Best Midwestern American Bloomy Rind Cheese Types
Woolly Rind is an American cheese hailing from Missouri, where it's produced by Green Dirt Farm. This camembert-style cheese is made from pasteurized sheep's milk. Underneath its bloomy rind that's sometimes mottled by blue, orange, or tan marks, the texture is semi-soft, creamy, and firm, but it becomes runny at room temperature.
When young, the aromas are intense, while the flavors are grassy and lactic. With age, the aroma becomes grassy, while the flavors become buttery and mushroomy. There's also a smaller version of the cheese called Wee Woolly. It's recommended to pair the cheese with Lillet or Pastis.
THE BEST Woolly Rind Cheeses
Dirt Lover is an American cheese produced in Missouri by Green Dirt Farm. The cheese is made from pasteurized sheep's milk, in the style of French ash-coated cheeses such as Valençay and Selles-sur-Cher. Underneath its ash-coated bloomy rind it has a creamy, dense, and firm texture.
When cut, the layer of ash is clearly visible underneath the rind, which is the reason why the cheese is called Dirt Lover. Its aromas are earthy, while the flavors range from buttery, lemony, and mushroomy when young to earthy and beefy when aged.
The maturation lasts for a minimum of 2 weeks, while the aged ones are left to mature for 6 to 8 weeks when the consistency of the paste becomes similar to that of butter.
Pair with
Bridgewater is an American cheese hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it's produced by Zingerman's Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and peppercorns. It's aged from 2 to 10 weeks in cellars. Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture is soft, buttery, and creamy.
The aromas are spicy and mushroomy, while the flavors are spicy, citrusy, and mushroomy, with a peppery finish. It's recommended to serve it with blueberry jam and crackers or use it in various sauces. Pair it with a glass of hard cider.
Morcella is an American cheese hailing from Minnesota. The cheese is made from sheep's milk and it's speckled with local morel mushrooms. Made only with spring and summer milk and available in September, this soft-ripened cheese is distinguished by its creamy texture and strong aromas.
The mottled bloomy rind hides the creamy, tender, and earthy flavors of the paste. This unique cheese is produced by Shepherd's Way Farms. Due to the fact that Morcella is easily overwhelmed by strong flavors, it's recommended to serve it simply with crusty bread.
Pair with
Miette is an American cheese hailing from Bloomsdale, Missouri, where it's produced by Baetje Farms. The cheese is made from a mix of pasteurized goat's and sheep's milk and it's aged for 2 weeks before consumption. Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture is slightly runny and creamy, similar to a baked cheesecake.
The aromas are barnyardy, while the flavors are sweet, mushroomy, and yeasty. This delicate French-inspired cheese is usually shaped into small buttons.
Hidden Falls is an American brie-style cheese hailing from Minnesota, where it's produced by Shepherd's Way Farms. The cheese is made from a combination of pasteurized cow's and sheep's milk. Underneath its delicate bloomy rind, the texture is creamy, springy, and buttery.
The aromas are milky, clean, woody, and mushroomy, while the flavors are creamy, floral, and citrusy, with a mushroomy and earthy finish. It's recommended to serve Hidden Falls on a cheeseboard or eat it with bagels and crackers. Pairing recommendations include sparkling wines or the crisp and acidic Chenin Blanc.
Pair with
Piper's Pyramide is an American cheese hailing from Indiana. The cheese is made from goat's milk and it's modeled after the French Valencay cheese. It's left to age in caves for about 3 weeks. Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture is dense, fluffy, and creamy, with a small coating of paprika under the rind.
The aromas are musty and milky, while the flavors are milky, sweet, and buttery. It's recommended to pair Piper's Pyramide with light and crisp white wines or sparkling wines. The cheese is named after Capriole founder Judy Schad's granddaughter Piper.
Pair with
THE BEST Piper's Pyramide Cheeses
Detroit Street Brick is an American cheese hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it's produced by Zingerman's Creamery. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and cracked green peppercorns. It's typically left to age from 2 to 5 weeks.
Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture is soft, dense, and crumbly. The aromas are spicy and earthy, while the flavors are savory, bright, spicy, tangy, and lemony. It's recommended to pair Detroit Street Brick with a glass of Sancerre and serve it sliced or melt it over burgers.
Pair with
Old Kentucky Tomme is an American cheese hailing from Indiana. This cross between a Tomme du Savoie and Jack cheese is made from raw goat's milk and it's left to mature from 4 to 8 months. Underneath its bloomy natural rind, the texture is creamy and buttery.
The aromas are rich and goaty, while the flavors are smooth and buttery, with mushroomy and cellar-like notes. The cheese melts well and it's recommended to serve it with grilled apples.
Blue Earth is an American brie-style cheese hailing from Mankato, Minnesota. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. Underneath its bloomy rind, the texture is smooth, runny, creamy, and soft. The flavors are bright, buttery, and grassy, reflecting the fertile soil on which the cows graze.
Before consumption, the cheese should be unwrapped and allowed to come to room temperature. It's recommended to pair Blue Earth with slices of crusty bread, green salads, berries, and chocolate.
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