Foodie News
2026 Cheeseboard Trends: A European-Inspired Guide for Holiday Hosting
2026 cheeseboard trends: European Cheese Quality’s 2026 mini-guide highlights the biggest holiday cheeseboard trends—from mini boards and brunch boards to a Gorgonzola renaissance, Pecorino trio flights, and creamy mascarpone “cream boards.”
From European Cheese Quality – the campaign promoted by Granlatte, the largest milk producers’ cooperative in Italy, that controls Granarolo S.p.A., the most important Italian dairy company, and co-financed by the European Union – comes the 2026 Guide on cheeseboard new trends, elevating holiday celebrations, and extra special moments.
From single-serve bites to creamy mascarpone spreads, the new holiday boards spotlight premium European craftsmanship and inspire Americans to elevate their festive entertaining with authentic PDO flavors.
2026 Cheeseboard Trends: A European-Inspired Guide for Holiday Hosting
The holiday season has a way of turning “come on over” into a full-on event. And in 2025–2026, one entertaining staple keeps getting bigger, prettier, and more personal: the cheeseboard.
According to a new 2026 mini-guide from European Cheese Quality, the next wave of boards is all about small-format servings, brunch-friendly spreads, bold blue moments, and a creamy mascarpone twist—with an emphasis on authentic European craftsmanship and PDO cheeses (Protected Designation of Origin).
Cheeseboards have become a global social phenomenon—millions of posts, billions of views—and in the U.S., they’ve evolved into a holiday hosting ritual: effortless, customizable, and instantly festive. The European Cheese Quality campaign (promoted by Granlatte, Italy’s largest milk producers’ cooperative, which controls Granarolo S.p.A., and co-financed by the European Union) is encouraging American hosts to blend the visual fun of modern boards with the flavor credibility of classic European cheeses.
Below are the five standout trends from the 2026 guide—plus easy ways to bring them to your next gathering.
1) Mini Cheeseboards: The Elevated Holiday Bite
Big boards aren’t going anywhere, but mini boards are having a moment—think small cones, mini trays, or single-serve bites that feel chic, tidy, and “Instagram-ready.” They’re perfect for holiday toasts with sparkling wine, cocktail parties, and open-house style hosting where guests are grazing all night.
Try these European-inspired mini pairings:
- Parmigiano Reggiano PDO + dried apricot + toasted almonds
- Grana Padano PDO + honey drizzle + thin rosemary grissini
- Pecorino Toscano PDO + pear slice + walnut crumble
Hosting tip: Keep it simple—one cheese, one sweet element, one crunch. The elegance is in the restraint.
2) Brunch Boards: Redefining the Slow Holiday Morning
Brunch is becoming a holiday ritual of its own: cozy, unhurried, and built for connection. The brunch board trend leans into storytelling and comfort—warm bread, eggs, fruit, and cheeses that play well with both sweet and savory.
European Cheese Quality highlights three cheeses to anchor the spread:
- Caciocavallo Silano PDO – fragrant and ideal with eggs and warm bread
- Grana Padano PDO – easy to flake, great with honey or avocado
- Pecorino Sardo PDO Dolce – soft, aromatic, and fruit-friendly
Build it out with:
- Warm bread
- Boiled eggs
- Avocado
- Smoked salmon
- Bacon
- Honey
Hosting tip: Brunch boards are about abundance without fuss. Use small bowls for honey and spreads, and let the cheeses do the heavy lifting.
3) The Blue Renaissance (Hello, Gorgonzola)
Blue cheese is back—especially Gorgonzola PDO, which is showing up more often in premium dining and at-home entertaining. It’s a natural “wow” element on a holiday table: bold, aromatic, and surprisingly versatile.
Choose your style:
- Gorgonzola PDO Dolce for a velvety, milder bite
- Gorgonzola PDO Piccante for deeper, more intense flavor
Pair with:
- Fresh pears
- Chestnut honey
- Figs
- Cereal bread
Hosting tip: Treat this as a mid-meal “intermezzo” moment—something guests can nibble between courses or while the main dish finishes.
4) The Great Pecorino Comeback
Sheep’s milk cheeses are returning to holiday menus thanks to their aromatic complexity and range—from sweet and soft to sharp and salty. The guide’s answer: a curated Pecorino Trio that feels like a mini tasting flight.
Build your trio with:
- Pecorino Toscano PDO – semi-aged, fragrant, balanced
- Pecorino Romano PDO – sharp, savory, intense
- Pecorino Sardo PDO – sweet, soft, rounded
Serve with:
- Bread
- Marmalade
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh or dried fruit
Pairing idea: Enjoy with structured whites or soft reds—especially if you’re hosting a late-night countdown situation.
5) The “Creamy Touch” Trend: Mascarpone Boards
If 2026 has a signature move, it’s this: UHT Mascarpone as the ultimate “creamy touch.” Instead of stacking everything, you’re smearing mascarpone directly onto a wooden board and letting guests scoop it onto crackers, bagels, cookies, or whatever you’re serving.
Make it savory by whipping mascarpone with:
- Fresh herbs
- Citrus zest
Then top and finish with:
- Smoked salmon
- Speck
- Dried fruits
- Confit tomatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Black pepper, paprika, or chili pepper
Hosting tip: This is interactive, fast to assemble, and feels restaurant-level without requiring actual cooking.
