A guide to Northern Ireland’s best cheeses

Tom Shingler

Having spent years immersed in the world of chefs and restaurants, head of food Tom loves nothing more than sharing the tips, tricks, hacks and secrets found in professional kitchens with home cooks eager to take their food to the next level.

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Northern Ireland’s vibrant dairy scene is responsible for some of the most exciting new cheeses in the British Isles. We’ve picked three of the best, plus a knockout mix of accompaniments to make your cheeseboard sing – at Christmas or any time of the year.

A guide to Northern Ireland’s best cheeses

Broughgammon rose veal peppercorn salami

The perfect charcuterie to round out a cheeseboard, this salami’s bold peppery kick cuts through the mellow veal beautifully. £5 for 60g, available from Broughgammon

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Young Buck

This mild blue from Newtownards has a gentle, long-lasting flavour that makes it too easy to go back for more. An interesting take on an ancient blue cheese recipe from 1917. £7.45 for 250g, available from Mike’s Fancy Cheese

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Dart Mountain meeny hill goat

Firm, delightfully salty and with a powerful tang, this is a recent addition to Northern Ireland’s cheese scene – and an incredibly tasty one. It wins awards for a reason. £7.36 for 200g, available from Valvona & Crolla

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From L-R: Rose veal salami, Young Buck & Dart Mountain Meeny Hill Goat

Dart Mountain craft drizzle

With the rich texture of honey but the boozy, tangy flavour of Armagh dry cider, this is a special product – and a natural pairing for cheeses with fruity notes. £3.25 for 100g, available from Graze 2U

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Burren balsamics roast onion jam

Caramelised onion chutneys can’t hold a candle to this beautiful jam, which is given extra oomph and depth with a thyme and blackberry infused balsamic vinegar. £4 for 200g, available from Burren Balsamics

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From L-R: Dart Mountain Craft Drizzle, Burren Balsamics Roast Onion Jam, Celery & Sea Salt Cheese Biscuits and Ballylisk Triple Rose

Ballylisk celery & sea salt cheese biscuits

They’re pleasingly crumbly with a sweet-meets-savoury balance – your cheeses couldn’t ask for a better base. £4.75 for 150g, available from Gershon & Sons, High Street, Amersham (in-store only)

Ballylisk triple rose

A triple cream brie-style cheese that’s decadently rich and buttery, with intriguing lemony, salty undertones. £6 for 110-130g, available from Mike’s Fancy Cheese

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Find out more about Northern Ireland’s top producers, including a directory, at buynifood.com – and browse our five favourite food and drink gifts from Northern Ireland.