Best American Raw Milk Cheese Types
Maytag Blue is an American blue cheese originating from just outside Newton, Iowa, on Maytag Dairy Farms. The cheese is made with Holstein cow's milk since 1941. It ripens for 6 months, and during the time it develops a texture that is dense and crumbly.
The aromas are strong and pungent, while the flavors are tangy and lemony. It is recommended to crumble Maytag Blue in salads, melt it on burgers, and pair it with a glass of lager or ale.
Pair with
Bayley Hazen Blue is an American blue cheese produced by Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it has a natural rind. It's named after an old military road that was commisioned by George Washington.
The recipe for this cheese was developed by altering the aging process and the shape of a Devon Blue recipe. The texture of Bayley Hazen Blue is dense, firm, and slightly dry, yet creamy and fudge-like, with blue veins running throughout it.
Oregon Blue is an American blue cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese ages for a minimum of 90 days in Rogue Creamery's caves. The texture is firm and buttery, and the aromas are earthy and clean. The flavors are mellow, sweet, and buttery, with hints of cream.
On the inside, there are veins of earthy blue molds. Oregon Blue has been produced since 1957 and has won numerous awards. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Riesling or Pinot Noir.
Pair with
Oma is an American cheese produced on Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont by the Von Trapp family (yes, the descendants of the family from The Sound of Music). The cheese has a washed rind and it's made with raw milk coming mostly from Jersey cows.
The body is soft and supple, yet never runny. The aromas are nutty and earthy, while the flavors are rich, creamy, meaty, barnyardy, pungent, and slightly sweet, with notes of chocolate, butter, and cured meat. It is recommended to pair this cheese with Belgian ales, IPA beer, and fig jam.
Point Reyes Original Blue is an American blue cheese produced in California by Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and has a natural rind. The texture is creamy and buttery and the aromas are milky, fresh, and intense.
The flavors range from milky, sweet, and creamy to strong. It's recommended to serve it with pasta dishes, red meat, grilled vegetables, or fresh salads. Pair the cheese with a glass of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or sparkling wine.
Buttermilk Blue is an American blue cheese originating from Wisconsin, where it is made by Roth. The cheese is made with raw milk from Jersey and Holstein cows. It is aged in cellars for at least 2 months, resulting in a creamy and crumbly texture, fresh and mellow aromas, and piquant and tangy flavors.
The interior is ivory in color, with blue-gray veins dispersed throughout it. Buttermilk Blue should be paired with figs, pears, dark chocolate, and raw vegetables. Because it crumbles so easily, it is a great addition to burgers, pizzas, salads, and dips.
Crema de Blue is an American blue cheese made in New Jersey by Valley Shepherd Creamery. The cheese is made from raw Jersey cow's milk. After aging in caves for 65 days, underneath its natural rind the texture becomes creamy and semi-soft, with blue-green veining throughout the body.
The flavors are full, spicy, creamy, and tart, with hints of licorice. It's recommended to serve it on a cheeseboard, where it will most likely be the most popular cheese on the plate.
Appalachian is an American cheese hailing from Galax, Virginia, where it's produced by Meadow Creek Dairy. The cheese is made from Jersey cows' raw milk and the wheels are aged for a minimum of 90 days. Underneath its moldy rind, the texture is springy, smooth, and velvety.
The aromas are grassy, milky, and earthy, while the flavors are lemony, buttery, and mushroomy. It's recommended to serve Appalachian on a cheese board or with a piece of homemade bread on the side. Due to its melting properties, it can be used in a variety of dishes.
THE BEST Appalachian Cheeses
Cup cheese is an American cheese made with raw cow's milk. It originates from Pennsylvania, where it has been made by the Amish and Mennonites for centuries. The texture of cup cheese is soft and similar to molasses, and its flavors are strong and sour.
The cheese is quite fatty, but there are some fat-free versions available in supermarkets. The name cup cheese refers to the method of storage – it is traditionally stored or sold in a cup or a pot.
Daphne's Alpine Cheese is an American cheese hailing from Wisconsin, where it's made by Daphne's Creamery. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's left to age for at least 60 days before consumption. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is smooth and semi-soft.
The flavor is nutty and grassy. Daphne's Alpine has great melting properties, which is the reason why it's perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or grating over salads and pasta dishes. It's recommended to pair the cheese with crisp and fruity wines and beer.
Best American Raw Milk Cheese Producers
BelGioioso Cheese, based in Wisconsin, USA, is renowned for its production of Italian-style cheeses since 1979. The company operates out of multiple facilities and crafts over 27 different varieties of cheese. BelGioioso is known for its commitment to quality, using fresh, local milk and traditional cheesemaking methods.
This commitment is evident in their practice of processing milk into cheese on the same day it is collected from local farms to ensure freshness and flavor. BelGioioso has been recognized widely in the cheese industry, receiving numerous awards from prestigious competitions like the World Cheese Championship and the American Cheese Society.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2000
BEST Belgioioso Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Parish Hill Creamery Cheeses
Jasper Hill Farm is a cheese producer located in Greensboro, Vermont. The company specializes in creating high-quality cheeses with a focus on local production and sustainable agricultural practices. Jasper Hill provides aging and affinage services and develops cheeses that showcase the dairy culture of Vermont.
They work closely with small local dairies to produce a variety of cheeses, incorporating unique aging environments to enhance flavor and texture.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses
Best American Raw Milk Cheeses
Calderwood is a unique variety of aged cheese crafted by Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm. It is made from raw cow's milk and is known for its complex, nutty flavor profile. The cheese is notable for being coated in hay, a traditional method that imparts a distinctive aroma and taste.
This type of aging process results in a firm texture and evolves flavors as the cheese matures. Calderwood has been recognized in various cheese competitions, further establishing its reputation among connoisseurs.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2018
Humble is a cheese produced by Parish Hill Creamery, located in Vermont. This artisanal cheese is known for its unique and complex flavors, which result from traditional cheesemaking techniques. Parish Hill Creamery focuses on using raw milk from grass-fed cows, ensuring high-quality and flavorful products.
Humble typically has a semi-soft texture and a rich, creamy taste that is slightly tangy, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese is a product made by BelGioioso Cheese. This cheese is crafted using traditional Italian recipes and high-quality milk. It is conveniently packaged for on-the-go consumption, providing a fresh and mild flavor that is ideal for snacking.
Each piece of cheese is individually wrapped to ensure freshness and portability, making it a popular choice for a quick and nutritious snack.
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018
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