Whole Foods 12 Days of Cheese: Recommendations

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This post contains collections of products that I personally recommend (it may contain affiliate links).

ATTN Whole Foods shoppers….This is NOT a drill. It’s the biggest cheese sale of the year, and you must take advantage.

I talk about this sale every year because it’s absolutely epic! 12 Days. 12 Different Cheeses. 50% off a new cheese every day, starting Dec 12. It’s like a real-life advent calendar!

I’ve put together a little run down of what to expect, which cheeses to look out for, and how to make delicious boards and meals with them this year (even if you’re not entertaining a crowd). All I have to say is, #ItsGoudaBrieOkay. Be sure to check out my $50 Aldi Cheese Board, Trader Joe’s Shopping List, $65 Trader Joe’s Cheese Board, and $35 Trader Joe’s Cheese Board too!

La Tur (my new favorite)

How to use this sale

Pro tip. Use this sale in two ways:

  • (1) Grab your fave cheeses at a huge discount. For instance, I love Humboldt Fog & Harbison, so I mark my calendar for those dates every December, because I already know I love them and quite frankly, they taste so much better on sale!
  • (2) save on these highly sought after, new-to-you cheeses! This is the time to experiment. Whole Foods chooses these cheeses because they are crowed pleasers and favorites in the cheese community. if you haven’t tried one of them yet, this is a great time to taste at a low cost. You just might discover your new favorite cheese. Honestly, that happened to me with two cheeses this year: 1) La Tur (I’m embarrassed that as a cheese plate expert, I had never had this one before) 2) Cordobes (similar to Manchego but even buttery- I’m in love!!).

PS- it’s available in stores and online (via Whole Foods Market on Amazon).

Cheese Sale Schedule and Descriptions 

Below is a list of the cheese that will be on sale, which day, and the flavor profile of each cheese. If you have cheese questions, you’ve come to the right gal!

50% off 12 popular cheeses at Whole Foods can not be beat!

My Favorite Cheeses—Not To Miss! 

Don’t sleep on these particular cheeses, they are some of my favorites to use on boards: 

12/12: Klare Melk, Truffle Gouda 

  • Tasting notes: Rich, creamy and buttery, this cheese is semi-firm. The truffle flavor is subtle but brings in earthy notes. 
  • Pair with: Definitely put some honey with this one, like in this Honey Pairings Board. I also used a regular Gouda (amp it up with this one!) for a special Holiday Board.  Consider Savannah Bee Honey Comb like I did on this board.  34 Degree Crisps & Prosciutto are also great pairings.

12/13: Uplands Cheese Company, Pleasant Ridge Reserve

  • Tasting notes: With milk that comes from grass-fed cows, this cheese has a complex yet smooth flavor with hints of caramel, salt, and a grassy finish. 

12/14: Mitica, Cordobes

  • Tasting notes: Like a tangier version of Manchego, this Spanish sheep’s milk cheese is buttery and nutty with a little bit a zing. 
  • Pair with: Naturally it goes well with Spanish Jamón, Jamon Sarrano or it’s Italian cousin, Prosciutto.  Savannah Bee Honey Comb is a great sweet compliment too.

12/17: Sweet Grass Dairy, Thomasville Tomme

  • Tasting notes: This is a traditional farmhouse table cheese, which basically means it’s great for snacking. This one is semi-firm and smooth in flavor. 

12/19: The Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm, Harbison Cheese, Prosecco Washed

  • Tasting notes: Herbaceous and woodsy, this soft cheese is practically spoonable.
  • Wondering how to serve Harbison? To entice your guests, leave the bark around the Harbison intact and carefully use a paring knife to slice around the top of the rind, just inside the bark. Slowly peel back to reveal the rich, gooey center. (I leave half of the rind on.) Serve with a spoon, so everyone can dig straight in! Check out photos of this cheese board with Harbison and this video I did for Crate & Barrel featuring Harbison.

12/21: Cypress Grove, Humboldt Fog

  • Tasting notes: So creamy, this semi-soft goat cheese has flavors of buttermilk and fresh cream, with floral, herbaceous and citrus tones. 
  • Pair with: I use this cheese all the time. It’s best with honey, apples, nuts, and prosciutto—your Classic Cheese Board cheese. See it here on my fall cheese board too.

