No charcuterie board is complete without a well-curated selection of cheeses, and Trader Joe’s offers some of the most unique, flavorful, and budget-friendly options around. Whether you’re going for classic elegance or bold flavor pairings, these 12 Trader Joe’s cheeses deserve a spot on your next board.
1. Chèvre with Fine Herbs $3.29/5 oz
This creamy, tangy goat cheese is blended with a delicate mix of fine herbs, making it perfect for pairing with crackers or fresh veggies.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Sodium: 955mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- Pasteurized goat’s milk, salt, cheese cultures (milk), parsley, basil, dill, chervil, tarragon, chives, microbial enzymes.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled or at room temperature; spread on baguette slices or pair with dried fruits.
2. Wisconsin Mild Cheddar Cheese $3.49/8 oz
A classic American favorite, this cheddar is mild, creamy, and approachable—great for layering flavor without overwhelming other elements.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, annatto (for color).
Preparation Instructions
Slice into cubes for easy serving alongside grapes and crackers.
3. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio $17.99/1 lb
Aged over 30 months, this premium Parmesan has intense umami and nutty flavor—ideal for grating or breaking into rustic chunks.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
- Part-skimmed raw milk, cheese cultures, salt, animal rennet.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Shave or crumble onto boards; pairs beautifully with cured meats and olives.
4. Cheddar Cheese with Scotch Bonnet Chili and Red Peppers $3.99/7 oz
This bold cheddar brings heat and a kick of flavor with Scotch bonnet chilies and red peppers—great for spice lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: <1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese (milk, salt, microbial enzyme, cheese cultures), Scotch Bonnet chili pepper relish (sugar, spirit vinegar, Scotch Bonnet chili pepper purée [Scotch Bonnet chili pepper, salt, acetic acid], red bell pepper, lemon juice from concentrate [water, lemon juice concentrate], garlic, corn flour), red bell peppers.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Slice thinly and serve with honey or fig jam to balance the heat.
5. Traditional Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese $3.99/16 oz
Lusciously creamy and mild, this ricotta is a perfect contrast on a board—try it with a drizzle of honey or fresh berries.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Whey, milk, acetic acid, salt.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Spoon into a ramekin and top with herbs or crushed nuts for presentation.
6. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese $3.99/7 oz
A cult favorite, this cheddar has a surprising sharpness and a crumbly texture that mimics aged Parmesan—perfect for texture contrast.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructi$ons
Break into rustic chunks and pair with sweet apple slices or crackers.
7. Triple Cream Brie with Wild Mushrooms $11.99/1 lb
Decadent and earthy, this brie is ultra-creamy with hints of wild mushroom—luxurious enough to be a board centerpiece.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pasteurized cow’s milk, cream, mushrooms, cultures, salt, rennet.
Preparation Instructions
Serve at room temperature; pairs well with crusty bread or walnuts.
8. Dutch Smoked Cheese $4.49/7 oz
This semi-soft cheese has a rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture—great with nuts, meats, and bold wines.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, salt, smoke flavor, rennet.
Preparation Instructions
Slice into triangles and serve with cured meats or spicy mustard.
9. Manchego Cheese $14.99/1 lb
A Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a firm texture and nutty, buttery flavor—essential for a Mediterranean-themed board.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Pasteurized sheep’s milk, salt, cheese cultures (milk), animal rennet.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Cut into wedges and pair with quince paste or Marcona almonds.
10. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Pearls $4.49/8 oz
These mini mozzarella balls are mild, soft, and perfect for skewering with tomatoes and basil for an easy appetizer.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 5.0g
- Carbohydrates: <1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Pasteurized milk, distilled white vinegar, microbial enzyme, salt.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled; skewer with grape tomatoes and fresh basil.
11. Italian Truffle Cheese $6.99/5 oz
Intensely aromatic with real truffle, this semi-soft cheese is luxurious and savory—ideal for impressing guests.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Pasteurized cow’s milk, cheese cultures, animal rennet, salt, black truffles.
- Allergens: Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Slice thinly and serve with crackers or drizzle with truffle honey.
12. Everything But the Bagel Cheddar Cheese $4.99/8 oz
This fan-favorite cheddar has all the seasonings of an everything bagel—salty, garlicky, and incredibly snackable.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, microbial enzyme), seasoning blend (sesame seeds, sea salt, minced garlic, minced onion, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds).
- Allergens: Contains milk, sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Cube or shred over crackers and smoked salmon bites.
Conclusion
From creamy brie to spicy cheddar, these 12 Trader Joe’s cheeses add texture, flavor, and flair to any charcuterie board. Stock up before your next gathering—your guests (and tastebuds) will thank you.
