Hickory Farms Signature Beef Box Review: Still the Classic?
Two beef summer sausages, three cheese blends and crackers in a box set from Hickory Farms. The meat and cheese gift that has turned up under American trees for decades.
Yes, for a family that sets out a cheese board every holiday. The box holds two summer sausages and three cheese blends, all shelf stable [1]. Skip it for vegetarians or anyone avoiding processed meat.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Summer sausage | 2 x 7 oz Signature Beef [1] |
| Cheese | Smoked Cheddar, Mission Jack and Smoked Gouda blends, 4 oz each [1] |
| Crackers | 1 oz Golden Toasted [1] |
| Storage | Shelf stable [1] |
| Size | Medium box set [1] |
| Weight | About 2.2 pounds [1] |
Pros and cons
- Small cracker pack [1]
- Processed meat and cheese blends
- Not for vegetarians
The box Americans grew up with
Hickory Farms summer sausage and cheese has been a holiday gift for decades. This box keeps the classic simple: sausage, cheese, crackers and a knife's worth of work [1].
It is savory in a season of sweets, which is why it gets eaten first at many family gatherings.
It also suits households that already have every gadget: food that gets shared is easier to give than another thing.
Hickory Farms built its name on exactly this pairing, which is why the brand is the default meat and cheese gift in so many families.
Sausage, three cheeses and crackers
The medium box holds two 7 oz Signature Beef Summer Sausages and three 4 oz cheese blends: Smoked Cheddar, Mission Jack and Smoked Gouda [1]. A 1 oz pack of Golden Toasted Crackers is included [1].
The sausage and cheese are shelf stable, so it ships without a cold pack and waits under the tree [1].
Slice and arrange on a board and it is an appetizer for Christmas Eve.
The three cheese blends give a smoky, a mild and a creamy option, so a board looks varied even from one small box [1].
Blends and a small cracker pack
The cheeses are blends rather than aged artisan wheels, and the sausage is a processed meat. That suits a family snack table, not a charcuterie snob.
The cracker pack is small, about an ounce, so add a box of crackers if a crowd is coming [1].
Summer sausage is rich and salty, so it suits a snack board more than a meal. For a guest list with vegetarians, put out a fruit tray beside it.
For the cheese board family
It suits in-laws, a dad who loves summer sausage, a neighbor or a family that grazes all Christmas Eve.
From this guide, it pairs with the Thoughtfully grilling spice set for a savory bundle, or with the Wine Country Connoisseur basket for a full grazing table.
For a bigger crowd, the large and extra large versions add more sausage and cheese.
Send it early in December so it can come out at the first holiday party, not just on Christmas Eve.
FAQ
What is in the Hickory Farms Signature Beef gift basket?
The medium box holds two 7 oz Signature Beef Summer Sausages, three 4 oz cheese blends in Smoked Cheddar, Mission Jack and Smoked Gouda, and a 1 oz pack of Golden Toasted Crackers [1]. It is a ready cheese board in one box [1]
Does the Hickory Farms gift basket need refrigeration?
The listing describes the summer sausage and cheese as shelf stable, so the box ships and waits under the tree without a fridge [1]. Once a pack is opened, refrigerate whatever is left and finish it within the time printed on the label, as with any cheese [1]
Is a meat and cheese gift basket a good Christmas gift?
For a family that likes savory snacks, yes. It sets out in minutes on Christmas Eve, suits every age at the table and makes a change from candy and cookies. For vegetarians, choose the fruit basket or a spa basket from this guide instead [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Hickory Farms Signature Beef Meat and Cheese Gift Basket (Medium)
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.