Photo:Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock
With the release of Trader Joe’s holiday-themed Fearless Flyer, we couldn’t resist dreaming up the perfect wine and cheese night. The grocer has an array of exquisite cheeses, crackers, breads, meat, fruit and more available year-round, but these seven must-haves are especially great for the holiday season and are only available for a limited time. From truffle-packed cheeses and Parisian-inspired pastry-like crackers to a variety of wines and sparkling wines from around the globe, we’re taking our wine and cheese nights to a whole new level.
Related:How to Build the Perfect Cheese Board
Italian Truffle Cheese
The first item we’re adding to our carts is Trader Joe’sItalian Truffle Cheese. Truffles have inspired an obsession for the ages, and for good reason. Their distinctive and intense flavor is difficult to replicate, their aroma is unmatched, and they’re challenging to cultivate, making them quite pricey. To make the truffle experience more accessible, TJ’s blended concentrated truffle oil and pieces of Italian black truffles, straight from central Italy’s Umbria region, into a mild 15-day aged cow’s-milk base. The noteworthy combination of a subtle base with punchy flavor pockets makes it the perfect contender for the front and center position on a cheese plate. You can find the cheese in random-weight pieces for $13.99 per pound.
TJ’s Grand Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Now, what is a wine and cheese night without the wine? TJ’sGrand Reserva Cabernet Sauvignonis a complex red that hails from one of Chile’s first wine grape-growing areas. Each full-bodied sip of this bold cab lingers with oak and light pepper from its year and a half maturing in French and American barrels. Made for enjoying alongside grilled meats or bacon-wrapped treats, it also proves a robust pairing for aged cheeses. At $12.99 per bottle, it brings a taste of South American wine country home for a fraction of the plane ticket.
Related:4 Ways to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew, According to Wine Experts
L’Éclat Sparkling & TJ’s Platinum Reserve
Starting off any wine and cheese soirée with a glass of bubbles sets the tone for celebration. If you’re a fan of sparkling wine, Trader Joe’s has a number of interesting and budget-friendly sips this year for $14.99 per bottle. Each has its own vibe, offering a quality sparkler at a great price. If you’re looking for something crisp and fruity or light and bright with a spirited sweetness, theL’Eclat Sparkling Blanc de BlancsorBrut Roséare excellent holiday choices. And thePlatinum Reserve Sonoma County Brutand its sister sparkler, theBrut Rosé, are said to be the “very definition of a fine wine,” according to the grocer. With their subtle fruitiness and crisp but smooth drinking profile, TJ’s options offer delicate and enjoyable bubbles for everyone on your guest list. Of course, for those not imbibing, Trader Joe’sSomething Spritzyis the festive, citrus-forward mocktail you need to keep on hand all season.
Figgy Cheddar
Scalloped Cracker Trio
Every cheese board needs a canvas ofcrackers, and theScalloped Cracker Triois a great place to start. There’s no need to buy multiple packages of crackers, as this assortment offers a range of different flavors, including savory garlic, aromatic rosemary and delicately spicy chili. Neither too delicate or too hearty, this cracker trio plays the ideal supporting role to stars like the bold Figgy Cheddar and Italian Truffle Cheese. Pick up a 16.4-ounce box for $3.99.
Onion Confit Swirls
The Onion Confit Swirls marry the sweet, flaky swirls of a Parisian palmier cookie with the savory richness of French onion confit into one delectable bite. This irresistible caramelized onion spread is rolled into puff pastry with Emmenthal cheese, and each slice bakes up with a crispy palmier cookie texture. With a nod to two iconic culinary traditions, these golden pastry swirls are the ultimate cheese board accessory and are sold in a 2.64-ounce box for $2.49.
Dark Chocolate Stars
While theseDark Chocolate Starsare not a traditional addition to a cheese board, trust the vision. Close your eyes and imagine these stars scattered around the board for an aesthetically pleasing and festive look. Not only do they elevate the look of the board, they offer a sweet something for guests to nibble on. These chocolate-covered cookies have been shining as a festive staple for more than 15 years at Trader Joe’s. Not only are they pretty to look at, and delicious in their own right, the cocoa notes provide a nice counter to creamy cheeses like Brie or chèvre. However you constellate them, these glittering chocolate stars create holiday magic bite after bite for $4.99 per box.
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