SEE ALSO: How to create the perfect cheese platter for any occasion →

How to choose your cheeses

Choosing the right cheeses is key to a successful Halloween platter. For this holiday, we’re going all-in on cheeses that echo the season’s colours and spooky vibes, starting with Mimolette, Shropshire Blue and Époisses.

Mimolette

Mimolette is a natural choice for Halloween. Its round shape and bright orange colour make it look just like a pumpkin. This French cheese has a nutty, buttery flavour with a crumbly texture that becomes harder as it ages.

Aged Mimolette, in particular, has a deeply pocked rind that looks almost ghoulish, adding to its spooky appeal.

Why it works for Halloween: Its vibrant orange colour and resemblance to a pumpkin make it perfect for a Halloween-themed platter.

Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue brings a slightly creepy vibe to your platter, thanks to its striking blue veins running through the orange paste. It’s similar to Stilton but slightly milder, with a creamy texture and tangy flavour. The contrast between the orange and blue is eye-catching and adds a haunted look to your cheese board.

Why it works for Halloween: The eerie contrast of bright orange and dark blue makes it visually spooky and perfect for the season.

Époisses

Époisses is a French washed rind cheese known for its yeasty aroma and soft, creamy texture. Its rind is often a reddish-orange hue, thanks to being washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne. Époisses has a strong, bold flavour that balances between salty and sweet, and its runny interior makes it an indulgent centrepiece for your platter.

Why it works for Halloween: Its gooey texture can add a slightly eerie touch, like a melted cauldron of cheese. Plus, its orange rind ties in beautifully with the other orange cheeses.

Other Halloween-friendly cheeses

• Red Leicester: Mild, creamy, and perfect for adding more orange to the board.
• Double Gloucester: A smooth and mellow cheese that’s also a deep golden-orange.
• Langres: This small wrinkly washed rind from Champagne has a rind that looks almost brainy.

You can discover my complete list of the best orange cheeses for Halloween here.

Spooky presentation: setting the scene

Once you’ve selected your cheeses, it’s time to think about how to present them in a way that matches the Halloween theme. The presentation will add that extra touch of fun and intrigue to your platter.

Step 1: Choose the right platter

For a Halloween cheese board, opt for a dark serving surface. Black slate or dark wood boards are ideal, as they allow the bright orange of the cheeses to stand out. If you’re feeling extra festive, a pumpkin-shaped board could add an extra Halloween touch.

Step 2: Prepare and arrange your cheeses

• Mimolette: Cut Mimolette into thick wedges to highlight its crumbly texture. You could even carve it into a pumpkin face for extra Halloween fun!
• Shropshire Blue: Break Shropshire Blue into chunks to showcase the contrast between the blue veins and the orange cheese.
• Époisses: Époisses should be served whole, in its wooden box or on a small plate, with a cheese knife so guests can scoop its creamy interior. Its gooey texture will add a deliciously sinister look to the board.

Scatter the cheeses across your board in an organic, slightly chaotic way. A neat, orderly presentation is less fitting for Halloween, so aim for something more rustic and wild.

Step 3: Add themed accompaniments

To bring the whole platter together, add Halloween-themed accompaniments:

• Charcoal Crackers: Their black colour adds an eerie touch and contrasts beautifully with the orange cheeses.
• Red Grapes: Arrange them around the board like little creepy eyes.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: These add crunch and stay on theme with the autumn feel.
• Fig Jam: Its deep, blood-red colour and rich flavour work well with strong cheeses like Époisses and Shropshire Blue.
• Dried Apricots: Their bright orange hue complements the cheeses while adding a chewy texture.
• Honeycomb: A drizzle of honey or a chunk of honeycomb provides a sweet contrast to the salty cheeses, and its golden appearance is perfect for autumn.

Applying the finishing touches

Halloween is all about the details. Here are some ideas to decorate your platter and create a spooky atmosphere.

