Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. And as always, it is the perfect occasion to share cheese with your loved ones. Elevate your Christmas cheese platter this year with our selection of five amazing French cheeses. Ranging from hard to soft, through washed and blue, these French cheeses will elevate your Christmas meals.
SEE ALSO: The art of assembling the perfect cheese board for any occasion →
The art of pairing cheese
When it comes to pairing cheese (or any other foods and beverages for that matter), it comes down to balancing texture and flavour. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the cheese selection but will also have a look at other accompaniments that you can serve alongside.
How much cheese should I serve?
Obviously, the amount of cheese a person can consume will depend largely on the individual. But, as a good rule of thumb, try to aim for 30 g (1 ounce) of each cheese per guest. Given the range of intensity of flavour (e.g., Brie vs Roquefort), you might want to factor in a range of ± 5 g for each cheese.
How many cheeses do I need?
Creating a memorable cheese platter is an art. You need variety, texture, and flavours that dance on your taste buds. And, for me, five is the magic number.
For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the cheese selection but will also have a look at other accompaniments that you can serve alongside.
Best French cheeses for your Christmas cheese platter
For our Christmas French cheese platter, we have chosen two pressed cheeses, one soft white mould, one soft washed rind and a spectacular blue cheese!
1. Beaufort
Beaufort is a large format pressed cooked cheese. Unlike most of the local offerings, Beaufort is actually made with whole cow’s milk, instead of skimmed milk. Over the decades, its signature has become the concave natural rind that wraps around the cheese.
At five months of maturation, Beaufort displays an incredible range of aromas and flavours. You can expect meaty, sweet and buttery flavours as well as floral and herbal notes coming from the grass-fed cows’ milk.
Look for a Beaufort d’Été to get the ultimate tasting experience. Indeed, local artisans only made this particular version of the cheese during the summer months at a minimum altitude of 1500m.
Without a doubt, Beaufort is good enough to eat on its own as a table cheese. Having said that, it is also a great melting cheese and can be mixed with Emmental de Savoie and/or Comté to make a local dish called Fondue Savoyarde.
2. Comté
There are few pleasures in life that can compare to an 18-month-old Comté. This traditional pressed cheese comes from the Jura region of France and is always made with raw cow’s milk. Did you know that Comté is one of France’s most popular cheeses?
Just like the famous Swiss cheese Gruyère, Comté is available at different ages. To achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavour, choose a Comté that is over 18 months old. At that age, you can expect a slightly firm texture and fruity aromas.
As for the flavour, it is incredibly complex and varied. You can expect everything from sweet to savoury, nutty to fruity and brothy to herbaceous. Comté excels as a table cheese but is also a great melter.
3. Chevrotin
Continuing with the mountain theme, we find ourselves in the Savoie region. And one of the most famous cheeses from Savoie is Chevrotin. Local farmers and cheesemakers craft this delightful goat’s milk cheese using the raw milk of French Alpine goats and it is a favourite among the locals.
Aged for a minimum of 21 days, Chevrotin looks like a small version of another famous cheese from Savoie, Reblochon. As a matter of fact, the main difference is that it is made using goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk. As a result, it is more aromatic and its flavour a slightly more pronounced with a certain “goaty” quality.
4. Mont d’Or
Also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs, Mont d’Or is a seasonal soft washed rind cheese that is made above 700m in the Haut-Doubs region of France. Since 1996, it has been protected by an AOP stamp which regulates its production and maturation. This historic cheese (early mentions date to the year 1280) is exclusively made from raw cow’s milk from the 15th of August to the 15th of March each year.
The end result is a soft cheese with a woody, earthy aroma. Overall, it has a full, rich, sweet and grassy flavour with a slightly acidic finish. Because of its unique aroma and flavour, Mont d’Or is one of the most sought-after cheeses in the entire world. The locals eagerly await its release every year in September. And it brings in hordes of tourists to the Haut-Doubs region.
When ripe, Mont d’Or can be served at room temperature. The best way to enjoy this seasonal cheese is by cutting the rind off the top and dipping a wooden spoon into the oozy, creamy paste underneath.
5. Roquefort
Finally, we have the King of French Cheeses. Roquefort is a traditional sheep’s milk blue cheese made in the Aveyron department. Undoubtedly, it is one of the world’s best-known cheeses and dates back to at least the 15th century.
The AOP dictates that this blue cheese can only be made in the Aveyron department. Furthermore, the wheels have to be matured in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.
Roquefort has a moist velvety ivory paste that is mottled with delicate blue-green pockets and lines of mould. Your nose will be met with a tantalising aroma of forest undergrowth. Finally, the flavour is spicy on the front palate with a long grassy and salty finish.
Best accompaniments for your French cheese platter
Now that we’ve unveiled the stars of your French cheese platter, let’s talk about how to elevate their flavours with perfect pairings. Pairing is an art; it’s about finding combinations that enhance the taste of both the cheese and its accompaniments, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours on your palate.
