This popular Trader Joe's cheese is always the first to vanish whenever I serve it.

In my opinion, cheese deserves its own food category. It's not just a simple (and tasty) holiday appetizer for family get-togethers, but it also makes for an ideal picnic treat, shareable party food, or even a solo meal when you’re not in the mood to cook.

Thankfully, my go-to Trader Joe's cheese is available year-round, so I always have some in my fridge ready for when the craving strikes. And you should definitely keep it stocked too.

Top Trader Joe's Cheese for a Cheeseboard

The Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions is hands down my favorite cheese, and I'm definitely not alone in that. Every time I bring it to a charcuterie board, at least one person asks me where to find it. Now, whenever I'm at a party, this cheese always makes an appearance. (I'm not complaining—just call me a trendsetter.)

At $9.99 per pound, it's usually sold in smaller portions, around half a pound. So I can typically grab this, along with a few other items, to put together a complete cheeseboard at Trader Joe's for under $20.

If you're as crazy about this flavor combination as I am, there are a few more Trader Joe's appetizers you'll want to try, like Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions. They're super easy to heat up when you're hosting and don’t have time to prep a full cheeseboard. For the holidays this year, don't miss out on the Caramelized Onion Goat's Milk Cheese—it’s spreadable on crackers, crostini, or bread.

Recipe Suggestions

I enjoy this cheese by itself or on a cracker, but there are endless ways to enjoy it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Spread it on a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Use it in any type of panini with your favorite fillings.
• Top a puff pastry bite or crostini with it and bake.
• Layer it on a burger.
• Place some on a pizza before baking (such as this ham and potato pizza or a soppressata pizza with arugula and honey).
• Melt it on French bread and serve alongside pasta.
• Incorporate it into your go-to mac and cheese recipe.
• Stir it into broccoli cheddar soup for a delicious twist.
• Melt it in a fondue pot and dip chunks of bread, soft pretzels, or sausage into it.

Other Fantastic Trader Joe's Cheeses

TJ's Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions isn't the only standout option at the store. In fact, whether you're a regular shopper or not, I highly suggest checking out their impressive cheese selection next time you're there running errands.

When available seasonally, lifestyle editor Ria Bhagwat is particularly fond of Trader Joe's famous Pizza Bread Cheese. 'It's great as a snack or as an ingredient in your favorite cheesy dish! On its own, it has a flavor similar to the cheese you get on pizza (which is a treat), but I love adding it to garlic bread, mac and cheese, pasta, and more for an extra cheesy kick,' she shares.

I asked our editors to share some of their top Trader Joe's cheese picks, and here are a few of their all-time favorites.

• Italian Truffle Cheese
• Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
• Cambozola
• Goat Brie
• Manchego
• Baked Lemon Ricotta