How to pick Christmas cheese for a cheeseboard
Senior Food Editor at M&S Food
Heather Taylor
Curate your ultimate cheeseboard
Whether you enjoy it after the big-day feast, for a picky bits dinner in front of a festive film, or at a seasonal get-together, a cracking cheeseboard is a Christmas non-negotiable. We've stocked our Foodhalls with an array of fantastic cheeses this year, all expertly sourced from some of the UK and Europe's top producers. See our top tips for how to balance your board beautifully, must-have accompaniments, and our pick of some of the irresistible cheeses you'll find in store.
Expertly crafted Christmas cheese
Best cheese for a Christmas cheeseboard
It’s all about the texture, so aim for a variety. “Think soft to hard and crumbly to creamy cheeses,” suggests Jess. Take a look at some of our favourites:
Black Garlic Sheep's Cheese – A huge hit last Christmas, this punchy mature cheese is infused with black garlic for deep umami and subtle caramel notes. Exclusively crafted for M&S by Quesos Navalmoral, it’s made with locally sourced sheep’s milk from Spain.
Colston Bassett Shropshire Blue – Rich and buttery with delicately sweet, savoury undertones, this is a delicious alternative to Stilton.
Torta Di Gorgonzola – Crafted for M&S in Piedmont, Italy's most renowned cheese-making region, this blend combines the rich, tangy flavour of Gorgonzola Dolce with fresh, creamy mascarpone. Delicious with a drizzle of honey.
Aged Goat's Gouda – Produced in the Netherlands and matured on spruce boards for 10 months, this hard cheese has deep caramel notes and a creamy finish.
Our Cheesemonger's Picks
Looking to build out your cheeseboard with something new? Try our cheesemonger's expertly-selected favourites for the cosier months.
Vintage Red Fox Red Leicester Cheese: Handcrafted in Shropshire, this distinctive Red Leicester combines rich, full flavour with a delicate sweetness and crunchy crystals.
Somerset Brie: Crafted with locally sourced West Country milk, this beautifully soft brie has a smooth, buttery flavour that's made for sharing.
Jarlsberg: Made to an original Norwegian recipe and matured for at least five months, this sweet, nutty cheese is a cheeseboard favourite.
Bleu d'Affinois: Expertly sourced for M&S and enriched with double cream, this luxuriously soft blue cheese delivers buttery richness and a gentle tang.
Goats' Cheese: Crafted with 100% English goats' milk, this soft, creamy cheese offers a delicate flavour that becomes more complex as you eat.
Take your pick
What to pair with a Christmas cheeseboard
It’s not all about the cheese. Take your board to the next level with some irresistible accompaniments. Of course, you’ll need crackers, in a range of sizes, shapes and flavours, but think about adding a crusty baguette or even a wedge of Christmas cake, too. Add colour and flavour with fruits like grapes, figs and slices of apple and pear. Chutneys will add acidity and sweetness – try our spiced Festive Chutney, British Ale and Onion Chutney and Spicy Tomato Chutney. A drizzle of honey also works a treat, particularly with goat’s cheese and blue cheeses. Add a touch of magic with alcohol-steeped fruit like our Collection Pears in Calvados, and don't forget the Quince Paste.
Go crackers
Published 07/10/2026
