13 Things Every Dedicated Cheese Lover Should Know
Sharpen your skills for National Cheese Lover’s Day.
Are you a dedicated cheese lover? You think so, right? But — what if you’re actually not? Gasp! After years of maintaining two refrigerator drawers OF my ever-growing collection of cheese, I had to learn the hard way that I was actually not all that dedicated. Sure, my devoted love was there, but my knowledge was lacking. That’s why today, I’m a proud advocate of cheese education. Just kidding. But really, learn some cheese skills, you turophile, you.
How to Make It
I mean, what if you get snowed in? Your cheese will obviously be gone in a matter of hours, so hone in on those pioneer skills now.
![How to Make Cheese](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/023/0239/0239459.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661363013575.jpeg)
Assemble the Perfect Cheese Plate
Every true cheese whiz knows how to create a fabulous cheese plate for guests. Don’t let your party people down.
![How to Set Up a Cheese Plate Cheese plate with fruit and bread](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/9/20/0/Original_BPF-Holiday-House_hgtv_entertaining_cheese-plate_beauty1_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1411665045372.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
Learn Now: How to Assemble the Perfect Cheese Plate
Create an Epic Meat + Cheese Spread
If you’re hosting a crowd, you should know how to add some serious meat to the mix. Make it epic with our foolproof tips.
![Epic Meat and Cheese Spread](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/026/0265/0265219.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661830656031.jpeg)
Make Your Own Cheese Board
While you’re getting creative, you might as well make your own cheese board, too. (No art skills necessary!)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/9/28/1/Original_Cassidy-Garcia_Wood-burned-cheese-board_4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1506636000322.jpeg)
Learn Now: How to Make Your Own Cheese Board
Bake a Cheese Straw
Master this crunchy crowd-pleaser for once and for all. Your friends will thank you.
![Delicious Cheese Straw Appetizer Delicious Cheese Straw Appetizer](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/1/6/0/iStock-14029263_Cheese-Straws_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400957354192.jpeg)
Learn Now: How to Make Perfect Cheese Straws
Make Homemade Pimento Cheese
Learning how to make this Southern staple will give you major street cred in the cheese department. The store-bought kind doesn’t even compare, I promise.
![Pimento Cheese Fritters from Blackberry Farm](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/6/15/0/CI-Blackberry-Farm_Pimento-Cheese-Fritters_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400960713590.jpeg)
Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm and Beall + Thomas Photography
Learn Now: How to Make Southern Pimento Cheese
Make Killer Cheese Ball Bites
The only thing better than a succulent, savory cheese ball? Mini succulent, savory cheese balls with pretzel sticks for good measure.
![Cheese Ball Bites](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/024/0248/0248970.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1660749276016.jpeg)
DIY Your Own Cheese Wheel Wrappers
Giving the ultimate gift of love to another cheese enthusiast? Learn how to fancy it up with an easy-to-make cheese wheel wrapper.
![Cheese Gift Basket cheese basket filled with cheeses, breadsticks and jam](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/5/20/0/Original_Katie-Meyers-fathers-day-foodie-gifts-cheese.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.440.85.suffix/1432126812878.jpeg)
Alexandra Frumberg, ALX Creatives
Learn Now: How to Make Your Own Cheese Wheel Wrappers
Make the Best-Ever Beer Cheese
If you’re a cheese fanatic and a beer drinker, this one’s a no-brainer. Even if you don’t drink beer, this to-die-for dip is still worth a try.
![Beer Cheese Dip Pretzels in Beer Dip and a Glass of Beer](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/5/7/0/Original_Sam-Henderson-beer-cheese-beauty_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400978232325.jpeg)
Learn Now: How to Make Delicious Beer Cheese
Make Grilled Cheeses for a Crowd
I won’t insult your cheese intelligence by instructing you on how to make a grilled cheese for yourself — I trust you know how to do that properly. Something I will instruct you on? The big-batch grilled cheese. Watch and learn, cheese fiends.
![Easy Grilled Cheese for a Crowd](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/028/0282/0282607.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1660750373645.jpeg)
Bake Brie Properly
I must confess — I failed miserably at this in my novice cheese days. I beg you; don’t serve bad brie (that is, a strange brie concoction you cooked up yourself).
![Baked Brie 3 Ways](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/025/0255/0255500.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1660758747373.jpeg)
Nail Cheese Dip Every. Single. Time.
Do I even need to explain why this is a necessary skill?
![Bob's Cheese Dip Cheese Dip](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/5/18/0/Original_Margaret-Houston_Bobs-Cheese-Dip-10.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1495125926125.jpeg)
Margaret Houston
Learn Now: How to Make Incredible Cheese Dip
Impress the In-Laws With Cheese Fondue
I’m just saying, cheese fondue looks super-swanky if you serve it in a pretty pot with fancy dippers.
![Delicious Cheese Fondue Delicious Cheese Fondue](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/1/6/2/iStock-5425787_Cheese-Fondue_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400960514177.jpeg)
Learn Now: How to Make Tasty + Snazzy Cheese Fondue
5 Wintry Appetizers With One Thing in Common — Cheese!
See All PhotosAdd some new appetizers to your cheesy repertoire.