I knew there was beauty in the world, but never did I realize how much until I was informed that January 20th is National Cheese Lover’s Day. However, when there’s only a single day to observe this wondrous holiday, how can someone decide what to do? Never fear, because I have compiled a guide to celebrating this special, special day.
In the morning…
For breakfast, depending on how much time you have, it might be a challenge to get your cheese fix for these early hours; but fear not.
If you’re leaning towards something to go and sweeter, swing by Glam Doll Donuts for their Girl Next Door donut that's filled with Provolone and Muenster and served warm (and gooey on the inside!). For $3:00 and one of the biggest donuts they sell, it’s a great way to kick off this special day. Otherwise, if you’re feeling more lunch-y than breakfast-y, head to the new Northeast Minneapolis location of Glam Doll for their mac and cheese donut (which is spendy at $8, but on a special day like today… it might be worth the splurge).
Otherwise, if you have a bit more time in the morning, then head to Colossal Cafe for cheese in a surprising place- on the top of a pancake!
The dish is surprisingly simple, for how delicious it is, and it’s certainly a different way to enjoy your dose of cheese! The flavors are less focused on the honored guest of the day, sure, but with honey-brown sugar syrup, apples, and walnuts brie is the glue that ties all the elements together.
In the Afternoon…
If you’re looking for a burger (particularly an oozing with cheese burger), head to Casper’s and Runyon’s Shamrocks Irish Nook in Saint Paul for a juicy lucy that drips with melted, lavalike cheese. Either go classic with the Juicy Nookie Burger with a basic cheddar or if you like a bit more spice then get The Spanish Fly with chorizo and queso.
The perfect mess of the classic Juicy Nookie Burger from Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a more classic cheese dish, go for the mac ‘n cheese. Smack Shack’s lobster mac and Eli’s Downtown are both lauded for their amazing macaroni and cheese dishes if you’re looking for a more… reimagined and slightly classed up version. If you just want the most classic cheesy short noodles? Go to Brasa Rotisserie instead then.
Brasa Rotisserie’s Mac ‘N Cheese is the perfect side to lots of other dishes if you’re feeling (gasp) over cheesed.
In Your Own Home...
If your prefer to do cheese yourself, no worries. There’s plenty of ways to make cheese-centric dishes right in the comfort of your own home, apartment, or dormitory!
If you’re really lazy…
Appreciating good cheese has the grand benefit of being really, really easy. In fact, one of the best ways to truly enjoy a good cheese, is to just eat cheese. So, if you’re lazy and wanna do it yourself at home then go for a basic platter. All it takes is cutting and you have yourself a party ready sampler (friends aren’t required for a party).
Try to get a variety of cheeses or just your favorites. Think about varying texture and flavor: a soft (Brie, Camembert) and a hard (Manchego, Mimolette) and an aged (Cheddar, Gouda, Comte) and a blue (Gorgonzola, Stilton). Also, consider snagging a goat or sheep milk cheese in addition to the more common cow-milk varieties to switch up flavor.
Then, you just need some things to pair with the cheese. Variety here will enhance the overall experience as well. Some basic combinations to guide you.
Sharp Cheddar + Apples
Brie + Sliced Baguette (and/or cranberry spread)
Manchego + Almonds (and/or) Fig Fruit Spread (or jam)
Goat Cheese + Dark Rye Bread
Crème de St. Agur or Roquefort + Peaches (or a peach spread)
Buttery crackers, whole grain crisps, and baguettes are a good stand by to go with any spread of cheeses. If you’re serving and sweet cheese combinations, even try shortbread.
My own cheese spread with the perfect range of five cheeses and lots of crackers, bread, and apple slices!
If you are sharing especially, consider jotting down the names and maybe some notes on each cheese so you won’t be forgetting the name all evening. If you prepare ahead of time, make sure you set out your cheeses an hour before you plan to jump in, they are better at room temperature!
If you’re on a budget…
While cheese spreads are great, they can get pricey to buy the nice cheeses you’ll want to appreciate. However, that’s no limit to your cheesy party! If you’re on the broke side, consider making cheese balls (or dip or spread) since the base is largely cream cheese, which is much cheaper than other options.
The only decision is what flavor combinations you want, and the options are endless. Start with an eight ounce cream cheese packet, add a cup of another cheese to compliment, and your flavoring (olives, herbs, fruits, etc.). A few places to start;
Cream Cheese + Olives (Kalamata and Classic Green) + Feta
Cream Cheese + Dill + Nox (Salmon) + A Smoked Cheddar
Cream Cheese + Raspberries + Cocoa Powder
Cream Cheese + Lemon + Parmesan/Asiago/Italian Blend
Blend the ingredients together to taste and choose how to serve, either just scooped into a bowl as a spread, shaped into a large ball as a full-sized cheese ball, or scoop them with a melon baller into individual bite sizes!
