4 Best New Fall-Inspired Cheeses Found At Costco

Autumn has officially arrived, and with it comes a changing appetite among consumers across the country. This can be seen in the introduction of pumpkin spice-adjacent items at Trader Joe's, but it is also prevalent with the seasonal cheeses that are now available at Costco. Many of these cheeses provide a rich, at times earthy flavor that just screams autumn, and they would all go well alongside apples, pears, persimmons, pumpkin butter, cranberry sauce, crackers, dried fruit, and other staples of the season.

Notably, many folks online have said these cheeses work great as part of charcuterie boards — an increasingly trendy plate of appetizers that are built around various meats and cheeses. While charcuterie boards are enjoyed at parties and events year-round, there's something uniquely enjoyable about a charcuterie night in autumn complete with warm and cozy treats and seasonal snacks to enjoy. Costco has some incredible cheeses on its shelves year-round, but let's take a look at the specialty cheeses you can buy as temperatures begin to lower and the leaves begin to change. Be aware that these specialty cheeses aren't available at every Costco location, so you might miss out on some of the fun if your local store doesn't carry each and every fall-inspired item.

Starting things off, we need to talk about Kingston Creamery's muenster cheese now being sold at Costco. Kingston Creamery is an Amish dairy producer based in Kingston, Wisconsin that's known for its wide array of high-quality products, but the muenster cheese that recently hit Costco shelves is among the very best you can get your hands on this autumn. Sold for $9.69 for a 1-pound block at Costco, this muenster cheese would be great on grilled cheese or ham sandwiches but is arguably even better when served individually on a charcuterie board.

For those unaware, muenster cheese is known for its mild, buttery flavor that really shines due to its soft, creamy texture. These qualities make the cheese perfect for pairing alongside dried fruit, apple slices, pears, and beef or poultry; all of which could have a place on a charcuterie board. If you're a fan of eating cheese with wine, pinot noir is one of the best to pair with creamy muenster cheese. This is especially true with oak-aged pinot noir, as it often has warm, spiced notes that are absolutely perfect for fall.

You really can't talk about autumn cheeses without discussing gouda as the rich style of cheese is known for its warm flavor notes which complement its subtle sweetness. In fact, aged gouda often has an almost butterscotch-like taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. At Costco, Marieke Premium Gouda is especially perfect for the season with notes of roasted nuts and a taste that complements other autumn staples.

Fans of the Marieke Gouda brand itself say it produces some of the best gouda in the world, and the Wisconsin-based cheese manufacturer's Premium Gouda is among the most delicious choices in its product line. The Premium Gouda is aged at least 12 months and, thanks to its complex flavor and high quality, is highly sought after by cheese connoisseurs. Nevertheless, a 12-ounce block of Marieke Premium Gouda only costs $9.99 at Costco. Pair it with fig preserves, hard crackers, and a dark red syrah on charcuterie night.

Some cheese lovers have a love-hate relationship with truffle cheese, but the Pecorino al Tartufo you can now find at Costco is well worth giving a shot if you're open to trying something unique. Made by the Italian cheesemaker Auricchio, this truffle cheese features small pieces of black truffle inside and has a savory, earthy flavor that's ready to be the highlight of your autumn. The flavor profile comes in part from the cheese being aged for 30 days, which gives it a slight pungency that cheese connoisseurs will surely appreciate.

Considering how truffles are known for being an expensive, bougee ingredient that's hard to get your hands on, it's no surprise the Auricchio Pecorino al Tartufo costs more than the other entries on this list. The cheese comes in at $13.79 per pound, meaning a single block of cheese will cost somewhere around $20. If you do get your hands on the savory cheese, pears and walnuts are both great pairings. Due to the earthiness of the truffle cheese itself, an earthy wine would also be a great choice to emphasize the unique flavors in each.

Finally, we've got a tasty goat cheese that contains two quintessentially fall ingredients. Laura Chenel Fig & Grapefruit is an absolute must-have for any charcuterie board due to its unique texture and flavor. For starters, the creamy cheese is capable of contrasting with savory meats and snacks, but it also brings a totally different vibe than most other autumnal cheeses. The fig and grapefruit combination provides a zesty, sweet flavor that may seem peculiar at first but the product is widely praised among consumers. The price of the cheese is also a major selling point. An 11-ounce log of this goat cheese is just $7.99 at Costco, meaning you won't be overpaying for this tasty item.

As for what the cheese works best with, its creaminess makes it great alongside salty cured meats but it would also be tasty when spread on a crusty bread or served alongside a few salty nuts. As for wine, sauvignon blanc is likely your best bet as the bright, citrusy wine is the perfect way to highlight the goat cheese's bold profile.