Beaufort pairings
Beaufort, with its nutty and creamy profile, deserves accompaniments that enhance its richness. Pair it with caramelised walnuts or hazelnuts; their earthy notes will complement Beaufort’s flavours beautifully. Add some slices of ripe pear for a refreshing contrast, and you have a match made in cheese heaven.
Comté pairings
Comté’s nutty sweetness calls for pairings that highlight its complex flavours. Try it with apricot preserves; the slight tartness of the apricots balances the cheese’s sweetness perfectly.
Moreover, fresh, crusty baguette slices are a classic choice, allowing you to savour the cheese’s texture fully. For an added twist, include some thinly sliced prosciutto; its saltiness provides a delightful contrast.
Chevrotin pairings
The tangy and earthy notes of Chevrotin are best complemented by a touch of sweetness and freshness. Pair it with honey drizzled lightly over the cheese; the sweet and floral undertones of the honey enhance the goat cheese’s flavours.
Accompany it with slices of tart green apple; the crisp texture and slight sourness provide a wonderful balance. Add some crunchy, herbed crackers for an extra layer of flavour.
Mont d’Or pairings
Mont d’Or, a velvety delight, pairs wonderfully with rustic and savoury companions. Serve it with small roasted potatoes; their earthy taste complements the cheese’s richness. Add a dollop of Dijon mustard; its savouriness cuts through the creaminess, adding depth to the palate.
Spread the cheese on chunks of warm, freshly baked bread, and you’ll experience a heavenly combination of textures and flavours.
Roquefort pairings
Roquefort, with its intense and tangy profile, demands bold and flavourful accompaniments. Pair it with dark chocolate; the bitterness of the chocolate balances the cheese’s savouriness in a surprising and delightful way.
Include some ripe figs; their natural sweetness and chewy texture create a perfect contrast. Finally, offer some crunchy sea salt crackers for a satisfying crunch that complements Roquefort’s creamy texture.
Experimenting with these pairings will not only enhance your cheese platter but also provide your guests with a memorable tasting experience. So, gather your favourite accompaniments, arrange them creatively on your platter, and let the culinary adventure begin!
Best beverages to serve alongside your French Christmas cheese board
Choosing the right beverages to accompany your French cheese platter is just as important as selecting the cheeses and accompaniments. The right drink can enhance the flavours, cleanse your palate, and elevate your tasting experience to new heights.
Here’s a guide to beverage pairings that will perfectly complement your selection of Beaufort, Comté, Chevrotin, Mont d’Or and Roquefort:
White Wine: A classic choice
A crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, serves as an excellent companion to your cheese platter. The wine’s acidity cuts through the creamy textures of Chevrotin and Mont d’Or, enhancing their flavours.
For the blue cheese, we recommend a classic Roquefort partner: Sauternes. This sweet white wine perfectly contrasts the saltiness of Roquefort, creating a harmonious contrast.
Red wine
For the firmer and nuttier cheeses like Beaufort and Comté, opt for a medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a light red Bordeaux. The wine’s tannins and fruity notes complement the cheeses’ nutty flavours, creating a delightful combination.
Furthermore, the richness of these cheeses is beautifully balanced by the subtle complexity of a good red wine.
Sparkling wine
Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco are incredibly versatile and can cut through the richness of all your cheeses. The effervescence cleanses your palate, preparing it for the next delicious bite.
The slight sweetness in some sparkling wines also complements the saltiness of Roquefort, creating a playful contrast.
Craft beers
If you prefer beer, consider serving a selection of craft beers. A Belgian Tripel or a farmhouse ale pairs wonderfully with the strong flavours of Roquefort.
For the other cheeses, try a nut brown ale or a mild saison. The caramel and nutty notes in these beers complement the cheeses’ earthy flavours, offering a unique and satisfying tasting experience.
Cider
For a fresher option, a high-quality sparkling cider can be a delightful alternative. Its natural sweetness and crisp acidity make it an excellent palate cleanser between bites.
It pairs well with the creaminess of Chevrotin and Mont d’Or, creating a balance of flavours that everyone can enjoy.
Remember, the key to a successful beverage pairing is balance. Experiment with different combinations, trust your taste buds, and most importantly, enjoy the experience with good company and great conversation.
Conclusion
The art of crafting a cheese platter isn’t just about arranging delicious bites on a board; it’s a celebration of flavours, textures and traditions that bring people together.
In the heart of your festive gathering, the stars of the show – Beaufort, Comté, Chevrotin, Mont d’Or and Roquefort – stand tall, each telling a story of its region, craftsmanship, and heritage. With each bite, you’re transported to the charming countryside of France, where cheesemaking is an art form passed down through generations.
Accompanied by the perfect partners, these cheeses transform into a symphony of tastes and aromas. Each combination, meticulously paired with a drink, is a testament to the culinary magic that can happen when flavours complement and enhance one another.
But beyond the delectable tastes and enticing aromas, a cheese platter is a catalyst for connection. It’s a conversation starter, a reason to gather around the table, and an opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family.
As glasses clink and laughter fills the air, these French cheeses become more than just food; they become a shared experience, a moment frozen in time, and a part of your cherished holiday traditions.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
