Though most of us love a good charcuterie board, some may avoid the cheese for health reasons. But that’s not necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet.

“Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium,” said Kari Flom, registered dietitian at Marshfield Clinic Health System. “It can be a great snack when we eat it in moderation.”

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Healthier cheese pairings

Try serving these healthier cheese pairings at your next potluck or party. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database offers more information.

Soft goat cheese

Soft goat cheese is a lower-calorie option at 76 calories per ounce. Look for cheese made with pasteurized milk, especially if you or your guests are pregnant.

Serve with: Whole grain crackers and pesto.

Parmesan

Add extra protein to your charcuterie board with a chunk of hard cheese like Parmesan. An ounce has 10 grams of protein. Romano, Swiss and Gruyere also are good high-protein options.

Serve with: Flavorful spiced nuts.

Mozzarella

Cheese is high in fat, but fresh mozzarella is at the lower end of the spectrum with 5 grams per ounce.

Serve with: Sliced or cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar.

Swiss

If you’re watching your salt intake, try Swiss on your charcuterie board. At about 74 mg per ounce, it has less sodium than most other cheeses.

Swiss is a great party option as people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate this cheese. That’s because the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process.

Serve with: Fresh fruit like pears, apples and grapes.

How to store cheese

We doubt you’ll have leftovers after serving hungry guests these delicious cheeses. If you do, the extras don’t have to go to waste.

Here’s how the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin recommends storing leftover cheese.

• REFRIGERATE between 34- and 38-degrees Fahrenheit to retain flavor and quality.
  • Natural and processed cheese will keep 4-8 weeks after opening.
  • Fresh and grated hard cheese will keep up to 2 weeks after opening.
• WRAP IT UP
  • Hard cheese – plastic wrap. Hard cheese examples include Parmesan, Romano and Asiago – cheeses that are well-aged, easily grated and primarily used in cooking.
  • Soft cheese – clean, air-tight container. Soft cheese examples include Cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta and ricotta – cheeses with high-moisture content.
  • Semi-hard cheese – parchment paper. Semi-hard cheese examples include Cheddar, Colby, baby Swiss, Edam and Gouda – cheese classification based on body.

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For questions about healthy eating, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

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