My Whole Foods Cheese Sale Board

I built this board with all imported cheeses from the sale. I love making sure each cheese has a few nice foods to go with it. Add in crackers, seasonal fruits (cuties and clementines are fun!), and don’t forget to garnish with herbs, nuts, and sugared cranberries! See some pairing notes above, and photos for reference. 

The cheese I used on this board are (clockwise from top right):

  • MonS Gabietou
  • Neal’s Yard Dairy Sparkenhoe Red Leicester 
  • Mitica Cordobes 
  • Klare Melk Truffle Gouda 
  • Caseificio dell’Alta Langa La Tur (my favorite of the bunch!!!)
  • Emmi Kaltbach Cave-Aged Le Gruyère 

What Else Can I Make With All This Cheese? 

Some of these, you might be thinking… but how do I use those? I’m here for you! I know it’s a weird year to be posting pictures of a big beautiful cheese plate with five types of cheese on it. Most of you probably aren’t entertaining this year, and that’s a good thing! 

If you still insist on buying lots of cheese during this sale, I support that! Here are a few ideas for other meals you can make to use it up. 

  • Pizza. Duh, of course you’re going to have a pizza night at least once over the holiday. It’s one of the best ways to use up a few ingredients in your fridge. Instead of simple round pizzas, this year make fun pizza shapes, like a candy cane, Christmas tree, or Hanukkah star!  Check out my Instagram video showcasing these 3 Holiday pizzas. Pairing Suggestions below.
  • Pastas. Of course we think of cheeses like mozzarella, but have you ever put goat cheese on your pasta? It’s worth a try! I would try out the Humboldt Fog or may be grate some Mitica Cordobes on top as a garnish. 
  • Fondue. It takes a certain type of cheese to make fondue, because it’s gotta get really melty. I would use the truffle gouda or the gruyere from this list. Or both! Dip baguettes, veggies, sausage, or more cheese for a fun, interactive meal. 
  • Quesadillas. I love using up ingredients from a leftover board in quesadillas. It’s like you have all of the fixings right there, prepped out for you. You could try the Gabietou (although only sparingly), Gruyère, Thomasville Tomme, or the Hop Along. 
Perfect Flavor pairings for pizzas

Suggested Cheese Pizza Flavor Pairings

  • Le Gruyère with Creminelli Varzi
  • Cordobes with Naturalissima Jamon Sarrano
  • Truffle Gouda with mushrooms, Creminelli Prosciutto and roasted onion.

Show Me Your Boards

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious boards. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads you create from my tips. If you make a board inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttoooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.

whole foods cheese board

Whole Foods Cheese Sale Cheese Board Recipe

5 from 62 votes

Description

No matter the time of year, Whole Foods always has a robust selection of cheeses, produce, meats, and other delicious charcuterie must-haves.

Ingredients
  

Cheese

  • Klare Melk (Truffle Gouda) sliced
  • Mitica (Cordobes) sliced
  • Alta Lang (La Tur) whole and in the wrapper
  • Mons (Gabietou) sliced
  • Emmi (Kaltbach Le Gruyere) sliced
  • Neal's Yard Dairy (Young Red Leicester) sliced

Meat

  • Prosciutto sliced and laid in ribbon-like layers
  • Vincenza's Sliced Sopresetta

Carbs

  • Rustic Bakery Onion Crème Fraich Flatbread
  • 34 Degree Crisps
  • Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Gingerbread

Accouterments

  • Mitica Marcona Almonds
  • Savannah Bee Honey Comb
  • Divina Cornichons
  • Sugared cranberries

Produce

  • Red grapes
  • Clementines sectioned
  • Blueberries
  • Persimmons sliced

Garnish

  • Rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  • Start by placing the prepared cheeses around the outside edge of the board.
  • Add the cornichons, honey, almonds, and cranberries into ramekins or small bowls and place them throughout the board.
  • Next, fan out the 34 degree crisps around the ramekin of honey then place the Raincoast Crisps along one edge of the board and the flatbreads along another. Serve any remaining crackers on the side.
  • Add the red grapes, blueberries, and/or clementine slices in sections throughout the board.
  • Tuck the salami folds and prosciutto ribbons into any remaining spaces around the ramekins.
  • Garnish with rosemary to serve.
Tried this recipe?Rate & Review!

