Picnics and Patios Full of Flavor

Discover the magic of mezze-style dining, a flavor journey of small plates like salsas, salads and finger foods come together to create an entire meal. Our cheesemakers' delectable cheeses and innovation inspired these light dishes. They make throwing an impromptu get-together or planning for a day away at the lake a breeze.

Have Cheese, Will Travel

Any way you slice it, cheese is an ideal travel companion for summer adventures—an afternoon at the park or a day on the water. Pack the good vibes and these easy-to-eat bites made with specialty cheeses in a cooler. Layer ice blocks and heavier items like cold drinks on the bottom. Top with fragile foods like lettuce leaves and fruit in containers. Fill in spaces with ice. Chilling everything before packing helps to keep your foods fresher longer.

Melon and Fresh

Mozzarella Skewers

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Grilled Steak

Lettuce Wraps

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Pineapple Queso

Fresco Salsa

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Herbed Parmesan Crisps with Tomato Jam

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Cool Meals for Hot Nights

Manage summer’s swelter with small plates ideal for sharing with loved ones. These light, effortless recipes can easily be mixed and matched for a delightful spread. Graze on some of Wisconsin's finest cheeses, like Decatur Dairy Basil Farmers, Ellsworth Garlic Cheddar Cheese Curds and Wakker Creamy Young Gouda, paired with charcuterie and the season's fresh produce. Round out your sophisticated menu with assorted breads, fruits and refreshments.

Summer Mezze Platter

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Savory Caprese Stacks

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Antipasto-Stuffed Endive

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Chef Salad Cheese Board

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Saxon Big Ed’s Gouda made the list of Top 20 cheeses at the 2018 World Championship Cheese Contest! It features bold buttery, sweet, nutty notes and a bright grassy finish reminiscent of sunny pastures. This cheese is an ode to Wisconsin’s terroir and Ed Klessig, who left a legacy as a fourth-generation farmer of family-owned Saxon Homestead Farm. Like its namesake, Big Ed’s is the cheese that “hugs you back and never offends.” The warm, earthy notes embrace pairings like peaches and prosciutto, while its meltability melds with your favorite dishes.

Get to Know: BelGioioso® Cheese

BelGioioso’s Master Cheesemakers craft exceptional Italian cheeses using traditional methods and recipes passed down through generations. “Summer is a great time to experience our fresh cheeses, like Crescenza-Stracchino™,” says Francesca Auricchio Elfner, BelGioioso Vice President. “I like it spread on a baguette topped with heirloom tomatoes and arugula.” Try these and other fresh toppings with award-winning milky masterpieces like Ricotta con Latte®, fresh mozzarella and burrata, too; they're available nationwide.

Tomato-Pesto French Bread

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Berry Ricotta Parfaits

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Fresh Plum-Burrata Tart

Did you know each burrata ball is hand-formed at BelGioioso's creamery? Something tasty happens when the lovely surprise (psst…fresh mozzarella pieces soaked in heavy cream) hidden inside each burrata ball meets sweet, fresh plums and flaky pastry in this dessert!

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