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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Costco’s cheese section is a quiet powerhouse for anyone who wants to build an impressive spread without paying specialty-shop prices. The mix of imported classics and creamy crowd-pleasers makes it easy to serve something that feels curated and satisfying for a whole host of hosted events. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want a snack that feels elevated, you can pull together a balanced mix of textures and flavors for less money than you think.
The trick is variety and the golden rule for filling in your charcuterie board should always be followed. Combine something creamy, something sharp, and something aged to keep guests interested. Add fruit, nuts, and crackers for contrast, and the whole thing feels complete and ready for its photo op. These Costco cheeses taste far beyond their price tags and make it simple to build a board that looks professional, so join us in exploring budget cheeses that can hold their own on a charcuterie board and are far from boring ingredients. Prices may vary.
1. Kirkland Signature imported French Brie
Kirkland Signature’s imported French Brie feels far richer than its price would suggest coming in at just over $12. The texture is lush and creamy (you can thank the double cream for that), making it spread effortlessly over a cracker or baguette slice. Like other brie, the flavor is buttery with a touch of mild earthiness, giving it a soft edge that makes it approachable for any palate. That results in a perfectly melty consistency at room temperature, which helps release its aroma and full depth of flavor.
Brie pairs beautifully with honey, fig jam, or a few slices of pear as well as a couple of must-try toppings like blueberry pie filling. It also works well as the centerpiece of a smaller board, especially when served with almonds or prosciutto. The 1.32-pound round makes it generous enough for sharing and gives you plenty to experiment with. For a store brand, it captures a surprising amount of French authenticity without breaking the bank.
2. Kirkland Signature fresh goat cheese
Costco’s twin-pack of goat cheese logs brings tang and creaminess together in an affordable bundle. The bundle is so affordable, in fact, that you’ll only be spending a mere $9 for a whole ton of flavor and it simply has to be on your next charcuterie board. Goat cheese has a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through rich meats and pairs well with fruit and with this Costco bundle you get two for the price of one at a normal grocery store. The texture is smooth but firm enough to crumble, so it works as easily in a salad (or crumbled on a pizza) as it does on a crostini. There’s a clean freshness to it that keeps it from tasting too sharp.
You can roll it in herbs, coat it with crushed nuts or jammed fruit, and you can even drizzle it with balsamic glaze for quick presentation upgrades. Each 10-ounce log offers great value, giving you enough to serve a crowd or save one for another day. On a board, it’s the piece that adds lightness and contrast. It fits nicely beside stronger cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère, helping balance richer flavors while keeping the spread approachable and fresh.
3. Emmi Le Gruyère
Emmi’s Le Gruyère cheese is a Swiss import that delivers a nutty sweetness that adds depth to any board. It has such a unique and fulfilling taste that it’s even a great underrated option for spicing up your next batch of mac and cheese. There’s a toasted, caramel-like note that makes it stand out without taking over and the texture is firm but still pliable, with a flavor that builds from mellow to rich as you taste it. Every slice — or chunk! — feels balanced and elegant, bringing a touch of refinement to a spread that might otherwise feel predictable.
You can serve it with apples, grapes, or cured meats to bring out its full flavor and it melts beautifully if you want to repurpose leftovers into a sandwich or fondue. The 1-pound block, which you can get for around $20, is plenty for entertaining and offers the same quality you’d expect from a specialty store. It’s an easy upgrade for anyone who wants something flavorful without paying imported-cheese prices.
4. Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs + Shallot & Chive
Boursin is creamy, savory, and instantly crowd-pleasing no matter the flavor. The garlic and fine herbs version is classic and rich, while the shallot and chive flavor adds a bit of sweetness and freshness. Both spread easily over crackers or sliced vegetables, and the whipped texture keeps them light and airy so you can keep on eating. They work best when you need something quick — and visually beautiful — but still want guests to feel like they’re being treated, and the price of the pack at almost $11 is simply too good to be true.
These small rounds come in a three-pack totaling in almost 16 ounces of delicious cheese, so you’ll have enough for multiple occasions. The flavor is balanced and comforting, pairing nicely with crisp white wine or even sparkling water with citrus. Because it requires no slicing or prep, it saves time while still feeling indulgent. It’s a cheese that brings people back for seconds and thirds, even when the fancier wedges are sitting nearby.
5. Kirkland Signature Sartori Bellavitano Cabernet Sauvignon Cheese
This Sartori cheese looks and tastes like something you’d find behind a glass counter, and we aren’t just talking about the presentation of it. The cheese is soaked in Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it a ruby-colored rind and a faint wine aroma. The taste blends the sharpness of Parmesan with the creaminess of cheddar, creating something both familiar and wholly unique. Like other BellaVitano cheeses, the texture is firm but smooth, perfect for slicing into bite-sized pieces.
As it is a cabernet sauvignon cheese, this one pairs especially well with grapes, dark chocolate, or roasted nuts. The wine notes bring a touch of fruitiness that complements these sweet and savory elements alike. It’s visually striking, which makes it great for presentation, and the flavor always gets attention and the price tag at almost $10 is well worth it. Costco manages to make this cheese feel luxurious while keeping it within reach.
6. Kirkland Signature Coastal Rugged, Mature English Cheddar
This cheddar has personality and tons of it. It’s crumbly and bold, with a sharpness that lingers pleasantly. The flavor is deep and slightly salty, with that distinctive tang that only comes from proper aging of up to 15 months. The texture feels substantial, offering a satisfying bite (calcium crystals can build up during the aging process causing a crunch) that pairs nicely with fruit or cured meats. Every piece breaks apart beautifully, which makes it easy to serve.
This cheddar pairs best with apples or a touch of grainy mustard. It holds up well alongside strong cheeses and adds structure to a mixed cheese board. The maturity of the cheese brings out a savory depth that makes it stand out from milder options. It’s proof that Kirkland’s private label can match traditional producers while keeping prices reasonable given this cheese rings up in the $15 range depending on weight. For those who love classic flavor done right, this one is a must.
7. Pacific Cheese Sharp Cheddar Cheese
The Kirkland Signature sharp cheddar might be simple and far from flashy, but it earns its spot. The flavor is bold and clean, delivering that sharp bite cheddar fans crave. The texture is smooth and sliceable, which makes it easy to cube or serve in thin pieces. Plus, it melts nicely, too, so you can enjoy what’s left later in a killer grilled cheese or casserole.
This cheddar works as the dependable centerpiece on your board because it’s reliable and people know what to expect. It balances the softer cheeses and provides a familiar flavor for guests who prefer something classic. Pair it with sliced apples, pickles, or crackers for a great bite and whatever your feelings on classic cheddar are, the $6 price makes it an unbeatable value for both flavor and quantity. Costco keeps it straightforward but never boring, which is exactly what a sharp cheddar should be.
8. Kirkland Signature Spanish Manchego
Manchego adds elegance and variety to a board with its buttery, nutty flavor and Costco has a great version. Made from sheep’s milk and aged six months, it has a distinct richness that feels special without being heavy. The firm texture allows for neat slices or small wedges, giving your spread a polished look. Its flavor has a slightly sweet undertone that pairs beautifully with dried fruit or almonds.
This Kirkland Signature version keeps its authenticity intact while offering great value of around $13.61 per pound. It works well beside bold red wines or cured meats like chorizo, and beyond flavor, the pale ivory interior and dark rind create visual contrast, making it one of the most eye-catching cheeses on the table, board, and your plate. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to add a few more international cheese options to their board without spending too much.
9. Kirkland Signature Gouda Cheese
Kirkland’s Gouda brings creamy comfort to any cheese board. The texture is smooth and dense, slicing cleanly without crumbling or sticking. Its mild flavor leans slightly sweet, making it an easy favorite for guests who prefer something gentle, not bold. There’s a buttery warmth to it that balances stronger cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère, giving your spread a well-rounded feel. It also looks great on the plate, with a pale golden interior and soft sheen.
You can pair it with sliced apples, roasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey to highlight the mellow richness in each bite. As with many of the other cheeses on our list, this one melts beautifully, so you can use leftovers in sandwiches or pasta without losing that velvety texture. The balance of flavor and value (it’s only $6.69 per pound) makes it one of Costco’s most reliable finds. It’s an entry level cheese to get people comfortable but is far from boring, and will stand as the kind of cheese that keeps people reaching for one more slice.
10. Kirkland Signature Italian Parmigiano Reggiano
Costco’s Parmigiano Reggiano earns its place as the grand finale of any cheese board. Imported from Italy, it’s aged to perfection until firm and crumbly, with a nutty depth that keeps each bite unexpected. The flavor carries a gentle sweetness that balances its saltiness, leaving a lasting finish that feels rich and satisfying. Breaking it into rustic chunks, rather than slicing, brings out its authentic character and levels up the aesthetics of your board without fail.
It’s a perfect cheese to serve alongside cured meats, figs, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for something a little sweet and tangy. The dense texture cuts through the mouth feel of softer cheeses, adding variety and structure to your charcuterie spread. Costco makes it easy to enjoy the real deal (a pound is $16.79) without paying gourmet-shop prices since a small wedge is all you need to bring balance and depth to the board. It’s a cheese that invites slow tasting, the one that reminds you why classics never go out of style.
Dining and Cooking