There’s never a bad time for cheese, whether you’re preparing pre-dinner snacks, throwing a (virtual) cocktail party, or debating the dessert course vs. cheese course debate. With the rise of the Instagram cheeseboard, there has never been a better time to feast on frommage, but finding the utmost of what the cheese world offers can be difficult.
So, to help you plan your next fondue night (here’s how to make it at home), we’ve compiled the best online stores that will deliver world-class cheese to your doorstep.
Murray’s
For the past 80 years, this iconic NYC cheesemonger has been crafting and selling some of the most delicious cheeses available. Keeping with the digital age, it’s now one of the premier places to find top-quality cheese (not to mention cured meats, snacks, crackers, and more) online.
There’s something for everyone, whether you want their signature wedges, stand-out international selections, hard-to-find artisanal favorites, or to broaden your taste buds with one of their famous cheese club memberships.
Williams Sonoma
You may think of this luxury kitchen shop as the place to go for high-end pantry staples and culinary gadgets, but don’t overlook their ready-to-ship cheese selection, which includes curated collections from Italy, the United States, and Spain, as well as boutique cheesemakers like Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Jasper Hill, and Beehive Creamery.
Rogue Creamery
This Oregon creamery’s blue cheese was named the best cheese in the world in 2019—the first time an American-made cheese had won the title. You can sample their signature blues (along with cheddars and other local favorites).
CheeseBoarder
Let’s face it: assembling a picture-perfect cheeseboard can be time-consuming; fortunately, this online supplier makes it practically effortless. They offer a wide variety of charcuterie, delectable cheese, and accompaniments, all artfully assembled, sliced, and ready-to-serve in vacuum-sealed packs, so all you have to do is open and serve. Your party guests don’t need to know how simple it was.
Harry & David
Harry & David is a one-stop online grocery shop for everything from their famous pears to artisan meats, and their cheese collection is no exception. Go to them for cocktail hour-ready collections of cheeses and meats, cheese, and ever-expanding party spreads with wine.
Zingerman’s
This mail-order service, a long-time favorite of online gourmets, offers a wide selection of cheeses worldwide, perfectly paired collections, customizable boxes, and gift-ready cheese clubs.
Cowgirl Creamery
Want to make an evening in feel opulent? Grab a few favorites from the classic California creamery, artfully concocted from carefully sourced local milk, and you’ll recognize why they’ve been winning cheese fans’ hearts for nearly 30 years.
Hickory Farms
These tasty selections of gouda, cheddar, and more are perennial crowd-pleasers, whether you’re sending a gift or putting together a feast for your family. They have everything you need for a cheese-loving crowd, including tasty mix-ins like chipotle and garlic and ready-made dips.
Blackberry Farm
Even if you can’t make it to the opulent Blackberry Farm resort, you can nosh like you are, thanks to the farm’s option to order their award-winning cheeses online, including their southern staple pimento cheese. Make it a meal by combining it with homemade spreads, pickles, and biscuits.
Saxelby Cheesemongers
This cheese shop in New York’s Chelsea Market focuses on snacking artisan cheeses and essentials from small farms, so you can feel happy about stocking up. In addition to a large selection of handmade sheep, cow, and goat milk cheeses, they also sell ultra-rich butter, thoughtfully assembled gift packs, convenient monthly cheese clubs, and decadent cheeseboard accompaniments.
Igourmet
If you believe that “more is more” when it comes to cheese, this long-standing online gourmet retailer has over 800 cheese types from 36 countries. Dairy professionals will appreciate the ability to search by country of origin, texture, milk, and type, while beginners will appreciate the simple, curated assortments.
The Dos and Don’ts of Online Cheese Purchasing
Online shopping has skyrocketed in recent years. Cyber Monday has become as insane as Black Friday, and Black Friday has also expanded to the Internet. What’s the best thing about being able to buy cheese online for cheap and with a single click? Almost anyone can purchase artisan cheese.
Another wonderful thing about cheese is how different it is made in different parts of the world. Previously, cheese lovers were largely limited to regional specialties and well-known international or national brands. People who want a taste of something different can now simply order online — no cheese class, shop, or farmers’ market required.
However, there are some risks linked to online ordering. The cheese spoils quickly, and it doesn’t take much to ruin its delicious flavor. If it is incorrectly stored or takes too long to reach the consumer, they have squandered their money and time. Here are some cheese-buying tips to help you avoid a similar mishap.
Purchase From a Reputable Cheese Store
Conduct some research to ensure that this business has a great reputation and consistently satisfies its customers. This may imply a great deal, but this is a much safer option if you prefer good cheese.
Check to See How They Ship Their Cheese
For example, look for sites that let customers choose the day they want their cheese delivered, clearly state which days cheese cannot be delivered, set a time cap on same-day deliveries, and break down extra fees by location and company the cheese is purchased from. You want cheese shipping regulations similar to these; you shouldn’t buy from them if they don’t provide shipping information.
Examine How the Cheese Is Packed
If you receive your cheese so cold that you have to leave it out on your counter for an hour to warm up on multiple occasions, this is a good sign; your cheese will keep while it is being mailed to you. Even if they do things differently, you want a company that sets out their storage systems like this. The packaging and shipping information must be on the same page.
Keep Track of the Estimated Delivery Time
Make sure you’re at home when the cheese arrives. This may appear obvious, but the cheese will remain outside until you return if you are not present. Get your cheese as soon as possible, and put it in the fridge.
Go forth and purchase your cheese from the Internet! But keep these guidelines in mind, so you don’t end up with an empty wallet and spoiled cheese.