1. Mini pumpkins and gourds

Scatter mini pumpkins and gourds around your cheese platter for a festive feel. You could even hollow out a small pumpkin to serve nuts or dried fruit in.

2. Spider webs and plastic spiders

For a truly creepy touch, add some fake spider webs around the platter (just be sure they’re food-safe or kept clear of the cheese). Dot a few plastic spiders throughout the board to keep your guests on edge!

3. Halloween-themed cutlery

Consider using black or skull-shaped cheese knives to keep with the spooky theme. You could also opt for bone-shaped cutlery for an extra eerie touch.

4. Mood lighting

Create a haunting atmosphere by dimming the lights and adding some flickering candles around the table. You could even use orange or black candles to match the colour theme. Lanterns and LED lights in pumpkin shapes also add a cosy yet spooky vibe to your spread.

Best drink pairings for your Halloween cheese platter

Pairing your Halloween cheese board with the right drinks will take it to the next level. Here are a few suggestions to match the autumnal flavours of your cheese selections.

1. Red wine

A deep, rich red wine like a Merlot or a Shiraz works wonderfully with the strong flavours of Shropshire Blue and Mimolette. The boldness of the wine complements the tangy and nutty notes of the cheeses, while the red colour keeps with the Halloween theme.

2. Cider

A crisp cider is a great pairing for Époisses and Mimolette. The sweetness of the apples balances the saltiness of the cheeses, and cider’s autumnal feel is a perfect fit for Halloween.

3. Pumpkin ale

If you want to lean into the Halloween theme, a spiced pumpkin ale is an excellent match. The warm spices complement the buttery richness of Époisses, while the pumpkin flavours tie everything together.

4. Non-alcoholic options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, consider offering a sparkling apple juice or a festive spiced punch. You can make a Halloween punch by combining cranberry juice, apple cider and cinnamon sticks for a warming, spooky drink.

Serving tips

To make sure your Halloween cheese platter is as impressive as it is delicious, follow these serving tips:

• Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cheeses sit out for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this allows their flavours to develop fully.
• Label the Cheeses: You could have fun with this by giving the cheeses spooky names. For instance, label Mimolette as “Pumpkin Head” and Shropshire Blue as “Ghostly Veins.” Small chalkboards or parchment labels work well for this.
• Keep It Clean: Use a separate knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavours and to make it easier for guests to serve themselves.

Conclusion

A Halloween cheese platter is all about embracing the spooky, autumnal feel of the season while offering your guests a rich and delicious experience. By highlighting vibrant orange cheeses like Mimolette, Shropshire Blue and Époisses, you can create a visually stunning and tasty spread that’s perfect for any Halloween gathering.

With the right decorations, accompaniments and drink pairings, your cheese board will become the centrepiece of your party. So get ready to impress your guests with a cheese board that’s equal parts creepy and delicious!

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post The Ultimate Halloween Cheese Platter (With Spooky Pairings) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

The history of Mimolette 

Mimolette cheese has a rich and intriguing history that spans more than a century, encompassing Dutch origins and a French transformation. Let’s embark on a historical journey, complete with a timeline, to explore how Mimolette came to be the beloved cheese we know today. 

Dutch origins (early 17th century) 

Mimolette’s story begins in the Netherlands, renowned for its cheesemaking prowess. Dutch Edam, a popular cheese variety with its characteristic round shape and mild flavour, was highly prized both locally and abroad. 

French adaptation (late 17th century) 

In the late 17th century, as Louis XIV of France reigned, the French developed a taste for Dutch Edam. However, due to trade restrictions with the Dutch Republic, obtaining Edam cheese became increasingly challenging. 

To satisfy the French appetite for Edam, French cheese makers in the northern regions of Lille and Flanders began crafting their own version of the cheese, inspired by Edam but adapted to local resources and expertise. 

Transformation into Mimolette (1700s) 

Over time, these French cheesemakers refined their methods, giving rise to a distinct cheese that eventually became known as Mimolette.

