PB and J. Salt and pepper. Charcuterie boards and dinner parties. Some pairings just make…sense. As any seasoned host will tell you, no dinner party—especially not a holiday gathering—would be complete without a cheese and charcuterie board. Ch-easy (and oh-so-gouda!) to assemble and forever a crowd-pleaser, a cheese box brings together flavours, textures, and colours for an effortless and elegant eating experience. But where did this tradition come from? Keep reading, and we’ll tell you more about it.

Once upon a time...

The origins of cheese are hard to pinpoint. What we do know is that cheese has been around for more than 7,000 years. Some food historians believe the sun’s heat helped milk curdle. Others think it was a happy accident, with milk mixing with natural enzymes from containers made from animal insides. Whatever happened, we’re brie-yond glad it did.

Cheese and cheese-making has origins in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. In medieval Europe, cheese became a staple in religious feasts, with monasteries helping refine cheese-making techniques, often producing cheese for festive occasions.

Charcuterie, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in 15th-century France. At the time, strict laws forbade the sale of raw meat, so butchers began curing meats with salt and herbs to preserve meats through dry aging. As these methods spread, elaborate displays of charcuterie meats became common in butcher shop windows. Centuries later, charcuterie has become a mainstay of French cuisine.

The rise of cheese platters in holiday traditions

By the 17th and 18th centuries, cheese became a fixture of many European holiday traditions. In France, a cheese and charcuterie board became standard fare. Across the English Channel, local cheese producers would celebrate the end of the harvest with cheese. It also found its way onto a holiday table spread of meats, pies, and puddings. Similarly, in regions in the Netherlands, hard cheeses like Gouda and Edam were traditional offerings during the festive season, bringing warmth and comfort to family gatherings.

Cheese, a centrepiece of connection

Cheese boards have a way of bringing friends and families around the table. The holidays are a time of sharing, and cheese platters and charcuterie boards capture this sentiment. A well-curated cheese board encourages conversation, discovery, and—best of all—indulgence. Sharing cheese creates a sense of connection. Over time, the tradition of serving cheese during the holidays expanded beyond Europe and into North America.

We’ve got your cheese platter needs covered

There’s undoubtedly an art to assembling a cheese platter. It’s as much about the presentation as it is flavour. You’ll want to ensure you have a healthy mix of different fine cheeses available, offering a balance of flavour and textures. Overwhelmed by what’s available in the dairy section? Check out some of the most standout options, courtesy of Nibbl.

• The Nibbl. Taster: With four specialty cheeses, artisanal crackers, and a cheese knife, too, consider our Nibbl. Taster cheese box, an intro to the delightful art of cheese boxes.

• Ace Pairings: We named it this because if you’re looking to nail your holiday charcuterie game, this starter kit is the way to go. Ideal for any gatherings—but especially the holiday variety—this favourite contains five irresistible cheeses, a few spreads, and charcuterie meats to get the party going. It even contains a sustainable bees wax food wrap and cheese picks, too.

• The Socializer Savoury: Those with a more, ahem, refined palate, would be positively grate-ful at the prospect of indulging in this beautiful arrangement of five cheeses, savoury crackers, briny olives, and a trio of charcuterie meats. Holiday cheer guaranteed.

 

More than just a treat for your guests—any of our Nibbl. cheese boxes are a wonderful hostess gift and a unique holiday gift idea.

An enduring (and irresistible) tradition

The holidays will be here before you know it. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no cheddar time to serve your guests a cheese and charcuterie board they’ll appreciate. Because not only are you sure to delight your company by serving up tasty treats like Brie, Cheddar, and Camembert, but you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition—one that honours community, family, and all the joys of food. There’s nothing like a gourmet gift box containing fine cheese to get you in the holiday spirit!