Holiday Cheese Boards & Gifts Made Easy with Washington Cheese
Holiday entertaining and gift-giving are rarely easier than in Washington, where farmers and artisans offer the perfect local cheese gifts and seasonal table additions.
Whether you’re hosting your family Christmas or simply trying to find the perfect gift for the food lover in your life, Washington’s local dairy farmers and cheesemakers have the products you need to create an unforgettable holiday season this year.
Why Washington Dairy for The Holidays
Locally-crafted artisan cheeses make for stunning seasonal charcuterie boards and dishes, but cheese may be flying under your radar as a Christmas gift. But for the foodie in your life — someone who truly cares about where and who their food comes from — Washington cheeses make for an unbeatable gift-giving experience.
“It’s personal. Cheese isn’t just food, it’s a product of time, care, and place,” said Daniel Wavrin, co-founder of Ferndale Farmstead. “When someone gives you cheese from a farm in your community, you’re tasting the land, the cows, and the people who made it possible. It’s a story you can share and enjoy together, which is really what the holidays are about.”
A block of big brand, high-quality white cheddar from the chain grocery store down the street might satisfy discerning taste buds, but it doesn’t come with the connection to the land — or the intention — that local cheese gifts from Washington will.
“Each [Ferndale Farmstead] cheese has its own personality, from the nutty, aged character of our Roundbale Farm Parm to the soft, buttery stretch of our Fresh Mozzarella,” Wavrin said. “For the holidays, that kind of honest craftsmanship always makes the table feel special. We use 100% traditional ingredients, no additives, and embrace the seasonality, which is the art of cheesemaking.”
Ready to check everyone off your list with festive cheese gifts? Check out Washington’s local cheesemakers to find the perfect blends.
Standout Charcuterie and Holiday Cheese Boards
While Washington cheese is a matchless gift on its own, it also makes a delicious addition to a holiday hosting spread. Charcuterie and cheese boards are trendy, and Washington dairy makes it easy to create a snacking board like nothing your guests have ever seen before.
“I always say a great cheese board should tell a story, moving from soft and mild to bold and aged, so every bite feels like a journey,” Wavrin said.
- Ferndale Farmstead Original Scamorza and Smoky Scamorza
- Ferndale Farmstead Asiago Fresco
- Acme Farms Brie
- Cascadia Creamery Cloud Cap
Holiday Cheese Dishes
If a seasonal charcuterie spread doesn’t suit the occasion, it’s okay — you’ll still have opportunities to play with Washington cheese in your holiday cooking. All of these dishes use Washington cheese, so you’ll be serving up maximum flavor and freshness — while supporting local farmers.
If you want to impress at all the holiday parties on your schedule, consider:
- Caramelized Onion, Thyme, & Ferndale Farmstead Fontina Crostini
- Deb’s Cougar Gold Cheese Dip
- Acme Farms Baked Brie Dip
- Ferndale Farmstead Caciotta Bruschetta with Sausage
- Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
- Whipped Feta with Preserved Lemon
For his part, Wavrin recommends a simple (but scrumptious!) holiday appetizer: sliced baguette rounds topped with Ferndale Farms Scamorza, local honey, a fig, and prosciutto.
If you’re wondering what to serve for a low-key Christmas morning, here are a few ideas:
- Ham and Swiss Crustless Quiche
- Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
- Cheese and Vegetable Strata
- Kefir Biscuit Sandwiches with Vegetarian Cheddar-Pecan “Sausage”
Whether you want to give the perfect Christmas gift or wow guests with your holiday spread, Washington cheeses are sure to fit the occasion — and become a new obsession.
This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 11:18 AM.