The Ultimate All-American Cheese Board for July 4th

Planning a memorable Fourth of July gathering for the USA’s 250th Birthday? A cheese board featuring incredible American artisans makes a perfect centerpiece. Sunset Foods, with five stores across the North Shore, proudly highlights domestic artisan cheeses from our deep selection. Our fresh cut cheese department offers over 50 types, cut fresh daily, providing fantastic choices for your holiday spread.

1. Milton Prairie Breeze Cheddar

From Milton Creamery in Iowa comes Prairie Breeze, a cheddar that redefines expectations. Crafted with pasteurized cow's milk sourced from local Amish farms, this is a semi-firm aged white cheddar that stands apart from the rest. It possesses a sharper and sweeter profile than typical varieties, yielding distinct notes of pineapple and toasted almonds with a substantial umami character. The texture is another point of interest; it manages to be both fudgy and crumbly, with the pleasant crunch of tyrosine crystals that form during its careful aging process.

This cheese’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. It is a star on a cheese board, where its complex flavors can be savored on their own. However, its excellent melting properties mean it performs wonderfully when grated into a gourmet macaroni and cheese, layered onto a burger fresh off the grill, or stirred into a hot soup for added richness. For pairings, blueberry preserves or a caramelized onion jam complement its sweet notes. Crisp Honeycrisp apple slices also provide a wonderful contrast. A full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Syrah will stand up to its flavor.

2. California Point Reyes Toma

Hosts seeking an approachable yet high-quality cheese that pleases every palate should consider Toma from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. in California. This farmstead cheese is made from pasteurized, rBST-free cow's milk and is a semi-hard table cheese with a protective waxed rind. Its defining characteristic is its extremely creamy and buttery flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The taste is straightforward and satisfying, with a subtle, refreshing grassy tang on the finish that speaks to its farmstead origins.

The true strength of Toma lies in its performance as a melting cheese. It brings a luxurious texture to nearly any hot dish. Try stirring it into risotto for instant creaminess, mixing it into pasta sauces, or making an exceptional grilled cheese sandwich. It also grates beautifully over roasted root vegetables. Pair it with fresh summer peaches, fruit compotes, or a handful of toasted walnuts. On the savory side, it works well with sautéed garlicky greens. For a beverage pairing, a dry, crisp Rosé of Pinot Noir or a bright, fruit-forward Pinot Noir are excellent choices.

3. Vermont The Cellars at Jasper Hill Moses Sleeper

Representing the best of Vermont's cheesemaking tradition, Moses Sleeper is a soft-ripened cheese from Cellars at Jasper Hill. This Brie and Camembert-style cheese is made from the pasteurized milk of local pastured cow herds. Beneath its delicate, downy white rind is a gooey, luxurious paste that becomes even more decadent as it comes to room temperature. The flavor is clean and bright, bursting with notes of crème fraîche, a hint of cauliflower, and toasted nuts. A mild, earthy white mushroom aroma rounds out the finish.

To properly enjoy a soft-ripened cheese like this, preparation is key. At Sunset, we advise that you should always take your cheese out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the paste to soften and the full spectrum of flavors to emerge. Moses Sleeper is spectacular when served simply with a spoon and a crusty French baguette. For a show-stopping appetizer, you can wrap the whole wheel in puff pastry with fruit preserves and bake it en croûte. It pairs classically with cornichons, pickled carrots, and country pâté. An effervescent Champagne or Cava cuts through its richness beautifully. A rustic, dry farmhouse Saison beer does as well.

4. Wisconsin Brun-Uusto Baked Cheese

For something truly different on your cheese plate, consider Brun-Uusto, a Scandinavian-style baked cheese from Brunkow Cheese in Wisconsin. Also known as Juustoleipä or “bread cheese,” this unique item is made from pasteurized cow's milk. During production, the cheese is baked. This gives it a toasted, brown crust similar to that of grilled cheese or French toast. The flavor is mild, deeply buttery, and milky. Its texture is firm yet elastic, famous for the satisfying “squeak” it makes when you bite into it.

The most important thing to know about Brun-Uusto is that you must not eat it cold. It is designed to be warmed before serving. You can heat it in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven until it glistens and softens. It holds its shape perfectly without melting into a puddle. Once warmed, cut it into cubes and serve immediately. Traditionally, it's served with sweet raspberry or cloudberry jam, a drizzle of honey, or even dipped directly into a cup of hot black coffee. A buttery, oaky Chardonnay or a slightly sweet Riesling complements its rich flavor.

5. California Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog

Few cheeses make as stunning an impression as Humboldt Fog. This iconic soft-rined goat cheese from Cypress Grove in California is a guaranteed showstopper for any cheese board. Made from pasteurized goat's milk, its most recognizable feature is the delicate line of edible vegetable ash running through its center, a nod to the French cheese Morbier. This cheese is a beautiful example of how flavors can develop over time.

When young, Humboldt Fog is bright and citrusy with a crumbly, almost chalky texture in the center. As it matures from the outside in, a translucent “creamline” develops just beneath the rind. This area becomes runny and decadent, contributing deep, earthy, and intensely savory notes that contrast with the firmer center. This dual texture and flavor profile make it a fascinating cheese to experience.

To serve, ensure you preserve its beautiful appearance by slicing it carefully with a cheese wire or a very sharp chef's knife. This allows each guest to appreciate the striking line of ash. It pairs wonderfully with Marcona almonds, fresh figs, a piece of honeycomb, or slices of tart green apple that cut through the cheese's richness.

6. Wisconsin Carr Valley Penta Creme

For the blue cheese lovers at your party, Penta Creme from Carr Valley in Wisconsin is an absolute must-try. This is not your average blue; it’s a five-cream, ultra-decadent blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk that has been fortified with pure fresh cream. The result is a luxuriously silky, buttery, and soft cheese that melts in your mouth. The addition of all that extra cream masterfully tames the sometimes aggressive sharpness of the blue mold.

The flavor profile is complex and balanced. It is sharp and tangy, as a good blue should be, but it's also deeply buttery with subtle earthy nuances that make it incredibly palatable. Think of it as a savory frosting; its soft, spreadable texture is perfect for smearing on artisan crackers or warm crostini. For an indulgent touch to a main course, let a dollop melt over a hot filet mignon. It pairs beautifully with sweet counterparts like lemon preserves or wild honey. Fresh green grapes and pears also offer a refreshing contrast. For drinks, a lush, sweet Sauternes, a sweet Riesling, or a dark, malty Stout beer are all fantastic partners.

Ready to create your own all-American cheese board? These are just a few of the incredible selections waiting for you. For more ideas or a helping hand, visit Sunset's fresh cut cheese Department and ask any of our Cheese Experts for advice for building the perfect cheese board. We're always happy to share our favorites and help you find the perfect accompaniments for your celebration.