TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Cheese Types
Considered to be among the world's top quality cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with raw, semi-skimmed milk from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay. It has a hard, gritty texture and its flavors range from nutty to robust and slightly piquant, depending on how long the cheese had matured.
The origins of Parmigiano Reggiano date back to the Middle Ages, when the Benedictine and Cistercian monks reclaimed the Po Valley wetlands and started producing this much-prized cheese. Since it originated and was mainly produced in the two city-states Parma and Reggio Emilia, the cheese was named Parmigiano Reggiano, meaning "a cheese from Parma and Reggio Emilia." The cheese got its name in the 19th century, and the word order is speculated to be purely due to alphabetical order.
Pair with
THE BEST Parmigiano Reggiano Cheeses
Caseificio di Gavasseto e Roncadella
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2022
Caseificio Sociale Canevaccia
Parmigiano Reggiano Oltre 40 Mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2021
Latteria Sociale Moderna
Parmigiano Reggiano Stagionato 30-39 Mesi
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024
This cheese has been produced on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades for at least a century. Graviera Naxou is made from pasteurised cow milk or a mixture of sheep milk and a maximum of 20% goat milk. It has a thin rind and a light yellow, compact interior filled with small holes.
Graviera Naxou is a hard table cheese with a refreshing taste and light aroma. It has a maximum moisture content of 38% and at least 40% fat content. The milk used for its production comes from breeds that are traditionally raised on the island, which feed on a diet of local plants and herbs that give their milk a unique flavor.
THE BEST Graviera Naxou Cheeses
Nikolas Pittaras Creamery
Graviera Naxou P.D.O. Pittara 12 month aged
Superior Taste Awards - 3 stars 2025, 2024
Nikolas Pittaras Creamery
Graviera Pittara Mpastouni
Mediterranean Taste Awards - Gold 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Produced in the region of Basilicata, Canestrato di Moliterno is made from whole goat's and sheep's milk. It is matured in the so-called fondaci, a type of dry, cold, but well-ventilated semi-underground warehouse typical for the Moliterno area.
Depending on the length of maturation, this hard Italian cheese can be either quite sweet or piquant in flavor, and it can be found marketed in three different varieties: Primitivo, ripened for up to 6 months; Stagionato, ripened for up to 12 months, and Stravecchio, ripened for over a year.
Pair with
Burrata, literary meaning buttered, is an artisan cheese from the Puglia region of Southern Italy, especially the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The cheese is made by hand with cow's milk, rennet, and cream. It is believed that the cheese was created by Lorenzo Bianchino Chieppa, a cheesemaker who had an idea to form a shell of stretched mozzarella strings and fill it with luscious, rich cream and smaller, leftover pieces of mozzarella.
The result was a true delicacy with the creamiest interior and a rich flavor of fresh milk, which very quickly became extremely popular. Burrata should be eaten as fresh as possible - ideally within 24 hours of being made. It can be served alone, seasoned only with some salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, but it is also delicious when accompanied by fresh tomatoes and prosciutto crudo, or when used as a topping for pizzas or bruschettas.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Burrata
THE BEST Burrata Cheeses
Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions.
Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.
THE BEST Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheeses
Saint-Félicien is a soft French cheese originating from the region of Rhône-Alpes. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture, while its flavor can be described as fruity, sour, nutty, and buttery. During the aging process, it develops a bloomy rind with a strong mushroomy aroma which does not really match the flavors of the cheese.
Due to its fragile nature, this cheese often comes packaged in small terracotta pots. It is recommended to pair it with crusty baguettes, olives, or a glass of red wine.
Serra da Estrela is a semi-soft cheese made from the milk of Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds of sheep. Milking is done by hand, after which the milk is heated, salted, and curdled using thistle extract.
The curd is formed into cheeses, which are left to ripen in humid and cold conditions. The cheese has a creamy, semi-soft interior that is yellowish-white in color, while its flavor is clean, sweet, and slightly sour. This cheese is Portugal's oldest, most traditional food product with international acclaim.
Pair with
This cheese has a long history, and it is the best-known Greek graviera cheese. It is produced using traditional methods and ripened in facilities in Hania, Rethymnos, Iraklion, and Lasithio prefectures on the island of Crete. It is traditionally produced from sheep milk or from a mixture of sheep milk and a maximum of 20% goat milk.
These goats and sheep wander freely on the green pastures of the island, and their diet is based on local plants, which give their milk a special quality that is expressed in this exceptional cheese. It is a hard table cheese with a light yellow color and firm texture.
Chavignol is a small cheese made from raw goat's milk that must weigh at least 60 grams. Its color is white or ivory and it has a dense, moist texture with a thin, moldy rind on the outside. The flavor of Chavignol is full, slightly nutty and 'goaty'.
It can mature for up to three months, and when the rind drastically changes its color and becomes very hard, and the body becomes drier and crumbly, the origin of its name - crottin, meaning horse dung in French, is explained. Chavignol is great when grilled and served hot on a salad or eaten with bread and bacon.