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Recipe Rating




86 Reviews

  1. Kayley wrote:

    Note to self* learn to cut cheese better. This is adorable! love learning your techniques and ways!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  2. Allyson wrote:

    5 stars
    I’m so excited for Humboldt Fog day! First time I heard about it was when I discovered your Instagram account last year. Tried it a few months ago and am in love. Thanks for the amazing inspo as always!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  3. Julianne wrote:

    5 stars
    I’ve never tried any cheese from Whole Foods (I’m a Trader Joe’s girl)…definitely going to try out some of these suggestions!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  4. Kendra wrote:

    5 stars
    How I never knew Whole Foods had a cheese sale is beyond me. Will I be there to try as many as possible? ABSOLUTELY! Christmas tree pizza is definitely in my future.

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      yay! so glad you are as excited about the cheese sale as I am!! enjoy!

      Posted 12.18.20 Reply
      • Erica McDonald wrote:

        Reading this as I finished my first bites of the Truffle Gouda – it did not disappoint! Thanks for your review – headed back for more of the 12 days.

        Posted 12.22.20 Reply
        • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

          amazing! so happy to hear that.

          Posted 12.24.20 Reply
  5. Janelle wrote:

    5 stars
    This was so helpful! Thanks a bunch!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  6. Samantha wrote:

    5 stars
    Love!!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  7. Robyn wrote:

    5 stars
    Love this post!!! By far the most helpful in my cheese venture! I have gone every day to get the Whole Foods cheeses which is a 45 min drive from my house, but work is half way! 🙂 I love that you are adding your own descriptions and pairings in addition the the ones Whole Foods suggests. This has been so helpful!! I will be making Christmas boards and boxes for friends and family so photos coming soon!

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      So glad you found it helpful. And…45 minutes is a long way, BUT totally worth it for the cheese sale 🙂

      Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  8. Alison wrote:

    5 stars
    I just learn so much from Meg. I can’t wait to give all these cheeses a try.

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  9. Jill wrote:

    5 stars
    I love all these recommendations….and I can’t make a board without honey comb on it ????

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  10. Jody wrote:

    5 stars
    Fantastic!! Thank you so much for the breakdown of the cheeses & for some additional ways to use them. A few of these gems will be on our cheese boards during the holidays….I can’t wait! ???? Thank you for your helpful tips/info….it’s really appreciated!! ????

    Posted 12.17.20 Reply
  11. Tomiko wrote:

    5 stars
    Cheese sale?! Thank you! I will be there! So many great cheeses!! So many great choices!!

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  12. Laura Botto wrote:

    We were away for a few days and left early bc of the impending snowstorm. I planned my trip home to stop at WF to get my fave cheese La Tur for 50% off!!! $6.30, made me feel like the smartest shopper! I even took a picture!!!

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  13. Fran Farrell wrote:

    5 stars
    Thanks for adding flavor descriptions. I think a found a few new favs

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  14. Suzanne wrote:

    Thank you SO much for this tip! I don’t always go to Whole Foods but for this sale (hello, Harbison!) I am going to go back again and again this month!

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  15. Paige wrote:

    12 days of cheese! Yes please!!!!!

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  16. Jen wrote:

    5 stars
    Stunning. Great way to taste all the different cheese.

    Posted 12.18.20 Reply
  17. 5 stars
    Such a huge find! I picked up the Harrison yesterday (yaaaas!) and the Gabietou (which I’ve never tried) the day before that. And the Humboldt Fog is in my calendar. So appreciate the heads up! Planning to make a board with these on Xmas Night for me and my Jewish pod.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  18. Kendra wrote:

    5 stars
    Great ideas for now to utilize all this amazing cheese. Just picked up my Harbison today and I guess I’m going back to the store tomorrow for some Humboldt!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  19. Jamie wrote:

    5 stars
    I ran to Whole Foods late night to get the La Tur and it didn’t disappoint! We love “stinky cheese” and this one was SO yummy and stinky without being overly stinky when eaten.
    I also bought the cordobes because I love manchego and it was also amazing- it’s so good on its own but also as a quesadilla!
    Thanks for the suggestions and keep up the great work! I love trying all the new cheeses you recommend!!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      yay!!!! so happy to hear that!! la tur fans for life over here!

      Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  20. Julia wrote:

    I love how clean all of your boards (especially this one!) look. The sugared cranberries and honeycomb are such nice touches and and add fun textures to the board!! Thanks for the ideas 🙂

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  21. Lauren L. wrote:

    5 stars
    This blog is what first led me to Jasper Hill’s Harbison and I have NEVER turned back. I hunt it down every holiday season and stock up. I have turned so many friends and family on to it too! That and the Trader Joe’s guides have been my savior when I need to “bring something” to parties!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      So happy to hear that. from one fellow Harbison lover to another!!

      Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  22. Kate wrote:

    5 stars
    The Air Force moved us to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere and cheese is the thing I miss the most. I can’t wait to stock up at Christmas. Thanks for the recommendations!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  23. Gayle Simons wrote:

    5 stars
    I’m so excited to hit up this cheese sale and make some epic cheese boards ????

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  24. Theresa Landon wrote:

    5 stars
    Thank you for the heads up about the 12 days of cheese! It was so fun to try new flavors at a savings!!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  25. Caeli wrote:

    5 stars
    Going tomorrow to get some humboldt fog! Thank you so much for sharing this.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  26. Rachel H wrote:

    5 stars
    I had no idea Whole Foods did this! I came in on this a little late so can’t get all the cheeses , but starting tomorrow count me in!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  27. Liz Pina wrote:

    5 stars
    Woohoo! Thanks for the tip!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  28. Georgeta wrote:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved it! My daughter and I have been following your boards for quite some time now, and we had so much fun recreating this one! Shoutout to Meg and Whole Foods for some quality mother-daughter bonding!! Thank you!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  29. elyana rodriguez wrote:

    5 stars
    I always pick basic cheeses I love this makes it easy to pick

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  30. Tyran B wrote:

    5 stars
    Your boards inspire me!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  31. Michele wrote:

    5 stars
    This looks so good!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  32. Jenna wrote:

    Love this so much!! I’ve seen the Whole Foods cheese sale, yet I’ve never really taken advantage of it! I will for sure these next couple days and will mark my calendar for next year! 🙂 Ps- your boards are the most beautiful & creative boards ever! Thank you for your incredible inspiration!!!❤️

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  33. Tiffany Wu wrote:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this information! I tried the pleasant ridge reserve for the first time and it tasted amazing! Looking forward to getting humboldt fog tomorrow!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  34. Linda wrote:

    This is the best post! I love the Trader Joe recommendations. It is my fav place to pick up the ingredients for my boards.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
    • Linda wrote:

      How embarrassing, I meant Whole Foods, although I do a lot of shopping TJ too. I am happy WF delivers, which is just what I need during this pandemic.

      Posted 12.21.20 Reply
      • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

        couldn’t agree more. loving the WF delivery too.

        Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  35. Sara wrote:

    5 stars
    Thanks for giving us ideas of what cheese ???? we can buy ????

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  36. nosogirl wrote:

    5 stars
    This sale is always one to look forward to. Thanks for the heads up and the recommendations.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  37. Kayla Lunn wrote:

    5 stars
    Love being able to try great cheese on a budget with this, thank you!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  38. Emily wrote:

    5 stars
    I love all of your boards! You are so inspiring and have such great ideas. I love your page and cannot wait for your book!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  39. Mindy wrote:

    5 stars
    Your boards have totally made my boards better! They’re gorgeous!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  40. Janasue wrote:

    5 stars
    So happy to have read this. La Tur is my new favorite! Definitely a must on any cheese lovers list. Soooooo delicious, loved using it for the 101 class on 12/19.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  41. Amanda wrote:

    5 stars
    Yes!! I plan my December grocery shopping around this list! ???? Just got my fave—Jasper Hill Harbison—in my Whole Foods grocery delivery yesterday!! ❤️

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  42. Kristy basinger wrote:

    5 stars
    Beautiful! You’re an inspiration

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  43. Melissa wrote:

    Thanks for sharing so many creative ways to build a killer board.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  44. Audie wrote:

    5 stars
    Great information! Good to know and cool post!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  45. Archana Miller wrote:

    5 stars
    Love all you recommendations! I purchased 2 boards from ETU Home from a recommendation of yours and everyone asks where I got them!!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
    • Meg Quinn (Ain't Too Proud To Meg) wrote:

      yay! that makes me so happy. love the etu home boards too!

      Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  46. Rebecca wrote:

    5 stars
    Thanks for the low down on all these cheeses. Headed out for Humboldt Fog tomorrow!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  47. Melissa wrote:

    5 stars
    Great information! Thank you!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  48. Jacquelyn wrote:

    5 stars
    This is so helpful! I always get my cheeses from Whole Foods but never knew they went on sale!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  49. Sam wrote:

    Love this board! My sister wants the tiny cucumbers so bad but we can’t find them anywhere!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  50. Ryan wrote:

    Loved trying to recreate this board. People really like the different crackers and the seasonal touches.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  51. Stacey H wrote:

    Thank you writing about the different cheeses. Harbison is my absolute fav, but I can’t wait to try the La Tur and Cordobes. Ok, gotta go to Whole Foods now, bye!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  52. Derya Broll wrote:

    5 stars
    Super helpful and fun blog. Thank you ????

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  53. Michelle Hewgley wrote:

    I can’t wait to try all of this from Whole Foods! So yummy! ????

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  54. Ryan P wrote:

    5 stars
    The cheese pairings is super helpful. Plus I’m enjoying using and find new cheeses. Woohoo

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  55. Renata wrote:

    5 stars
    I just love all your boards!! I’m a cheese lover, I’m going to try those for sure!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  56. Kari wrote:

    5 stars
    This post was so amazingly helpful, I don’t like to waste food or $$ so exploring new cheeses can be a gamble. This was amazing to review while I was at the store! Thank you very much!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  57. Noor Stoin wrote:

    5 stars
    Cheeseboard goals right here! Love the details!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  58. Molly wrote:

    I wouldn’t have known about the amazing Whole Foods cheese sale if it weren’t for you! Thank you for making my holiday cheese-tastic!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  59. Angela M wrote:

    5 stars
    I love this!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  60. Virginia wrote:

    5 stars
    Such beautiful boards!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  61. Christina wrote:

    5 stars
    Love these boards and tips! Hope to use them one day soon. 🙂

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  62. Rebecca D wrote:

    5 stars
    After seeing the Harbison on your stories, I tried some from TJs and we are obsessed!! The Presto washed one was a must-get and we paired it with a dry Lambrusco.

    Love all of your suggestions – especially when you take us inside the store while you’re shopping. Lots of inspiration for what we’ll try next.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  63. Thaís wrote:

    5 stars
    Lovely! I’ve always wanted to make one, it looks stunning!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  64. Rebecca wrote:

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing! The cheese sale is always overwhelming and it’s nice to have a break down!
    I’ve only tried harbison once and it smelt so strange I just couldn’t do it! But today the sale is still going on! I’ll have to try!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  65. Candace wrote:

    5 stars
    This post is incredibly helpful. As someone who is new to creating cheese boards I found all of these tips to be useful and inspiring. I can’t wait to introduce my family and friends to some new cheeses and pairings!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  66. Angie melby wrote:

    5 stars
    This really broke things down so well and helped sort out what’s the best options. Thank you so much.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  67. Jennifer wrote:

    Love your reviews of the cheeses! I will definitely try some new ones!! The cheese boards ideas were fabulous!! Merry Christmas!!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  68. Emily wrote:

    Absolutely perfect! Thank you for all the work that you do, so we can just impress friends/family with “our” cheese knowledge

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  69. Megan wrote:

    5 stars
    I love the honey combs.

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  70. Jordan Sloan wrote:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this – I immediately ran to Whole Foods to take advantage of this sale!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  71. Michelle wrote:

    5 stars
    Love that you gave suggestions for what to do with leftover cheese! Somehow I can never think of anything and it sits in my cheese drawer until it gets moldy!!

    Posted 12.21.20 Reply
  72. Eniso wrote:

    5 stars
    Boards by budget! Genius move on your part! You’re such an inspiration… I always look forward to your posts on IG. I love to see what you have in the blog so far…great work!

    Posted 12.22.20 Reply
  73. Deanna wrote:

    5 stars
    Love this!!!

    Posted 12.22.20 Reply
  74. Evelyn wrote:

    5 stars
    Love the sweet cranberry’s.

    Posted 12.24.20 Reply
  75. Diana wrote:

    5 stars
    Stunning ????

    Posted 4.24.21 Reply
  76. Christine wrote:

    5 stars
    Beautiful!!! Because of you I have learned to make pretty boards and impress my guests. I’m getting better with each board I make! Thank you for sharing your talents!

    Posted 4.24.21 Reply
  77. Bethany wrote:

    5 stars
    I shop at Whole Foods regularly but thanks to Meg, I was introduced to their 12 Days of Cheeses. What a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Thanks for this idea, Meg!

    Posted 4.24.21 Reply