A good get-together without cheese? That’s like a party without music. Cheese is the ultimate snack: no fuss, ready to serve right away, and something for everyone. But which cheese do you choose? And how much do you need? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about cheese for entertaining and how to order it online with ease.
The best cheeses for a drinks spread
The key to a great cheese selection is variety. Mix soft cheeses with hard ones, mild with bold. That way, there’s something for everyone.
Hard cheeses: firm and full of character
Extra-aged farmhouse cheese is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The crunchy crystals and deep, nutty flavor make it irresistible in small pieces. Another great choice is Noord-Hollands 35+ Pikant: firm in texture, pleasantly spicy and easy to cut into cubes. And for the bold cheese lover: pepper cheese gives your spread a fiery kick.
Soft cheeses and blue cheese
A soft cheese brings balance. Serve a creamy Gorgonzola on a cracker for a lightly bitter, earthy note. Or go for the British classic Stilton, a blue cheese with a rich, intense flavor that pairs beautifully with a dry sherry or port.
Bite-sized and easy
Lutjewinkel 1916 cheese balls are made for entertaining. Straight out of the packet, gone in one bite. Perfect when you don’t want the hassle of slicing and plating. Pair them with the Lutjewinkel1916 mustard and brown sugar cheese dip for an extra layer of flavor.
How much cheese per person?
A question we hear all the time. As a rule of thumb:
- As one of several snacks: 75–100 grams per person
- As the main attraction: 150–200 grams per person
- For a full cheese board spread: 200–250 grams per person
Aim for 3 to 5 different cheeses. That gives you plenty of variety without ending up with too much left over.
Cheese for every occasion
Friday afternoon drinks at the office
Keep it casual and bite-sized. Cheese balls, a spicy mature cheese cut into cubes and a cheese dip with crackers work perfectly here. No slicing required, just set it out and enjoy.
Party or birthday celebration
Go for a great mix: an extra-aged farmhouse cheese, a soft blue cheese like Gorgonzola and a bold hard cheese. Add figs, walnuts and a few grapes to complete the spread.
BBQ or summer get-together
BBQs call for cheeses with a bit more body. Go for a spicy Noord-Hollands, a firm pepper cheese and maybe a Comté. Great alongside olives and a cold beer.
What pairs well with cheese?
Cheese is versatile, but the right accompaniments make all the difference:
- Cured meats (such as salami or coppa) for a savory note
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans) for crunch and contrast
- Fruit (grapes, figs, strawberries) for a fresh touch
- Crackers and bread, preferably neutral so the cheese can shine
- Honey or chutney alongside a strong or salty cheese
Want to put together a complete charcuterie and cheese board with the right proportions and combinations? Check out our article on building the perfect cheese board.
Order cheese for entertaining: delivered fresh to your door
The best thing about ordering cheese through cheeseinabox.nl is that you get fresh, artisanal cheeses delivered straight to your home. No supermarket shelf finds here, just specialties you won’t find this easily anywhere else. Order cheese regularly for entertaining? A cheese subscription might be just the thing: a curated selection every period, always fresh and full of surprises.
Our top picks for entertaining
Looking for more inspiration, or need help putting together a custom charcuterie and cheese board? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you find the perfect cheese selection for your next get-together.