By the late 18th century, Mimolette had firmly established itself as a cheese of regional significance in France, cherished for its flavour and striking appearance. 

Dutch influence and French artistry 

The Dutch influence on Mimolette is evident in its round shape, a nod to the iconic Edam cheese. However, the French added their own artistry to the cheese, transforming it into a true reflection of their cheesemaking traditions. 

Indeed, the addition of the natural dye annatto to the milk imparted a bright orange colour to the cheese’s paste. In doing so, the French were able to distinguish their version from Edam. 

Where is Mimolette presently made? 

Mimolette is also known as “Boule de Lille” because of its spherical shape and its association with the city of Lille in northern France. “Boule” translates to “ball” in French, and this nickname reflects the cheese’s round and compact appearance. 

Lille, a major city in the Hauts-de-France region of France, is renowned for its historical connection to Mimolette production. Mimolette has been produced in this region for more than a century, and Lille has long been a significant hub for the trade and distribution of this cheese. 

It’s a common practice in the world of cheese to associate regional names or nicknames with specific types of cheese, emphasizing the cheese’s origin and tradition. So, when you come across “Boule de Lille”, you can be sure you’re encountering the same distinctive cheese known as Mimolette. 

What type of cheese is Mimolette 

Just like Edam, Mimolette belongs to a category of cheeses called “Pressed Uncooked Cheeses”. As the name indicates, these cheeses are made by pressing curds in moulds to drain excess whey. 

Unlike classic European cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Gruyère, the curds are not cooked during production.  

Finally, almost every version of Mimolette is made with pasteurised cow’s milk. Some exceptions to this rule are the raw milk Mimolettes made by Fromagerie d’Isa in Brunembert and Frères Bernard in Monts-sur-Guesnes. 

How is Mimolette made 

While it may not bear an AOP stamp, there is a category of Mimolette called Label Rouge (Red Label) that is protected. One distinct feature of Mimolette Label Rouge is its natural rind. Indeed, some other types of Mimolette are coated in wax before maturation. 

Let’s have a look at the meticulous production process for this protected version.  

1. Milk handling 

Mimolette cheese is crafted using local cow’s milk. After receiving a quality check, the milk undergoes several treatments. The allowed treatments include bactofugation, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, centrifugation and mixing.  

It is then pasteurised and standardised before being heated in a vat. 

2. Working in the vat and curdling 

In the cheese vat, the milk undergoes a series of crucial steps: 

• Inoculation with lactic and maturation ferments. 
• A milk ripening period of at least 2 hours, achieved by adding mesophilic lactic bacteria. 
• Annatto addition, to impart the orange colour.
• Rennet addition, initiating coagulation. 
• Coagulation, during which the milk transforms into curd. The resulting curd holds the whey within its structure. 

To concentrate the valuable components of milk, namely proteins (casein) and fat, a drainage process is performed to remove excess whey. This involves several operations to achieve the desired dry matter content and prevent potential defects in the cheese, such as a sticky crust. 

• Cutting the curd into smaller grains to increase drainage surface area. 
• Washing the curd grains to replace some of the whey with water, resulting in a higher pH level. 
• Final stirring to complete the process. 

Throughout these phases, the curd naturally undergoes gradual acidification. 

3. Moulding, pressing and unmoulding 

The contents of the cheese vat are transferred to a pre-pressing vat where curd is aggregated after whey filtration. The curd blocks are then cut and placed into moulds. Moulding and pressing give the cheese its shape while further aiding whey drainage through acidification. 

The acidification process, initiated during vat work, corresponds to the fermentation of lactose into lactic acid by the added lactic bacteria. 

4. Salting  

Mimolette cheese is salted by immersion in brine. This imparts a distinctive flavour and influences subsequent ageing.  

Moreover, salt affects the development of microorganisms and enzyme activity, serving as a protective role by slowing down these processes. Finally, salting complements the drainage process. 

