses and other edible accents that make your plate both beautiful and tasty.
When the Party Is Through
Cheese Bags
While your cheese plate is sure to be a hit, you may have some left over after the night is through. Surprising as this may be, you'll want to save what's left for snacking at a later date. Have the proper bags on hand to keep your leftover cheese fresh. Paper bags from Formaticum have been developed to mimic cheese packaging that's used in France. These bags will extend the shelf life and flavor of your cheeses by promoting moisture retention and oxygen flow.
Thanks to The Vermont Country Store, you can create a plate with authentic Vermont cheese from just about anywhere in the United States. Packed for quality and freshness, our cheeses are shipped quickly and right to your door. Shop our other hard-to-find products that will help build this popular appetizer.
