Sheep's Milk Cheese Board for the Holidays: How to Put One Together
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A great sheep's milk cheese board for the holidays comes down to a variety of textures: a firm cheese, a soft cheese, a feta, and a ricotta, paired with dried fruit and rustic bread. In Quebec, Fromagerie La Moutonnière…
A great sheep's milk cheese board for the holidays comes down to a variety of textures: a firm cheese, a soft cheese, a feta, and a ricotta, paired with dried fruit and rustic bread. In Quebec, Fromagerie La Moutonnière offers this complete range to help you put together a memorable sheep's milk cheese board, whether you pick it up in store or have it delivered.
Why a sheep's milk cheese board changes things up in Quebec
Sheep's milk has a different flavour profile than cow's milk: richer, and often rounder on the palate. Fromagerie La Moutonnière, based in Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester in Quebec's Centre-du-Québec region, has been transforming this milk since 1992 and offers about ten cheeses, ranging from firm to soft, plus fetas and a ricotta. For a holiday meal, this is a great chance to step off the beaten path and offer your guests something to discover, rather than a standard cheese board.
Some people who have trouble digesting lactose from cow's milk find sheep's milk cheese easier on their system. That said, a bit of caution is warranted here: sheep's milk cheese still contains lactose, so it's neither a lactose-free product nor a solution for diagnosed intolerances. For many people, though, it's simply worth trying as a good alternative.
The essential textures to include
A well-balanced sheep's milk cheese board relies on the contrast of textures, not the number of varieties. Here's a simple base to build on for the holidays:
- A firm cheese: for the chew and the more developed, aged notes, it anchors the board.
- A soft cheese: creamier, it adds contrast and is often the first choice for guests less familiar with sheep's milk.
- A feta: fresh and salty, it cuts through the richness of the other cheeses and pairs well with olive oil or herbs.
- A ricotta: mild and smooth, it works just as well on its own as it does paired with fruit or jam.
Keep in mind that some of the cheesemaker's products, like the Sein d'Hélène, combine sheep's milk and cow's milk. If you want a board made entirely of sheep's milk cheese, check each product's description before adding it to your board.
Putting together a cheese board for a big gathering
For a cheese board serving 20 people, the rule isn't to pile on more varieties, it's to increase the quantities of the cheeses you've already chosen. Stick with your three or four base textures and simply plan for more generous portions of each. It's better to have enough of a crowd-pleasing firm cheese than to spread yourself thin with small wedges of several different cheeses that no one finishes.
A few practical tips for a large table:
- Place the milder cheeses (ricotta, soft cheese) near the centre, where guests tend to reach first.
- Keep the feta in its own small dish with its oil, so it doesn't soak into the rest of the board.
- Set out separate knives for each cheese, especially between the feta and the drier varieties.
- If you're hosting over several hours, bring the cheeses out in waves rather than all at once, to keep their texture at its best.
Pairings and accompaniments for the holidays
The accompaniments matter just as much as the cheese selection when it comes to pulling off a great board. For a sheep's milk cheese board, here are some simple ideas:
- Rustic bread or plain crackers, so the sheep's milk flavour isn't masked.
- Dried fruit (figs, apricots) and nuts, which balance out the saltiness of the feta.
- A touch of honey or berry jam, especially near the ricotta and soft cheeses.
- Fine charcuterie in small amounts, to leave plenty of room for the cheese to shine.
Avoid condiments that are too sweet or too vinegary in large amounts: they quickly overpower the more delicate flavour of sheep's milk.
Building your board online or in store
If you're hosting for the holidays, planning your cheese board ahead of time helps avoid last-minute surprises. You can order your sheep's milk cheese directly through the online shop and choose pickup or delivery to fit your schedule. For pairing ideas and to learn more about each cheese, the cheesemaker's journal also shares other ways to serve them.
FAQ
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Frequently asked questions
- What kinds of cheese should go on a sheep's milk cheese board?
- According to La Moutonnière, for a good balance, combine a firm cheese, a soft cheese, a feta, and a ricotta. This contrast of textures appeals to both cheese lovers and curious guests discovering sheep's milk for the first time.
- How do you put together a good cheese board for the holidays?
- Focus on a variety of textures rather than the number of cheeses, and add simple accompaniments like rustic bread, dried fruit, and a touch of honey. Take the cheeses out a bit before serving so they reach the right temperature.
- What are some accompaniment ideas for a cheese board?
- According to La Moutonnière, dried fruit, nuts, rustic bread, and a touch of honey or jam pair well with sheep's milk cheese. Avoid condiments that are too sweet or too vinegary, as they can mask the more delicate flavour of sheep's milk.
- How do you put together a cheese board for 20 people?
- Stick with the same three or four varieties you'd use for a smaller board, but increase the quantities of each rather than adding more cheeses. Set out separate knives and bring the cheeses out in waves if the meal stretches over several hours.
- Where can you find a sheep's milk cheese board in Quebec?
- Fromagerie La Moutonnière, located in Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester in Centre-du-Québec, offers a range of sheep's milk cheese to help you build your board. You can order online with delivery across Quebec or choose to pick it up in store.