Holiday Cheeseboard & Drink Pairing

Holiday Cheese Board & Drink Pairings: A Perfect Blend of Italian Flavor and Festive Cheer

The holidays are the perfect time to gather friends and family around a beautifully arranged cheese board, indulging in delicious bites while sipping on thoughtfully paired drinks. For those looking to add an extra touch of Italian flair to their seasonal gatherings, the timeless pairing of Italian cheeses and drinks offers an unforgettable experience of rich flavors and festive cheer. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a grand celebration, the following cheese and drink combinations are designed to elevate your holiday spread, with options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences.

In collaboration with Granarolo, I’ve created a cheese board that blends the rich, time-honored traditions of Italian cheesemaking with a festive twist. From bold and nutty to creamy and savory, these cheeses are the perfect foundation for an unforgettable holiday spread.

Italian Cheeses: A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

They make the perfect assortment for any holiday celebration, offering a diverse range of profiles that appeal to all palates. 

Podda Misto Classico

A lesser-known gem, Podda Misto Classico is a semi-hard cheese made from a blend of cow and sheep’s milk. It has a bold, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and refined. This cheese is the perfect choice for a cheese board, offering a versatile profile that pairs beautifully with a variety of wines, fruits, and nuts.

Caciocavallo Silano

This classic Italian cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a delicate, buttery flavor that’s hard to beat. Caciocavallo Silano is traditionally made from cow’s milk and boasts a mild taste with a slight tang. It is often aged to develop a fuller, more complex flavor, but its creamy consistency and subtle richness make it a favorite for almost any occasion.

Pecorino Romano

A sharp, salty favorite, Pecorino Romano is an iconic Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s known for its robust, tangy taste, making it the perfect addition to a cheese board when you want something that really packs a punch. Its salty notes make it ideal for pairing with fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for balance.

Parmigiano Reggiano

No Italian cheese board is complete without Parmigiano Reggiano. Aged to perfection, this hard cheese has rich, umami-packed notes with a crystalline texture that makes it irresistibly delicious. Whether eaten on its own or shaved over other ingredients, Parmigiano Reggiano is a must-have for any holiday celebration.

Granarolo Crunchy Cheese Crisps

To add a delightful crunch to your cheese board, Granarolo Crunchy Cheese Crisps are the perfect finishing touch. Made from 100% cheese, these crisps are deliciously savory, offering the ideal textural contrast to the creamy and firm cheeses on the board. They’re perfect for snacking on their own or pairing with any of the cheeses for an extra burst of flavor.

Foods to Add: Creating a Well-Rounded Cheese Board

While the cheeses from Granarolo will take center stage, a great cheese board is never complete without a variety of complementary foods. To enhance the flavors of the cheeses and add color and texture to your spread, consider adding the following items:

• Fruits: Fresh fruits like apples, pears, and grapes offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory cheeses. Dried fruits, such as figs, apricots, and raisins, also pair beautifully with cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, balancing their saltiness with natural sweetness.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are excellent choices for a cheese board. Their crunchy texture and mild flavor complement the cheeses without overpowering them. Try roasting the nuts with a little honey and sea salt for added depth of flavor.
• Crackers & Bread: Crisp crackers, artisan bread, and breadsticks provide a satisfying base for the cheeses. Opt for something neutral in flavor, like a plain water cracker or a mild baguette, to let the cheeses truly shine.
• Olives: A mix of green and black olives adds briny, savory notes that balance the richness of the cheeses. Their sharpness pairs especially well with creamy or salty cheeses like Caciocavallo and Pecorino Romano.

Make It Festive: Adding Holiday Touches

The presentation of your cheese board is just as important as the flavors it holds. To make your board truly festive, consider adding some holiday-inspired touches. A few creative ideas:

• Fresh Rosemary Wreath: Fresh rosemary sprigs can be arranged in the shape of a wreath around the board or scattered throughout to bring an aromatic, herbal note to the table. It not only looks beautiful but also adds a festive fragrance that evokes the spirit of the season.
• Red Berries: Add some bright, festive color by incorporating red berries like cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Their vibrant hue is a perfect contrast to the golden hues of the cheeses and adds a fresh burst of flavor.
• Seasonal Garnishes: You can also include holiday-themed accents such as cinnamon sticks or star anise to add warmth and spice to the board’s presentation.

The Perfect Drink Pairing: Holiday Gin and Tonic

A great cheese board deserves an equally great drink pairing, and this Holiday Gin and Tonic is a fantastic option to complement the rich flavors of the Italian cheeses. The combination of gin, cranberry juice, and cinnamon syrup adds a festive touch that perfectly balances the creamy, salty, and nutty flavors of the cheeses.

Holiday Gin and Tonic Recipe:

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice
• ½ oz Cinnamon Syrup (see recipe below)
• Tonic Water
• Ice

Pour the gin, cranberry juice, and cinnamon syrup into a glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh cranberries for an extra touch of holiday spirit.

Cinnamon Syrup Recipe:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks

Combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool before straining out the cinnamon sticks.

This drink is refreshing yet warming, and the spices beautifully complement the cheeses, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread.

Other Drink Pairings: Options for Everyone

While the Holiday Gin and Tonic is a showstopper, you can offer a variety of drink options to suit all tastes. Here are a few alternatives:

• Sparkling Wine: A light, bubbly Prosecco or Champagne is always a great option to pair with cheeses like Podda Misto or Parmigiano Reggiano. The effervescence and acidity of the sparkling wine cleanse the palate between bites.
• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Barbera, is a classic choice to pair with Pecorino Romano or Caciocavallo. The wine’s acidity and tannins balance the sharpness of the cheese.

Mocktail Option: For non-drinkers, a Cranberry Ginger Fizz is a refreshing option. Combine cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of lime juice for a light, festive mocktail that pairs well with any cheese.