Ratoncito~ The Little Cheese Spreader That Could

Ratoncito~ The Little Cheese Spreader That Could

Aug 30, 2025Anita MacKenzie

The Little Engine That Could is a classic children’s story that was first published in 1930. The story is about a long train filled with wonderful toys and treats for children that must be pulled over a high mountain to get to the town. Its locomotive breaks down, and when all the larger locomotives refuse to pull the train, the little engine agrees to give it a try. Repeating the phrase, “I think I can, I think I can,” the engine manages to pull the train up and over the mountain to the waiting children.

Although the little engine was smaller than the other engines, the story proves that size does not determine capability. Why are we mentioning this children’s story? The story reminds us of our Ratoncito cheese spreader. Sure, there are larger spreaders on the market. However, despite its size, this small cheese tool adds a playful, “can-do” touch to your charcuterie boards. And like the little engine that could, Ratoncito shows that its resilient multi-functional design will triumph over any obstacle your cheese board might present.

A cheese spreader with a multi-functional design

The Ratoncito is truly a one-of-a-kind cheese tool you’ll want on your charcuterie boards and cheese platters. When people first see the adorable mouse shape of this cheese spreader, they can’t help but smile. But what they may not know at first glance is how the features of the mouse integrate with its function, making this cleverly designed mouse-shaped cheese accessory a valuable tool on your cheese boards.  

Slicing

The underside of the Twisted Urban Gold Ratoncito Cheese Spreader acts as a cheese knife, ideal for slicing through soft cheeses like Brie. Use it to slice through a block of cream cheese or soft cheeses like Brie.

On a charcuterie board: Slice through soft to medium cheeses. Soft cheeses go wonderfully with fresh fruit. Use it to slice through strawberries or pear slices before topping the cream cheese on a cracker or bread slice.

 Plateau Ratoncito Cheese Spreader Knives Set slices thin portions of cream cheese wedges to be enjoyed on toasted baguette slices.

 

 Photo credit: thewildcupcake

At the dessert table: Try this fun way to eat a cupcake. Remove the cupcake liner. Now cut the cupcake in half. Take the frosted top part of the cupcake and turn it upside down. Now squish it down onto the half without frosting. Press well to make a cupcake “sandwich”. Enjoy!

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Spreading

The curved, duller back of the Ratoncito blade is perfect for spreading cheese, hummus, jams, and butter.

 The Jason Ratoncito Cheese Spreader/Knife Set is ideal for spreading butter on toast.

At the breakfast or brunch table: The wider curved portion of the blade is ideal for buttering your toast. 

 

The Twig Ratoncito Cheese Spreader/Knife set features twig-like handles, finished in burnt black.

On the cheese board: Use the broader portion of the blade to spread cream cheese on crackers or bread.

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Spearing

The eye, ears, and snout of this spreader make this little mouse knife come alive. Not only is it a conversation starter at your charcuterie boards, but the pointed snout is ideal for piercing squares of cheese and other small items.

 

On the cheese board: Use the snout to pierce cheese bites and place them on your plate.

 

For the charcuterie board: Keep these cheese knives handy for guests to use the ears as tiny fork tines, ideal for spearing assorted pickles, fruit, and olives.  

 

Photo credit: howstuffworks.com

A playful and artistic design

At the core of this unique cheese spreading tool is its adorable mouse-shaped blade. The design is based on the pop culture myth that mice love cheese. This idea is thought to have started in the Middle Ages, but the truth is mice don’t like cheese! They prefer to dine on fruit and grains…and even chocolate before cheese.

That doesn’t change the fact that these mouse-shaped cheese knives will bring a whimsical touch and artistic flair to your cheese platters and charcuterie boards.

Artisan-crafted appeal

Ratoncito spreaders come in various flatware designs. The unique handles feature styles with antique copper, nascent steel, burnt black, and vintage gold finishes, enhancing their distinct appearance.

Photo credit: pantrytotable.com

The polished stainless steel cheese knives of the Copper Ridge Ratoncito Cheese Spreader/Knife Set contrast beautifully with the antique copper-finished artisanal handles, adding style and texture to your cheese boards.

Add a charming artisan aesthetic to your charcuterie boards with the Sundance Ratoncito Cheese Spreader/Knife Set.

Many people believe the curvy black handles of the Twig design resemble a tail. Do you agree?

Photo credit: dentalvalles.com

What’s in a name?

Our mouse cheese and butter spreader was named after Ratoncito Perez, the legendary Spanish tooth fairy. This beloved mouse figure collects lost baby teeth and leaves gifts in return.  

Back in June 2022, when the stainless steel mouse cheese knife became available on our website, it needed a name. We held a “name our mouse knife” contest on Instagram, and it was a great success. Our winner was Pandora (@pcantz8), and she received one of our Ratoncito cheese spreader knife sets as a prize. Pandora tells us that she still has her set and enjoys using them on her cheese boards.

And just like the story of the Little Engine That Could, we are reminded of the fun and optimistic spirit that contributed to our success in naming Ratoncito, the little cheese spreader that could.

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Are you a cheese lover? We invite you to explore our selection of handcrafted cheese knives. Each cheese knife set includes 4 tools designed for cutting soft and hard cheeses. Made from durable stainless steel, our artisan-crafted cheese tools are built to last and make the perfect gift for any cheese aficionado-even if that cheese aficionado just happens to be you!

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