5. Drying 

The drying phase, known as ressuyage, involves drying the cheeses after brine immersion to eliminate excess surface moisture. 

6. Affinage 

Ageing is a crucial step in determining the final quality of the cheese. It involves various biochemical transformations of curd constituents (casein, fat, some soluble milk components) under the action of enzymes, mostly of microbial origin.  

Many factors, including atmospheric composition, available water, temperature and pH, influence microbial development and the proliferation of a certain mite. Also, each cheese undergoes care routines such as turning and brushing. 

After this ageing process, Mimolette cheese acquires its distinctive organoleptic qualities, including appearance, texture, taste and aroma. 

What is Acarus siro? 

So, let’s talk about this notorious cheese mite! 

Commonly known as the “cheese mite” or “flour mite”, Acarus siro is a microscopic arachnid belonging to the family Acaridae. These tiny mites are known for their association with cheese, especially varieties like Mimolette.  

Here are some key points about Acarus siro:

Appearance and size 

Acarus siro measure only about 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters in length. As a result, it is nearly invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope. 

Habitat and behavior 

These cheese mites are primarily found in the natural environments where cheese is aged. They thrive in dark, damp, and cool places, making cheese ageing cellars an ideal habitat.  

Role in cheese ageing 

When introduced to the cheese during the production or ageing process, they contribute to the formation of the cheese’s characteristic appearance and flavour.  

The mites feed on the cheese’s surface, creating pits and holes, which allow air to penetrate and facilitate the breakdown of fats and proteins. This activity helps develop the cheese’s texture and enhances its flavour. 

The different types of Mimolette 

Presently, there are four different types of Mimolette marketed in France. All but one of them is currently available in the USA and Australia, but we’ll get back to that a bit later.  

1. Young Mimolette (Mimolette Jeune) 

Ageing Period: 3 to 6 months 

Texture: Creamy, slightly firm and supple

Flavour Profile: Mild and slightly nutty with a touch of sweetness 

Appearance: Pale orange colour, less pronounced pits and crevices on the surface 

Best Uses: Young Mimolette is perfect for those who prefer a milder cheese. It’s ideal for snacking, melting on sandwiches or incorporating into salads. 

2. Semi-Aged Mimolette (Mimolette Demi-Vieille) 

Ageing Period: 6 to 12 months 

Texture: Firmer and crumbly, yet still slightly creamy 

Flavour Profile: A more pronounced nuttiness with a subtle sweetness

Appearance: Deeper orange colour, developing more pits and crevices as it ages 

Best Uses: Semi-aged Mimolette strikes a balance between mild and robust. It’s great for cheese boards, grating over pasta or pairing with charcuterie. 

3. Aged Mimolette (Mimolette Vieille) 

Ageing Period: 13 to 18 months 

Texture: Firm, crumbly and dry, with a crystalline crunch 

Flavour Profile: Intensely nutty and complex, with deep caramelized notes 

Appearance: Deep orange to amber colour, abundant pits and crevices and a more pronounced crust 

Best Uses: Aged Mimolette is a cheese connoisseur’s delight. Enjoy it on its own, alongside wine, or as a standout ingredient in gourmet dishes. 

4. Extra-Aged Mimolette (Mimolette Extra-Vieille) 

Ageing Period: 18 months or more 

Texture: Very firm, crumbly and highly crystalline 

Flavour Profile: A rich and intense nuttiness and a long, savoury finish 

Appearance: Deep amber to brown colour, an abundance of deep pits and a robust, crusty exterior 

Best Uses: Extra-aged Mimolette is a true treasure for cheese enthusiasts. Savour it in small bites, grate it over pasta or risotto or let it shine as the centrepiece of a cheese board. 

In summary, the different ages of Mimolette offer a diverse range of taste experiences, from the mild and creamy to the intensely nutty and sweet.  

