Grab this cheese advent calendar and start the countdown!
If you’ve never heard of the food blog “So Wrong It’s Nom,” here’s a primer. It’s the brainchild of British food blogger Annem Hobson, who took the Internet by storm in 2017 with her cheese Advent calendar—a savory take on the traditional chocolate Advent calendar. It instantly became a massive hit in the U.K., piquing the curiosity (and palates) of many cheese aficionados this side of the Atlantic. Happily, for those of us who missed out on this viral moment in foodie pop culture, there is plenty of time to right that wrong.
When and Where to Get a Cheese Advent Calendar
Courtesy of Annem Hobson and, of course, Target, the wildly popular (and highly anticipated) 24-count cheese Advent calendar is back on shelves this year. Hello, hostess gifts! And teacher appreciation gifts. And maybe one just to nibble on at home because, you know, we’re the ones who make all this holiday magic happen and that takes a lot of err…protein. What makes this one so special is that it won’t chew a hole in your wallet, retailing at $20. The schtick with Advent calendars is they tend to disappear pretty quickly, so don’t be shy about taking the sleigh over to Target and snagging your own. The cheese Advent calendars are also available at Jewel, Lidl, Meijer, Publix, Schnucks, Sprouts and SuperValu. The calendars are in stores in November, and the full list will be posted on Hobson’s blog.
So what sort of sampling can you expect from this edible Advent-inspired treat? Well, that’s a secret. What we do know is that Hobson is once again working with Norseland, Ilchester, meaning Applewood, Mexicana and Jarlsberg are bound to make a reappearance. This time, the calendar features seven varieties and a limited edition “surprise” cheese we can’t wait to crack open.
Last year, there were five varieties, curated with help from Somerset, U.K.-based Norseland. The calendar included sweet and nutty Jarlsberg; smoky, paprika-dusted Applewood cheddar; and two types of Ilchester cheddar (one earthy and tangy and the other more smooth and nutty). The fifth variety was a limited edition Ilchester—the gold-award winning Wensleydale with cranberries, a creamy and smooth cheese punctuated with festive cranberries. We can’t wait to see what Annem Hobson and Target has in store for us (literally)! Here’s an Advent calendar for everyone on your list—little ones included.
If you’re planning to gift it, keep in mind that this cheesy countdown calendar requires refrigeration. And if it’s someone you really, really like, check out our cheesiest gift ideas for cheese lovers (I’ll take one of each).
This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
I created this deep-friend mac and cheese recipe for my husband, who loves mac & cheese. He describes this recipe as "unbelievably delicious" because of the crispy deep-fried coating and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Here’s my best version of my favorite food—lasagna! The recipe is a winner, so it’s worth the extra prep. You’ll have plenty of time to plan side dishes while the main dish is cooking. —Suzanne Smith, Bluffton, Indiana
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy dish! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread. —Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon
As amazing as this flatbread is, you would never guess how unbelievably easy it is to make. And hiding veggies in the sauce is a clever trick, especially if you have kids. For a crunchy crust, bake the naan in the oven until slightly crispy on top before adding the tomato sauce. —Kimberly Berg, North Street, Michigan
In our house, chicken potpie is a year-round staple. For a springtime feel, we use leeks and mushrooms and a lighter phyllo dough crust. If you don't have gruyere, try Parmesan. —Andrea Stewart, Toronto, Ontario
This easy-to-make bread goes well with a salad luncheon or a casserole dinner. But I especially like to serve it with spaghetti and pasta dishes. The cheese topping is its crowning glory! —Elaine Mundt, Detroit, Michigan
I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida
I discovered this recipe in the reader's exchange page of our local electric cooperative's magazine. Serve it whenever you've got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky
These special stuffed baked potatoes are a hit with my whole family, from the smallest grandchild on up. I prepare them up to a week in advance, wrap them well and freeze. Their flavorful filling goes so nicely with juicy ham slices. —Marge Clark, West Lebanon, Indiana
Both children and adults enjoy this dip. And I'm a fan because it's so quick and easy to prepare. I make it for special occasions…birthdays, Christmas parties and more. —Carol Werkman, Neerlandia, Alberta
I love cooking, but I'm not into fancy gourmet foods. I think it's more challenging to make delicious, down-home foods like this beefy casserole with ingredients easily found in the refrigerator and on my pantry shelves. —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
My brother, Joe, created this lasagna based on our mom’s recipe. It’s a family favorite at Christmas, thanks to the special ingredients that make it magnifico. —Stephanie Marchese, Taste of Home Visual Production Director
As a comfy side dish, cheese grits have fantastic potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. —Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama
I've had a hundred requests for this recipe over the years. Perfect for brunch or as an evening snack, this sausage-filled bread is not tricky to make—and I never have to worry about storing leftovers! —Vada McRoberts, Silver Lake, Kansas
Cheese really stars in this lighter lasagna, which I created a few years ago. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked later. I sometimes make up a couple batches and freeze them in case company drops by. —Janet Myers, Napanee, Ontario
My five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
You can assemble this effortless appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza-flavored dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
When our friend served us this entree, I asked her for the recipe right away. It was so good, I thought I would share it with others. I cut the recipe down for a meal or two, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. —Jodee Harding, Mount Vernon, Ohio
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
I made this creamy spread with my students and it was a big success. It is easy to make and the flavor contrasts make it interesting. Toasty bread slices are the perfect compliment.
Paula Englert, Louisville, Kentucky
I created this great dip by accident one day when I wanted to make a taco casserole but discovered I didn't have all the ingredients. —Claudia Jacobsen, Luverne, North Dakota
This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
In this vegetarian Buffalo-style appetizer, macaroni and cheese get heated up with Louisiana-style hot sauce, then breaded and baked. These tasty nibbles are served with blue cheese dressing. —Ann Donnay, Milton, Massachusetts
You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread with pasta, too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
I tweaked my beefy skillet cobbler until it achieved the wow factor. I must have gotten it right, as it's now a family tradition. Top it off with lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
You can also use your imagination to come up with other fillings, such as chives, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning, and even a spoonful of salsa. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Bacon, cheddar and sour cream turn ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary twice baked potato casserole. It's one of our family's beloved standards for the holidays. —Kyle Cox, Scottsdale, Arizona
I like to experiment when making hamburgers and stuffing them with sharp Cheddar cheese makes them absolutely delicious. For lighter fare, I sometimes use a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey. —Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Rebecca C. Walden is a freelance writer with Deep South roots - an Alabama native now living in north Texas. Her writing has appeared in Reader's Digest, the Huffington Post, Southern Living, and many other regional publications, focusing on everything from health and wellness to parenting, family, and women's interests. Walden also provides freelance writing to corporate clients in finance, government, healthcare, and higher education. Check out her latest work @rebeccacwalden.com.