10 seasonal cheeses from Whole Foods perfect for fall entertaining

Fall gatherings call for cozy flavors, and nothing sets the tone better than a well-curated cheese board. Whole Foods makes it easy to celebrate the season with cheeses that highlight autumn’s best notes—think nutty, earthy, spiced, and even pumpkin-kissed varieties.

Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a holiday spread, or just want to savor something special with a glass of wine, these 14 seasonal cheeses are perfect picks for entertaining this fall.

Mimolette

Mimolette is a French cheese that looks almost like a small pumpkin with its rough, orange rind. Made from cow’s milk and aged for anywhere from six months to two years, it develops a nutty flavor and a hard, crumbly texture. Though it may not be the first pick for newcomers, seasoned cheese lovers appreciate its unique character.With its bold color and rich taste, Mimolette is a festive addition to fall cheese boards. It adds visual interest among lighter cheeses and pairs beautifully with autumn fruits and robust wines.

Bleu d'Auvergne

This French blue cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy, crumbly texture with a pungent aroma. Its flavor is sharp, spicy, and complex—qualities that fans of blue cheeses find irresistible. While some shy away from its intensity, it remains a favorite among those who enjoy bold flavors.Bleu d’Auvergne is especially fitting for fall, pairing well with pears, apples, hearty breads, and even sweet dessert wines. Its robust taste makes it a standout on any seasonal cheese platter.

Manchego

From Spain comes Manchego, a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese known for its mild, nutty flavor and firm texture. It’s versatile, approachable, and pairs well with both sweet and savory foods, making it a welcome guest at fall gatherings.Its subtle flavor shines when paired with seasonal fruits like figs and grapes or with crunchy nuts. Manchego’s balance and versatility make it an excellent addition to autumn cheese boards.

Stilton

Stilton, from England, is one of the most famous blue cheeses. It’s crumbly, salty, and bold, with a strong aroma that can be intimidating at first. But for cheese enthusiasts, Stilton’s richness and depth of flavor make it a prized classic.Its strength is balanced beautifully when paired with pears, apples, or even a glass of port. In the fall, Stilton brings a luxurious edge to cheese boards and hearty dishes alike.

Camembert

Camembert is a soft French cheese with a bloomy rind and a gooey, creamy center. It has earthy, mushroom-like notes and a strong aroma that divides opinion, but those who love it consider it decadent and comforting.This fall, baked Camembert is a cozy favorite. When warmed until melty, it becomes the ultimate dip for crusty bread and pairs wonderfully with light red wines or cider.

Comté

Comté is a hard French cheese made from cow’s milk and aged for months to develop its sweet, nutty flavor. It’s known for complexity and versatility, equally at home on a cheese plate or melted into recipes.This fall, Comté shines as a refined option for gatherings. Its balanced flavor makes it perfect with both crisp white wines and savory autumn dishes.

Pont l'Évêque

Pont l’Évêque is a traditional French cheese with a creamy texture and a pungent aroma. Its bold, full-bodied flavor appeals to fans of strong cheeses, though it’s less well-known outside of France.As a fall cheese, it pairs beautifully with cured meats, pickles, and robust red wines, offering a hearty addition to seasonal spreads.

Roquefort

Roquefort, one of the world’s best-known blue cheeses, is made from sheep’s milk in France. It has a tangy, salty flavor with a moist, crumbly texture. Its strength isn’t for everyone, but it’s cherished by those who love bold cheeses.Roquefort is a versatile fall choice, delicious when crumbled over salads, melted into sauces, or paired with sweet fruits like pears. Its intensity makes it a standout on any autumn cheese board.

Brie de Meaux

Brie de Meaux is a soft French cheese with a bloomy rind and a smooth, creamy interior. It has a mild, buttery flavor that appeals to both casual cheese lovers and connoisseurs. Though often overshadowed by Camembert, Brie de Meaux has its own refined character.It’s particularly comforting in the fall, spread on warm bread or paired with seasonal fruits like apples and pears. Served at room temperature, it offers maximum creaminess.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese known for its sweet yet slightly salty flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Aged for at least five months, it develops depth and complexity that makes it popular in fondue, gratins, and more.As the weather cools, Gruyère is especially fitting for hearty fall recipes. Melted into soups or baked dishes, it brings a savory richness that warms from the inside out.