Each age group tells a unique story of the cheese’s transformation, making it a fascinating cheese to explore and enjoy at any stage. 

Should you eat the rind of Mimolette? 

Without a doubt, one of the intriguing aspects of Mimolette cheese is its distinctive rind. It’s a subject that often prompts questions among cheese enthusiasts and newcomers alike: CAN you eat the rind of Mimolette?

The good news for Mimolette aficionados is that the rind of this cheese is entirely edible. What I mean by that is that it does not pose a health risk. Even though cheese mites have been classified as an allergen by the FDA (We’ll get to that soon), there have been no documented cases of toxicity after consumption. 

Now, this leads us to our next question: SHOULD you eat the rind of Mimolette? 

My recommendation here is to avoid it. While personal preference can vary, I’m not a fan of the tooth-breaking texture and dry mouthfeel. 

You can read our complete guide on edible and inedible cheese rinds in this post here. 

Controversy and FDA ban in America 

In 2013, the FDA declared Acarus siro an allergen. And upon inspection of a shipment from French exporter Isigny Ste Mère, they reported that the density of those mites on the rind was above their regulation 6 mites per cubic inch. 

As a result, the FDA imposed a temporary ban on the sale of Mimolette in the United States. This move sparked a wave of discussions and debates within the cheese community and among Mimolette enthusiasts. 

The controversy surrounding Mimolette had several significant repercussions: 

Public awareness 

The ban brought Mimolette into the spotlight, making it a topic of discussion not only among cheese lovers but also in mainstream media. 

Advocacy for Mimolette 

Mimolette enthusiasts, including cheese mongers and cheese connoisseurs, advocated for the cheese’s return to the American market. They highlighted its long-standing history, cultural significance, and unique appeal. 

Changes in production 

To meet FDA regulations, some producers made adjustments to their production process.  

These measures may have included adjusting humidity levels, temperature and other factors in ageing rooms to discourage mite proliferation.  

Additionally, some producers introduced techniques to minimise the number of visible mites on the cheese’s surface, allowing it to meet regulatory standards while still retaining its character. 

A year later, these changes allowed for the return of all versions of Mimolette except Extra-Vieille to American cheese counters. 

Impact on Mimolette’s popularity 

The controversy surrounding Mimolette had an unintended consequence—it boosted the cheese’s popularity. 

Many people who had never heard of Mimolette before became curious about this unique cheese, leading to an increase in demand and interest in exploring other artisanal and specialty cheeses. 

Have we piqued your interest? You can read about some other famous European cheeses that have been banned by the FDA here.

Mimolette and Halloween 

On the topic of popularity outside of France, there’s no denying that the sales of Mimolette peak around Halloween. 

While Mimolette may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Halloween, it can be a surprisingly fun and delicious addition to your celebrations.  

Let’s explore how Mimolette can add a touch of elegance and flavour to your spooky festivities. 

1. Vibrant orange aesthetics

One of the most striking features of Mimolette is its vibrant orange colour. This hue, reminiscent of a ripe pumpkin, aligns perfectly with the Halloween theme.  

Incorporating Mimolette into your Halloween spread can add a pop of colour that enhances the visual appeal of your dishes. 

2. Mimolette Jack-O’-Lanterns

Get creative with your Halloween decorations by carving Mimolette cheese instead of traditional pumpkins. Mimolette’s round shape is perfect for sculpting spooky faces or intricate designs.  

Furthermore, you can place a tea light inside the carved cheese for a unique and edible twist on the classic Jack-O’-Lantern. 

3. Cheese boards with a Halloween twist  

Finally, you will certainly elevate your Halloween cheese board with slices of Mimolette. Its bold orange colour and nutty flavour can complement a variety of cured meats, crackers and seasonal fruits. 

If you’re looking for more great orange cheeses for your Halloween cheese plate, click here!

