Costco is the retail king of great products, from giant tubs of mac ‘n’ cheese to Nutella that weighs as much as a Yorkie puppy. Over the years, Costco has made its fair share of fans, and it’s about to make a few more.
If you love cheese, you’ll be over the moon about the all-new budget-friendly cheese flights hitting shelves now. This is the best (and cheesiest!) way to snack this summer.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Costco’s 5-cheese flight was first spotted by @TheCostcoConnoisseur on Instagram. The flight includes all of your favorites, like aged cheddar, 6-month aged Iberico, Spanish honey log chevre, bergamot & hibiscus hand-rubbed fontal, and Italian pecorino Toscano. All this flavor equates to almost 2 lbs., and you can bet any of these would taste great in your homemade cheese board.
The packaging also includes alcohol pairings in case you’re looking to throw the perfect wine tasting party. For your wine selection, Kirkland suggests cabernet sauvignon with cheddar, rioja with Iberico, chenin blanc with chevre, sauvignon blanc with the hand-rubbed fontal and finally, Barbera d’Alba with the Italian pecorino Toscano. You can also find beer pairings on the package.
These are the best Kirkland items you should be buying at Costco.
But That’s Not All
If you’re willing to splurge, Costco also carries a European flight packed with decadent cheeses you just can’t find here in the States. The European Costco cheese flight was first spotted by Instagrammer @Costco_DoesItAgain, who couldn’t help but share all this goodness with their commenters. Each flight retails for around $29, but move quickly—these are sure to fly off the shelves in a snap.
This Is Too Gouda Deal to Miss Out On
The flight will only set you back around $20, so it’s really worth the investment if you’re looking to build the perfect snack platter for the upcoming (socially distant) summer barbecue. Get to the register ASAP if you want to snag one because these flights tend to disappear fast.
If you can’t find the flight at your location, feel free to call around. Unfortunately, they can’t be ordered online, so you’ll need to put a little elbow grease into finding these elusive cheeses. We have a feeling it’s worth it.
Mozzarella
One of the most popular cheeses for casseroles, pizzas and dips (try this Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip), mozzarella has a mild, salty flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to Italian dishes. And at the grocery store, mozzarella is found in many forms—including block, shredded and fresh. Find our favorite mozzarella recipes here.
Goat
If your favorite dish has a creamy texture and mild, tart flavor, goat cheese may be at work. This soft cheese is made from—you guessed it—goat's milk and brings a light taste to salads, vegetables, pasta and more. Get all of our favorite goat cheese recipes here.
Cheddar
Cheddar is probably the most common cheese in an American kitchen. It has a distinct flavor that ranges in sharpness—all the way from mild to extra-sharp. Use cheddar in macaroni and cheese, soups, dips, appetizers and casseroles, or enjoy on its own with a sleeve of crackers. Check out all of our favorite cheddar recipes here.
Parmesan
Whether you enjoy it grated, shredded, sliced or shaved, Parmesan is a notable addition to your dish. Popular in Italian cooking, this sharp, hard cheese tastes just as good melted into a plate of pasta as it does freshly shaved over a salad. Prepare your tastebuds for our favorite Parmesan recipes.
Brie
Brie is one of those foods that people either love or hate. We love it, especially baked, melted between strands of pasta or incorporated into soup. Brie's soft, ooey-gooey consistency is paired with a rich, pungent flavor. Behold! More of our best brie recipes.
Provolone
Light and tangy, provolone is another great addition to Italian dishes. You'll find slices baked over chicken, cubes incorporated in a salad or shreds melted into a gooey pasta dish. Put provolone on your shopping list and check out these recipes.
Feta
Popular in Mediterranean cooking, feta is a sour cheese typically sold in a block or crumbles. We love feta sprinkled atop salads, gyros, flatbreads and more. Find more fun ways to use feta.
Swiss
Known for its iconic holes, Swiss cheese is a mild cheese that tastes just as good melted in a casserole as it does cold on a sandwich. Try Swiss with ham, corned beef or pastrami. See our super Swiss recipes here.
Ricotta
Need to make your recipe a little creamier? Reach for ricotta. This super-soft cheese is a staple in dishes both sweet and savory. Reach for our favorite ricotta recipes here.
American
American cheese is similar to cheddar, but it melts a lot faster and is typically sold in pre-portioned slices. We love American atop a cheeseburger, on grilled cheese and even in soups. At last! Recipes that call for American cheese.
Havarti
Havarti has a bold flavor, so it's the perfect cheese for dressing up nondescript sandwiches or sides. Hold on, these Havartirecipes are out of this world.
Monterey Jack
For a mild, tangy cheese look no further than Monterey Jack. This block of cheese works well in Mexican dishes, but can be used in everything from soups to salads. More Monterey Jack recipes here.
Colby
Colby is cheddar's milder cousin. The bright orange cheese comes in a variety of shapes, including the traditional longhorn. And, it can be used synonymously with cheddar in casseroles, nachos, frittatas and more. Go crazy for Colby with these recipes.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is likely the most versatile cheese on this list. It's a cheap and easy way to add creamy texture to recipes both sweet and savory. Plus, it tastes amazing spread on a freshly baked bagel. Check out our favorite ways to use cream cheese.
Gruyere
A member of the Swiss family, Gruyere cheese has a powerful, nutty flavor. A small amount goes a long way in boosting stratas, soups, mac and cheese, quiche and more. Get our greatest gruyere recipes here.
Mascarpone
This sweet cheese is known for its texture. Mascarpone is the crowning jewel of cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake and more. The cheese's light, delicate flavor pairs perfectly with an assortment of sweet treats. More mascarpone recipes here.
Gouda
Gouda may look unassuming, but this lightly colored cheese packs a powerful punch. It's the perfect pair for apples, pumpkin and other harvest ingredients, but tastes delicious year-round. Get all of our gouda recipes here.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is one of the most identifiable cheeses on the market thanks to its blue hue, pungent scent and powerful flavor. It's a common ingredient in buffalo chicken dishes, on salads or in pastas. Find our favorite blue cheese recipes here.
Muenster
With a distinct taste and colorful rind, muenster is the perfect cheese for adding a pop of flavor to your dishes. We love it in quiche, bread, soups and on sandwiches. More must-try muenster recipes.
Velveeta
Okay, we know that Velveeta isn't technically cheese, but it still adds a cheesy richness and flavor to soups, pastas and dips. Our very best Velveeta recipes.The post Costco’s $20 Cheese Flights Are What Your Summer Has Been Missing appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon