If you’ve ever received a small round cheese and wondered what a cheese truckle is and how you are supposed to eat it, you are definitely not alone. Truckles are very popular in gift hampers because they travel well, store well and are easy to share, but they can feel a little confusing if you have not had one before.
This guide explains exactly what a cheese truckle is, how to prepare it, and the best way to enjoy it at home.
What is a cheese truckle?
A cheese truckle is simply a small, round wheel of cheese. The word refers to the shape, not the type of cheese. Traditionally, the term comes from an old English word meaning a small wheel.
Many cheeses, especially Cheddar-style cheeses, are made into truckles. They are usually much smaller than full cheese wheels and are often produced in sizes of around 200g to 400g. This makes them ideal for gifting, sharing or enjoying over a few days at home.
If you browse our
cheese hampers,
you will notice that many of our cheeses are supplied as truckles because they are practical and reliable for delivery.
Why are cheese truckles so popular in hampers?
Cheese truckles are especially well suited to gift hampers because they:
keep their shape well in transit
are protected by a wax coating
store easily in a home fridge
are a convenient size for sharing
This is also why we generally use waxed truckles in our hampers rather than very soft or delicate cheeses.
Do you eat the rind on a cheese truckle?
Most truckles are covered in a protective wax coating. This wax is designed to protect the cheese while it matures and while it is being transported.
The wax coating is not edible and should always be removed before eating.
To remove it, use a small knife to carefully cut around the top edge of the truckle and gently peel the wax away from the cheese underneath.
How to eat a truckle of cheese
Once the wax has been removed, enjoying a cheese truckle is very simple. Follow these steps for the best experience.
Let the cheese come to room temperature
Remove the cheese from the fridge around 30 to 60 minutes before serving. This allows the texture to soften slightly and helps the flavour fully develop.
Cut the truckle into wedges or slices
A good way to cut a small truckle is to slice it in half, then into quarters, and continue dividing until you have the size of pieces you prefer. Because truckles are compact, they are very easy to portion.
Serve with simple accompaniments
Cheddar-style truckles work particularly well with:
crackers or oatcakes
apple slices or grapes
chutney or caramelised onion relish
cured meats or pickles
If you would like to see what usually comes with cheese in a gift set, our guide on
what goes in a cheese hamper
shows the most common accompaniments.
Enjoy with a drink
A mature Cheddar truckle pairs well with red wine, cider or a dark ale. Lighter, milder truckles can work nicely with white wine or a crisp lager.
Take your time
Cheese is best enjoyed slowly. Take small bites and allow the cheese to soften on your palate so you can appreciate the full flavour.
How to store a cheese truckle after it has been opened
Once you have cut into your truckle, correct storage will help keep it fresh for longer.
wrap the cheese in greaseproof or wax paper
place it inside an airtight container
store it in the fridge
Try to avoid wrapping cheese directly in cling film, as this can trap moisture and affect flavour.
For more detailed storage advice, see our guide on
how to store cheese hampers.
Which types of cheese work best as truckles?
Not all cheeses are suitable for being made into truckles. Firmer and semi-hard cheeses usually perform best and keep their quality more reliably.
We explain this in more detail in our article on the
best cheese for a cheese hamper.
Summary
A cheese truckle is simply a small, round wheel of cheese. It should be brought up to room temperature before serving, the wax coating should always be removed, and the cheese can then be sliced into wedges and enjoyed with simple accompaniments. After opening, wrap the cheese properly and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
If you would like to try truckle cheeses as part of a ready-made gift, you can explore our full range of
cheese hampers.