Azeitão is a semi-soft cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk. The origins of this cheese date back to the 19th century, when Gaspar Henriques de Paiva emigrated to the town of Azeitão. Out of nostalgia for his place of birth, he imported black dairy sheep from his home town to Azeitão and brought cheesemakers from Beira Baixa to make cheeses.
De Paiva's Azeitão cheeses quickly became famous throughout Portugal, winning several awards at agricultural fairs. The milk for this cheese is taken from sheep that graze on natural vegetation in the pastures of Azeitão. The sheep are milked manually, and the milk is mixed with the extract of a local variety of thistle to start the curdling process instead of animal rennet, meaning the cheese is 100% vegetarian.
Pair with
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Cheese Producers
is a Swiss specialist in raw milk cheese, dedicated to the craft of creating exceptional cheese with a rich, Alpine flavor. Based in Switzerland, the company is known for its high-quality cheeses that combine traditional methods with innovative aging techniques.
Affineur Walo works closely with nature to produce cheeses that reflect the authenticity and purity of Swiss dairy. Their products highlight their commitment to sustainable practices, using raw milk from cows that graze on rich, natural pastures. Each cheese from Affineur Walo is a unique creation, designed to offer a diverse range of textures and flavors, from creamy to firm, often with a characteristic aromatic finish.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Walo Von Mühlenen Cheeses
Fromagerie L'Amuse is a renowned and respected cheese shop based in the Netherlands, with locations in Amsterdam and IJmuiden. L'Amuse was founded in 1989 by Betty Koster, a top cheese expert, specialist, and educator. Over the years, L'Amuse has built a reputation as one of the leading destinations for fine cheeses in the Netherlands.
The shop specializes in Dutch cheeses as well as carefully selected international varieties. L'Amuse offers a wide range of cheeses, including both hard and soft cheeses, goat's and cow's milk cheeses, as well as some rare and exotic types. L'Amuse also offers professional cheese tastings, where participants can learn about different types of cheeses, their history, production methods, and how to pair them with wines and other accompaniments.
BEST Fromagerie L'Amuse Cheeses
Beemster is a cheese producer based in the Netherlands, known for its premium Dutch cheeses that are made from milk sourced from local farms. The company, named after the polder Beemster in North Holland, was founded in 1901. Beemster cheeses are characterized by their rich flavors and creamy textures, achieved through traditional methods and aging processes.
Their range includes varieties such as Gouda, aged Gouda, and flavored cheeses. The brand is committed to sustainable practices, including animal welfare and environmental protection.
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2016, 2014, 2012
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST Beemster Cheeses
Rodolphe Le Meunier is a cheese producer and affineur based in Tours, France. He comes from a family with a long tradition in the dairy industry, which has influenced his deep knowledge and expertise in cheese production. Le Meunier has won multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in the cheese category, an honor given to craftsmen who achieve the highest level of skill in their field.
His business includes aging and refining cheeses, as well as sourcing from various regions in France to offer a diverse selection.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
BEST Rodolphe Le Meunier Cheeses
Güntensperger Käse is a family-owned Swiss cheese producer with over 130 years of tradition, located in the Bütschwil, Switzerland. Known for its dedication to quality, the company blends time-honored recipes with innovative methods. They offer a wide range of award-winning cheeses, produced from the finest milk sourced from local small farms.
Their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices ensures top-quality products. Güntensperger Käse’s selection includes both classic and modern creations, with products available worldwide and in their factory store. Their expertise in the craft is reflected in the consistently high standards of their cheeses, backed by modern aging techniques and regular quality control.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Güntensperger Käse Cheeses
De' Magi is a renowned Italian cheese producer, led by Andrea De Magi, that specializes in creating high-quality cheeses using traditional methods. Located in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany, De' Magi is known for its refined approach to cheese-making, elevating the flavors and textures of its products through careful aging and the use of unique techniques.
De' Magi produces a wide range of cheeses, including soft, semi-hard, and blue varieties, each crafted with precision and expertise. Their cheeses are celebrated for their originality, craftsmanship, and intense flavors. The company is also deeply involved in cheese education, offering training and consulting services to foodservice professionals, teaching the best practices for cutting, presenting, and storing their exceptional cheeses.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST De’ Magi Cheeses
Barber's is a distinguished British cheesemaker with over 190 years of history. Founded in 1833 by Daniel Barber, the company has remained family-owned and is based in Somerset, a region known for its rich agricultural tradition. Today, Barber's continues to be a leader in the production of premium cheddar cheeses.
Barber's prides itself on maintaining traditional methods of cheesemaking. The process begins with the highest quality milk sourced from over 100 local farming families who follow strict standards for animal care and milk production. The milk is then processed in the cheese dairy using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Agour is a renowned Basque producer specializing in a wide range of high-quality products, particularly famous for their artisanal Ossau-Iraty sheep's milk cheese, which has been recognized as one of the best cheeses in the world. Established in 1981, Agour is dedicated to showcasing the traditional flavors and techniques of Basque gastronomy.
