Down with Dolcelatte, the elbow to Emmenthal and you can keep your Camembert. A true Brit needs British cheese on the Christmas table along with robins, a stage coach and a bloke that looks like Mr Pickwick. Here’s the good guide to creating that patriotic cheeseboard with perfect drink pairings.
Top tips for the perfect Christmas Cheese Board
For the best flavours take cheese out of the fridge up to two hours before serving
Choose biscuits with crunch for added texture and avoid anything too salty
Don’t use the same knife for different cheeses as this may contaminate their flavours
Stilton can be frozen so stock up on it before the Christmas rush
Buy softer cheeses in advance so that they have time to ripen
For an even healthier option, avoid spreads on biscuits and try the cheeses with your favourite fruits
The Cheese
Red Leicester is a rich, russet coloured cheese whose flaky and slightly open texture plays host to a distinctive mellow nutty flavour
What to drink it with
Sweet drinks such as Smirnoff Ice or an ice cold glass of dessert wine complement the nutty flavours of Red Leicester
Serve with
Ripe pears, whole walnuts, macadamia
nuts or simply oatcakes
The Cheese
Blue Stilton – The ‘King’ of British Cheeses and not one to be omitted from the festive table its rich creamy texture mellows as it matures
What to drink it with
Always associated with its perfect partner Port, Blue Stilton is also great with mulled wine as the scent of cinnamon and spices complement the strong undertones of Stilton. For something different try Wheat Beer for a contemporary twist
Serve with
Sweet fruits such as dates, figs or dried apricots complement the saltiness of stilton
The Cheese
Cheddar, from mild through to the mature flavours of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar any variety is a cheeseboard must
What to drink it with
Cheddar goes well with alcoholic or soft drinks alike. Classically drunk with vintage Cider it also goes well with Guinness or English classic ale
Serve with
Orchard fruits such as apples and pears or for added spice serve with jalapeño chillies
The Cheese
British Goat’s Cheese is a full flavoured but evenly textured cheese with a unique flavour
What to drink it with
Serve with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a great non-alcoholic alternative try Ginger Beer
Serve with
Cranberries, blueberries, pistachio nuts or why not try grinding some black pepper over the top to release its flavours
The Cheese
Farmhouse Creamy Lancashire is a light textured cheese with a mild flavour
What to drink it with
A deep fruity Merlot or rich Cabernet Sauvignon work equally well
Serve with
Figs, dates or olives are the perfect accompaniment
The Cheese
British Brie is creamy with a mellow aroma and flavour
What to drink it with
Perfect festive accompaniments are brandy or white port. Alternatively drink with a large glass of fruity Pinot Noir or even a drop of Baileys on the rocks
Serve with
Red or green seedless grapes traditionally go well with Brie or why not try with pomegranate or blueberries
The Cheese
Cheshire can either be white or coloured but both have a slightly crumbly and silky texture with wonderfully full-bodied and fresh flavour
What to drink it with
Perfect with fruit beers or a chilled glass of rose wines
Serve with
Perfect with berries such as strawberries, raspberries or alternatively chopped celery, apple and sultanas