Other cheeses with mites

While Mimolette is perhaps the most famous cheese to feature cheese mites, it’s not alone in its journey of collaboration with tiny arachnids.  

Several other cheeses around the world also embrace the presence of cheese mites on their rinds, adding unique flavours and textures to the cheese. Let’s explore a few notable examples: 

1. Milbenkäse: This cheese’s name translates to “mite cheese” in German and is known for its partnership with Tyrolichus casei mites. These cheese mites are introduced to the cheese during the production process. As they feed on the cheese’s surface, they create a distinct appearance and contribute to its flavour profile. 
2. Cantal Vieux: this aged Cantal is a hard cheese that occasionally features Tyrophagus casei mites on its rind. These mites contribute to the cheese’s maturation process, helping develop its flavour and texture as they feed on the surface. 
3. Salers: This historical French cheese is known for its distinct production methods and the use of raw cow’s milk. While mites are not used intentionally during its production, they are a common feature on its rugged natural rind. 

Conclusion 

Mimolette is more than cheese; it’s a testament to the artistry and diversity of the cheese world. From its Dutch origins to its vibrant orange exterior and complex flavour, every aspect of Mimolette invites you to appreciate the craftsmanship behind this French delicacy.  

As you embark on your own Mimolette journey, remember that the world of cheese is a rich and flavourful one, waiting for you to explore further. 

What’s your favourite age for Mimolette? Let me know in the comments below. 

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Mimolette: A Story of Cheese Mites & Jack O’Lanterns  appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

SEE ALSO: My step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Halloween cheese plate →

The history of Halloween

Before we dig into our best Halloween Cheeses, let’s do a quick history lesson. Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

Later on, an eighth century Pope, Gregory III, designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Eventually, the traditions of All Saints Day became intertwined with some of the traditions of Samhain. Moreover, the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

Over time, Halloween has evolved to include fun activities like carving Jack O’Lanterns, going trick-or-treating and costume parties. The use of the colour orange is a connection to the warmer aspects of fall.

Now, let’s embark on our countdown of our top Halloween Cheeses.

15. Langres

Orange brains seem like a good place to start! Langres is a traditional French soft washed rind cheese that originates from the Champagne region. It is instantly recognisable thanks to its bright orange colour and brain-like wrinkles. Can you think of a better combination for Halloween?

14. Shropshire Blue

This bright orange blue cheese from Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, is a cross between Stilton and Cheshire. Moreover, it is slightly younger than the traditional Stilton and owes its bright orange pâte to the addition of a natural dye called annatto.

This younger blue is actually milder than Stilton but, somehow, the blue veins look more monstrous against that orange canvas!

13. Red Hawk

There’s something very Halloweeny about a vicious bird with sharp talons! Red Hawk is a small-batch organic soft washed rind made by Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station. Its triple cream insides are coated in a bright orange rind.

This cheese develops a sunset-hued coat because it is washed with a simple brine solution every day during maturation. Overall, Red Hawk will add a nice autumnal feel to any cheese board.

12. Devonshire Red

Looks like an orange mummy right? Handcrafted using milk from grass-fed cows, Quicke’s Devonshire Red is clothbound and matured for 6 months. The end result is a vibrant, full flavoured cheese with fresh nutty flavour and a lemony creaminess. And how cool is that cloth wrap!

11. Maroilles

Maroilles is a soft cow’s milk washed rind cheese that originates from the Hauts-de-France region. It gets its name from the village of Maroilles which is home to a small abbey where it was first made and matured. 

As Maroilles ages, its texture gets softer and its aroma more potent. At four months, the cheese displays earthy notes of walnuts and mushrooms with a strong, pungent aroma. 

10. Red Rock

Red Rock is an American original made by Roelli Cheese in Wisconsin, USA. This Cheddar & Blue crossover cheese hits all the right notes for Halloween. From the natural rind that looks like bandages on a mummy to rune-like lines of blue.

