Your Guide To The Perfect Holiday Cheese Board & Why It Needs Plant Milk Cheese

Cheese has always been defined by the type of milk used (like goat, sheep, or cow milk), but now: there’s plant milk. And to think of plant milk cheese as a vegan underdog would be a mistake for both your tastebuds and future as a cheesemonger. Miyoko’s is evolving the art of dairy by using the finest organic ingredients and time-honored creamery methods to craft their award-winning cheeses. They start with a base of organic cashews, milling them to creamy perfection, and then culturing for that perfect flavor. From there the cheeses are aged, smoked, or hand coated, making Miyoko’s the real artisan deal!

From their sophisticated taste to their traditional craft, Miyoko’s Artisan Cheese Wheels will give your holiday menu some plant-based flair. (And if not on a cheese board, then folded into a delicious pasta sauce, or crumbled over a fresh salad!) But they’re also a cheesy option that’s more planet-friendly. We seldom discuss it, but animal milk cheese actually has the third-highest greenhouse gas emissions, behind lamb and beef.

On the other hand, Miyoko Schinner (Founder of Miyoko’s) has long been on a mission to create an animal-free dairy food system that exists in alliance with our greater planet. In fact, Miyoko’s products result in up to 98% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional animal dairy products. That means we can keep our love for cheese going strong through the holiday, while feeling better about our impact on the planet. Few things hit like a glass of wine and well-paired cheese, and thanks to Miyoko’s, none of that has to change.

For the host(ess)-with-the-most(ess), the holidays are a dream. But entertaining also means pleasing as many palates as possible. That’s why cheese boards are the perfect trade: they offer something for everyone. And that’s especially true with the nine flavors of Miyoko’s Artisan Cheese Wheels: Classic Chive, Sundried Tomato Garlic, Garlic Herb, Sharp English Farmhouse, Smoked English Farmhouse, Herbs de Provence, French Style Winter Truffle, Black Ash, and a Limited Edition Smoked Gouda. See what we mean? When you realize that the plant milk cheese world is actually full of possibility… Suddenly the idea of an all-vegan cheese board sounds perfect for your next party.

Some of the best conversations and holiday memories are formed with a cheese board at the center. A vegan cheese board can be planet-friendly, full of complex and complimentary flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to throw one together:

Step 1: Say cheese

The perfect cheese board starts with picking a diverse group of cheeses. Pick 3-5 Artisan Cheese Wheels from Miyoko’s–some neutral flavors, but also some that will catch your guests by surprise.

Step 2: Time to go crackers

Cheese is perfect all on its own–but pairing your cheeses with the perfect array of carbs is the duo everyone’s waiting for. Choose two kinds of crackers, and two types of bread (all vegan) to arrange on your board.

Step 3: The full spread

Cheese and crackers are a classic–but throw a spread in between and you’ve got a show-stopper. Choose two vegan spreads to go on your board. (You can’t go wrong with fig preserves and hummus.)

Step 4: Add your accessories

This is where your creativity shines. Choose an array of snacks to compliment your cheeses: fruits like grapes, dried cranberries, or apples, sliced veggies, seasoned nuts, olives, and pickles are a good place to start.

Step 5: The element of surprise

Let’s be honest: a simple cheese board will go a long way with any holiday crowd. But the secret to an unforgettable cheese board is one or two elements of surprise; something your guests wouldn’t normally expect. Think: dark chocolate, yogurt-covered pretzels, or fresh figs (all vegan!).

Step 6: Assemble!

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to arrange your board. For the best results, space out the cheeses first. Then the spreads, then the crackers, and then the rest! A certain level of chaos makes a cheese board charming, so ditch the perfectionism. And don’t forget the wine!