Agour's cheeses are crafted with the utmost respect for tradition, using the finest local ingredients, including milk sourced from regional shepherds. The company takes pride in its sustainable practices and its support of local farmers.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2019
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024
BEST Agour Cheeses
Latteria di Branzi is a renowned cheese producer with a tradition dating back to 1953. This dairy works with more than 70 small mountain farms, collecting milk used to produce traditional and high-quality cheeses. Their most famous product is Branzi, a cheese with a rich history, which is linked to other well-known cheeses from the region, such as Bitto and Formai de Mut.
Latteria di Branzi stands out for its products that reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the mountainous area. Through its collaboration with small farms, Latteria di Branzi not only helps preserve local farming traditions but also supports the conservation of the plant and animal species that inhabit this mountainous region.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2023, 2020, 2018
Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2022, 2018
BEST Latteria di Branzi Cheeses
Finca Pascualete is a family-owned farm and cheese producer located in the Extremadura region of southwestern Spain. The farm spans over 4,000 hectares, making it one of the largest private estates in the southeastern part of Spain. Their Merino sheep graze freely, enjoying a diverse diet that includes various types of trees, natural grasses, wildflowers, and native plants such as rosemary, thyme, and juniper.
This type of grazing contributes to the unique flavor and quality of their cheeses. All Finca Pascualete cheeses are handcrafted and completely organic, made from raw sheep’s milk sourced from their own flock. Their range of cheeses includes several varieties, with La Retorta De Queso being the most famous.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Quesería Finca Pascualete Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Cheeses
Whole Blue Stilton from Cropwell Bishop Creamery is an exemplary British cheese with a rich, tangy flavor and a melt-in-the-mouth, velvety texture. This cheese is handcrafted using traditional methods dating back to the 17th century and is matured for about 12 weeks to develop its distinctive character.
Cropwell Bishop uses vegetarian rennet and fresh, local milk to produce this award-winning Stilton, which is recognized under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for authentic Stilton cheese. It is ideal for large gatherings as it typically comes in a whole form weighing about 7.5 kg, wrapped in wax paper to preserve its quality and flavor.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2018
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Blue Stilton cheese from Clawson Dairy is a distinguished product with a rich history and a distinctive profile. Made exclusively in Leicestershire, this cheese benefits from a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring that only cheese produced in certain counties can be called Blue Stilton.
It's crafted using local cow's milk and is known for its crumbly yet creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor that develops over an eight-week maturation period. Blue Stilton is characterized by its blue veins which radiate from the center, contributing to its unique taste.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
Lutjewinkel1916 Intens & Royaal is a premium cheese product crafted by Friesland Campina Cheese. It is known for its rich and intense flavor, which is a result of traditional cheese-making techniques honed over years of experience. This cheese is aged to perfection, offering a deep, robust taste that pairs well with a variety of wines and accompaniments.
Each wheel is carefully monitored to ensure consistent quality and superior taste.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
L'Affiné Au Chablis is a cheese produced by Fromagerie Germain. This artisanal cheese is typically made from cow's milk and is known for being washed with Chablis wine during its aging process, which imparts a distinct and sophisticated flavor. The rind has a characteristic reddish hue, while the interior remains creamy and rich.
It is often celebrated for its balanced taste profile that combines the creaminess of the cheese with the slightly acidic and fruity notes of the Chablis wine. L'Affiné au Chablis can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments like crusty bread, fruits, or charcuterie.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Global Cheese Awards - Best
2024
Global Cheese Awards - Champion
2024
Tomme de Chèvre Cave Rousseau is a semi-hard goat cheese hailing from France, particularly known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. This cheese is characterized by its rustic, natural rind, which is often adorned with a delicate layer of ash.
The interior boasts a pale, creamy color with a slightly crumbly texture that becomes increasingly supple as it ages.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
Sinodun Hill cheese boasts a unique pyramid shape with a mousse-like texture and is celebrated for its fresh, citrus flavor that deepens over time to reveal notes of almond and red fruit. This cheese is named after the local Sinodun Hill and is matured for up to 21 days, allowing its ivory rind to develop seasonal blue and grey molds that enhance its complex flavor profile.
Sinodun Hill has garnered multiple accolades, including Best British Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in 2023 and previous gold medals at both the World Cheese Awards and the British Artisan Cheese Awards?.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Signature Gouda Extra Aged made by De Graafstroom is a premium cheese renowned for its rich, complex flavors that develop during its extended aging process. This Gouda type is typically characterized by a firm texture and distinct, slightly crumbly consistency, which is the result of a maturation period that can last up to 18 months or more.
The cheese has a deep, golden color and often features small, crunchy protein crystals that add a delightful texture. Its flavor profile includes notes of caramel, butterscotch, and hints of nuttiness, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Global Cheese Awards - Best
2024
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 European Cheeses” list until April 02, 2025, 42,722 ratings were recorded, of which 28,879 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.