The Ultimate Oxford County Cheese Board & What To Do With Your Leftovers

What to Do with your Oxford cheese at Home

Travelling along the Oxford County Cheese Trail is an exciting outing any time of year but bringing a taste of Oxford home can pack a punch of excitement just as fun.  At home, our Oxford cheeses can help you create a cheese board of epic proportions or deliciously cheesy dishes. 

Read on for our suggestions on using your Oxford County cheeses both on and off the board.

Farmstead GOLD Premium Dutch Gouda

A cheeseboard superstar, this exquisite and simple Gouda is a multi-award winner including the recipient of a Canadian Cheese Grand Prix and more recently, a double category winner at the British Empire Cheese Competition.

Tasting Notes: Slightly sweet and nutty, this Gouda is aged 15-18 months giving it a hint of butterscotch and caramel upon the finish which is characteristic of aged Goudas.
On the Board: Pair thinly shaved Gouda up with slices of Braeburn or Honeycrisp apples and candied walnuts.
Off the Board: That leftover Gouda will add a true burst of flavour to baked dishes like quiche and frittatas or to a traditional melt.

Farmstead Smoked Gouda

Another award-winner, the Farmstead Smoked Gouda goes well when paired with a less aggressive or meltier (trust us, that's the scientific term) cheese.

Tasting Notes: Smoked naturally using applewood, this smooth and creamy cheese has a strong and enjoyable smokey flavour throughout.
On the Board: This smoky little number pairs well with a crisp d'Anjou pear, chewy apricots or purple grapes.
Off the Board: Pair your smoked Gouda with a softer cheese and get an ooey-gooey concoction that still packs a smokey punch when added to scalloped, smashed or any other cheesy potato dish.

Bright Cheese and Butter

Extra Old Cheddar

You might be familiar with the taste of cheddar but Bright Cheese and Butter will help you reimagine this culinary staple.

Tasting Notes: This firmly structured cheese is smooth and buttery with nutty notes throughout and a hint of salt with that delicious crystallization we've come to love in house.
On the Board: Old cheddars pair well with sliced roast beef, maple syrup and pink lady apples.
Off the Board: Cheddar pairs easily with several different meals but we love it topping a burger, sliced up beside an apple pie, baked into scones or as the main ingredient in a killer mac n' cheese.

Asiago

This delicious cheese was created by the young cheesemaker Spencer Haskett who won the top prize at the British Empire Cheese Competition when this cheese was entered.

Tasting Notes: This firm-bodied cheese has a smooth texture and starts off on the palate quite mildly.  However, the finish has a robust flavour reminiscent of parmesan and enhances with age.
On the Board: This asiago pairs nicely with crusty artisan bread and olives. Better yet, toast your bread in the oven and serve the cheese with olive oil.
Off the Board: Asiago is a fantastic addition to most pasta dishes.  Try using it in a thick, creamy sauce for bowtie pasta and sundried tomatoes.

Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese

5 Brothers

This delicious Swiss-inspired cheese is named for the cheesemaker and his four brothers.  Made with milk exclusively from the cheese maker's family's farm, you'll love the fresh taste.

Tasting Notes: This cheese is aged on wood planks, adding a robust, rich flavour with a sweeter overtone throughout the body of the cheese.
On the Board: Pair this cheese with pickled veggies, cured meats and a glass of Riesling wine.
Off the Board: 5 Brothers makes beautiful fondues and out of this world mac n' cheese (try it with a little creme fraiche). To add a European flare, try 5 Brothers in spinach cheese soup, souffle or cheesy potato tartlets.

Brigid's Brie

A cheese so beloved that it was named for the cheese maker's mother-in-law, this brie is aged for 6 weeks and is completely free of stabilizers and preservatives.  Rumour has it, the cheesemaker eats a wheel a day (and who can blame him).

Tasting Notes: This soft, creamy cheese is mild as far as bries go.  With a slight butter taste, it's a great addition that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
On the Board: This brie is excellent when served on artisan crackers with red pepper jelly, local raspberries or sweet chutney.
Off the Board: You'll be a dinner party allstar when you prepare baked brie topped with maple sugar, cranberry and walnuts. If you're looking to shake things up, this brie also pairs nicely on turkey burgers and in puff pastry.

Red Dragon Dairy

Smoked Feta

This cheese is actually Canada's only smoked feta!  Its unique flavour profile has made it a hot commodity on the trail and a favourite to take back home among visitors.

Tasting Notes: This crumbly cheese is salty and tangy with a real smoky punch that lasts.  Incorporating notes of smoked applewood, you'll love this twist on the classic Greek favourite.
On the Board: This unique cheese pairs well with acidic foods like cherry tomatoes.  The smoky flavouring in this cheese also makes it a great pair for tangy apples like the Granny smith.
Off the Board: You'll never dread making another pasta salad once you've added this zesty cheese. Mix it into kale salads with strawberries and onions or try our favourite combo- chopped cherry tomato, fresh basil, local garlic and delicious olive oil atop a toasted baguette for a superb bruschetta.

Manchego

The rocky coast and scenic beaches of Spain won't seem far off as you enjoy this delicious and traditional Spanish table cheese. Pair it with a nice red wine to kick this fantasy up a notch.
Tasting Notes: The Manchego cheese is full-bodied in flavour and very robust in taste.  It is firm and compact with a slightly buttery texture.
On the Board: Manchego cheese pairs nicely with prosciutto, honey or sweeter jam spreads.
Off the Board: The classic combo of dates with manchego is a favourite Spanish delicacy (try adding the cheese to bacon-wrapped figs for an appy you won't forget). It also goes fantastically with chorizo sausage in mac n' cheese or melted into a dip for croquettes.

Golspie Dairy

Crowdie

This Scottish-inspired spreadable cheese is great for baking, cooking, and eating right out of the jar.

Tasting Notes: Similar to a cream cheese, but easily spreadable with a tangy, savoury and sweet flavour.
On the Board: Use in your cheese dip or simply spread on your favourite crackers.
Off the Board: Excellent on a bagel in place of cream cheese and suitable for cooking. A fantastic swap in your favourite cheesecake recipe.

New Galma Dairy

Italian Gouda

One of New Galma Dairy's best sellers, this dutch-style Italian gouda is a favourite for nibbling and featuring as the star ingredient.

Tasting Notes: Creamy blend of popular spices like basil, thyme, garlic, and paprika.
On the Board: Pair with your favourite salami or summer sausage (try Greener Pastures Eco Farm summer sausage).
Off the Board: Try an Italian grilled cheese or grated into a pasta primavera.

Serve in Style

Presentation is key when it comes to your ultimate cheeseboard. Check out a selection of beautiful pottery and brie bakers from our Cheese Trail partner Patina's Gift of Art and Craft, or pick up adorable pinch pots from Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre.  If you aren't feeling particularly domestic, skip the hassle and order a carefully curated cheese board from The Wine Cellar Ingersoll in advance of your visit.

Not ready to say goodbye? Stay the night at Elm Hurst Inn and enjoy their Oxford Cheese Trail package which comes with a local cheese board, chocolates and sparkling wine in your room!