Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to express gratitude to the incredible women in our lives. What better way to celebrate than with an elegant and carefully curated cheese platter? Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a cosy afternoon snack or the centrepiece of an evening gathering, a thoughtfully selected cheese board can add an extra touch of indulgence. This year, I’ve handpicked five exquisite cheeses that combine both tradition and creativity. These cheeses will bring together a myriad of flavours and textures that your mum will surely appreciate.
1. La Tur (Soft)
If you’re looking for a cheese that offers both luxurious texture and delicate flavors, La Tur is the perfect choice. This Italian cheese hails from the Piedmont region and is a blend of cow, goat and sheep’s milk. Its unique combination of milks gives La Tur a rich and velvety texture, which almost melts in your mouth.
Tasting Notes
La Tur’s rind is soft and wrinkly, giving way to an interior that is creamy yet slightly tangy. The flavour is mild, with hints of earthy mushrooms, fresh cream and subtle floral notes. As it ages, the flavours become more pronounced, developing a gentle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like figs, strawberries or pears.
Pairing Suggestions
To highlight La Tur’s creaminess, serve it with light, crunchy accompaniments like crackers, crostini or even a soft, warm baguette. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of toasted nuts adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement this cheese’s lactic richness. For wine, pair La Tur with a crisp sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne, to cut through the richness.
2. Selles-sur-Cher (Soft)
A quintessential cheese for any Mother’s Day cheese platter, Selles-sur-Cher is a French goat cheese with a striking visual contrast between its ashy rind and its bright, white interior. Produced in the Loire Valley, this cheese is named after the small village where it was first crafted. Its bold appearance is only matched by its refined, tangy flavour, making it a delightful addition to any Mother’s Day celebration.
Tasting Notes
Selles-sur-Cher has a crumbly texture with a soft, creamy layer just beneath the ash-covered rind. The flavour is tangy and earthy, with a slight minerality from the ash coating. Over time, the cheese’s texture becomes creamier, and the flavour intensifies, gaining complexity with subtle hints of nuts and mushrooms.
Pairing Suggestions
For pairings, Selles-sur-Cher works beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Sancerre. It also loves the company of fresh, tangy fruits like apples or citrus segments, which balance the cheese’s saltiness and earthy undertones. A serving of marinated olives or roasted red peppers can further elevate the cheese’s robust character.
3. Gruyère (Smi-hard)
No Mother’s Day cheese platter is complete without a firm, savoury cheese, and Gruyère is an undeniable classic. This Swiss cheese, originating from the Fribourg region, is known for its complexity and versatility. Gruyère’s smooth texture and nutty flavour make it a fantastic addition to a cheese board, especially if you’re looking to add depth and richness.
Tasting Notes
Gruyère has a dense, smooth and elastic texture. Its flavour starts out mild and slightly sweet when young but matures into a rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste as it ages. Its brown, natural rind adds to the aesthetic appeal, while its interior offers a balance between butteriness and earthiness.
Pairing Suggestions
Gruyère pairs well with cured meats like prosciutto or salami, as well as pickled vegetables, which cut through the cheese’s richness. A dollop of mustard or a slice of crusty bread can also bring out Gruyère’s subtle sweetness. When it comes to wine, try pairing Gruyère with a medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir.
4. L’Amuse Signature Gouda (Hard)
Gouda might seem like a familiar option, but L’Amuse Signature Gouda is something truly special. Produced in the Netherlands, this aged Gouda is carefully selected and matured for at least two years, developing a deep, caramelised flavour. The L’Amuse Signature Gouda goes beyond the standard grocery store variety, offering an unforgettable taste experience.
Tasting Notes
This aged Gouda has a dense, crystalline texture with a bright orange hue, owing to the ageing process. Its flavour is sweet, with notes of butterscotch, caramel and toasted nuts, balanced by a salty, savoury undertone. As the cheese ages, it develops crunchy crystals which add an extra layer of texture and excitement.
Pairing Suggestions
The rich, caramel-like flavours of L’Amuse Signature Gouda pair well with dried fruits like apricots or dates, as well as candied nuts. You can also try serving it alongside slices of fresh apple or pear, which provide a crisp contrast to the cheese’s crumbly texture. For drinks, consider pairing this cheese with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or even a rich porter beer.
5. Stilton (Blue)
For lovers of blue cheese, no platter would be complete without the bold and complex flavours of Stilton. Known as the “King of English Cheeses”, Stilton is prized for its distinctive blue veins and rich, creamy texture. This cheese offers a satisfying punch of umami, making it a perfect choice for adding variety to your Mother’s Day cheese plate.
Tasting Notes
Stilton has a crumbly yet creamy texture, and its blue veins provide a delectable tangy flavour that contrasts with the rich, buttery base. The taste is assertive yet balanced, with hints of leather, spice and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate. As the cheese ages, it develops a slightly more intense flavour, making it ideal for those who appreciate strong cheeses.
Pairing Suggestions
Stilton pairs well with sweet accompaniments like honey, figs or a rich fruit chutney. You can also serve it with dried cranberries or walnuts to add some texture and sweetness. For a true indulgence, pair Stilton with a glass of dessert wine like Port or Sauternes, which complements the cheese’s salty and sweet dynamics beautifully.
Crafting the Perfect Platter
When assembling your Mother’s Day cheese platter, presentation is just as important as the selection itself. Here are a few tips to create a stunning display:
- Variety of textures: Arrange the cheeses from soft to firm, starting with the creamy La Tur and ending with the robust Stilton. This allows for a natural progression of flavours and textures.
- Balance of flavours: Offer a variety of accompaniments like fresh and dried fruits, nuts, crackers and spreads. Balance sweet elements (like honey or fruit preserves) with savoury ones (like olives or cured meats).
- Temperature matters: Take the cheeses out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to let their flavours fully develop.
Give Mum the cheese board she deserves
This Mother’s Day, surprise your mum with a cheese platter that combines elegance, variety and unforgettable flavours. The combination of La Tur, Selles-sur-Cher, Gruyère, L’Amuse Signature Gouda and Stilton offers a journey through the world of artisanal cheese, each one bringing something unique to the table.
Paired with the right accompaniments and beverages, this platter is sure to be the highlight of the celebration and a delicious way to show your appreciation.
Sabine is the creative force behind Cheese Scientist. She is a sustainable living advocate, a climate change protestor and is pro-choice. And, most relevantly, she is also a lactose intolerant cheese lover.