The Big Takeaway: Boards Are the New Holiday Language
The 2026 trends aren’t just about making a board look good (though it will). They’re about creating a shared experience—single-serve bites for mingling, brunch boards for slow mornings, blue cheese moments for drama, Pecorino flights for discovery, and mascarpone spreads for hands-on fun.
If you’re hosting this season, consider this your permission slip to keep it simple—but make it special: pick a theme, choose a few standout European cheeses, and let the board do what it does best—bring people together.
Source: European Cheese Quality press release via PRNewswire (Dec. 12, 2025): https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-european-cheese-quality-the-2026-guide-on-cheeseboard-new-trends-elevating-holiday-celebrations-and-extra-special-moments-302640218.html
Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
Food
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking. One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
(Feature Impact) While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking.
The latest reports show most Americans already meet or exceed recommendations for protein while nearly all (about 95%) do not eat enough fiber, and many people consume too much saturated fat versus unsaturated fat, according to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Prioritizing ways to get more fiber and healthy fats on your plate could be key to managing weight and type 2 diabetes goals this summer.
One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados.
A growing body of research and materials from Avocados – Love One Today, a science-based resource, suggests fresh avocados offer weight management benefits, help with type 2 diabetes management and are good for blood sugar management. Avocados uniquely contain fiber and healthy fats in each nutrient-dense bite, which slows digestion, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer.
To explore evidence-based avocado nutrition information, along with practical tips and easy recipes, visit Avocados – Love One Today, a leading resource for avocado nutrition information. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding
- 1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
To Serve:
- 1/3 cup granola
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 kiwi, chopped
- 1/2 fresh, ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
- In blender, puree soy milk, avocado, blueberries, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Pour mixture into storage container or bowl and add chia seeds. Whisk well to combine. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- To serve, divide into bowls and top with granola, fresh blueberries, kiwi and avocado.
Notes: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy) that you prefer in pudding. Use fresh blueberries or conventional frozen blueberries. Other topping options include: nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, sliced banana or strawberries, or nut butter.
SOURCE:
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
Food and Beverage
Hawksmoor Boston Opens Sept. 8 in Fort Point at 15 Necco Street
Hawksmoor, the acclaimed London steakhouse, opens Sept. 8 in Boston’s Fort Point with dry-aged steaks, seafood, cocktails, and a Sunday roast tradition. Hawksmoor Boston
Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Hawksmoor, the London-born steakhouse known for its charcoal-grilled, dry-aged cuts, is opening its first Boston location on September 8. Hawksmoor Boston is located on the ground floor of 15 Necco Street in Fort Point, with seating for 280 guests indoors and on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Fort Point Channel. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
What’s on the menu
Hawksmoor says it’s bringing its “do things properly” steakhouse approach to Boston, sourcing from local purveyors using sustainable systems and dry-aging each cut for deeper flavor and tenderness. Steaks are seasoned with Maldon sea salt, cooked over high-heat charcoal, rested before serving, and paired with a side of roasted bone marrow.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Thomas Park (previously Saltie Girl; before that Uchi in Austin), with an emphasis on local seafood and technique. Menu highlights include charcoal-roasted scallops wild-harvested from Georges Bank and Maine lobster, plus Boston-specific additions like a Lobster Crumpetand a Beer-Battered Fish Butty made with local haddock and jalapeño tartar sauce.
Sunday Roast + cocktails
Boston will also get a classic British tradition: the Hawksmoor Sunday Roast, featuring slow-cooked dry-aged roast beef served with giant Yorkshire puddings, beef-dripping roast potatoes, vegetables, and bone marrow-onion gravy.
The bar program is led by Beverage Director Liam Davy and includes Hawksmoor staples like Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, Sour Cherry Negroni, and ultra-cold Direct Martinis served at -2°F, alongside Boston-inspired cocktails and local beers.
Design details + reservations
Designed with Aria Design, the space features dark blue and green paneled walls, leather and velvet seating, and wood-and-brass tabletops—no white tablecloths or black-tie formality. Reservations are now available via OpenTable.
For more information, visit www.thehawksmoor.com/us/locations/boston and follow @HawksmoorBoson Instagram.
Source
- PRNewswire / Hawksmoor press release (Sept. 2, 2026): https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawksmoor-boston-londons-famous-steakhouse-opens-in-fort-point-on-september-8-302867194.html
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
Sports
Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up
Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.
BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.
The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.
The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.
Chili’s Meets the Golf Course
Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.
The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.
“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.
Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide
Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.
The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.
Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.
For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.
Source
- Chili’s — “Chili’s is Fulfilling Every Golfer’s Dream by Opening on a Golf Course. Yes, Really.” — Original Aug. 26, 2026 press release announcing the Chili’s Golf Club promotion.
Related Links
- Chili’s Golf Club — Official Event Page — Details about the DeBell Golf Club takeover, food, specialty margaritas and Rhoback collaboration.
- DeBell Golf Club — Official Website — Information about the Burbank public golf course that hosted the Chili’s Golf Club.
- DeBell Golf Club — Golf Course Information — Background on the 18-hole, par-71 municipal course in the Verdugo Mountains.
- Rhoback X Chili’s Golf Club Collaboration — Rhoback’s official page covering the limited-edition golf apparel collaboration.
- Rhoback Official Website — More from the active-lifestyle apparel company involved in the Chili’s Golf Club campaign.
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