9. L’Amuse Signature Gouda

Orange and crunchy! Betty Koster matures wheels of her Signature Gouda at their cheese maturation facility, Fromagerie L’Amuse in IJmuiden.

Whilst its orange colour again comes from annatto, the hard crystalline texture develops over 24 months of attentive maturation. Its hard texture might even invite some carving…

8. Sparkenhoe Red Leicester

For me, Sparkenhoe invokes visions of resurrection. This unique hard cheese made by David and Jo Clarke, is England’s only unpasteurised Red Leicester cheese.

Moreover, it is the first cheese to be produced on Sparkenhoe Farm since 1875. In many ways, it represents an art form that has returned from the dead. Coupled with orange-red insides, its spooky name makes this our Number 8 pick for your Halloween cheese platter.

7. Epoisses de Bourgogne

French cheeses don’t come much more orange and stinky than Epoisses de Bourgogne. Actually, this traditional soft cheese is washed in Marc de Bourgogne during maturation. This imparts a sticky orange rind to the cheese.

Did you know that Epoisses de Bourgogne has actually be banned on the Métro in Paris? Surely, if you want to scare your guests, you need this cheese on your Halloween platter.

6. Pavé du Nord

What an unusual shape for cheese! Pavé du Nord is a French hard cheese that is shaped like a brick. Its name translates to “Cobblestone from the North” and is a reference to the historic roads of Northern France near the Belgian border.

Isn’t also fitting that this cheese brings back memories of “L’Enfer du Nord” (the Hell of the North) which is a one-day classic cycling race also known as Paris-Roubaix. Ok, let’s have a look at our Top 5 Best Halloween Cheeses now!

5. Harvest Moon

This raw milk cheese from New York is hitting all the right keywords here. Harvest. Moon. Need I say any more Indeed, 5 Spoke Creamery got their inspiration from a certain French cheese that might still be to come on this list. But the end product is no less admirable and is a celebration of fall colours.

And it would certainly be worthy of a spot on your Halloween cheese platter. Maybe next to a huge black spider crawling on cobwebs.

4. Petit Rouge

Let’s take a quick detour by Australia. The artisanal cheese scene is still in its infancy Down Under but cheesemakers like Matthieu Megard are heralding a new dawn. Loosely inspired by Epoisses de Bourgogne, this little stinker is equal parts creepy and charming.

Be sure to serve it with something dark whether it be black olives or quince paste.

3. Scream Cheese

All dressed up and ready for trick or treating! Jasper Hill Farm’s Scream Cheese is a seasonal soft cheese that is specially released for Halloween every year.

It is an adaptation of their Weybridge with the addition of annatto to impart an orange, pumpkin-like colour to the insides.

There’s just something about bright orange insides wrapped in charcoal and white that is utterly ghostly right?

2. Petit Munster

OK, how do you beat a little orange cheese that’s actually called Petit Munster? While it does not actually translate to Little Monster, its name and appearance make it such a spectacular choice for your Halloween cheese platter.

Overall, there is a real pagan feel to this little stinker. From the rugged and sticky orange rind to its robust aroma, Petit Munster just looks like the cheese you would eat while chanting around a bonfire.

1. Mimolette

Was there ever any doubt as to what our Number 1 Best Halloween Cheese would be? Meet Mimolette. This pressed cheese from Lille in Northern France is inspired by the Dutch recipe for Edam. It’s our good friend annatto again that’s responsible for its bright orange interior. And, because of its ultra-hard texture, this round cheese can be carved just like a raw pumpkin.

I would even go as far as to say that it makes a better Jack O’Lantern than pumpkin. Because you can eat every single bit of it without any wastage.

What’s your favourite orange cheese?

Thank you for reading our post on the best orange cheeses for Halloween. As you can see, there are so many amazing cheeses you can choose from. What cheese will you be enjoying this Halloween? Let me know in the comments.

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post 15 Best Orange Cheeses for Halloween appeared first on Cheese Scientist.