TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Cheese Types
Rauchkäse is a German smoked cheese that's typically made in Bavaria, but it's also popular throughout the country. The most famous variety is produced by Basils, named after a dairy entrepreneur Basil Weixler. The cheese is semi-soft and has a natural rind.
Its texture is dense, soft, and compact, while the aroma is smoky. The flavors are smoky, spicy, and salty, which is a result of smoking the cheese over Bavarian birch and spruce. Made from high-quality cow's milk, Rauchkäse is suitable for a variety of hot and cold dishes, and it's especially great for melting in au gratin or raclette dishes.
Bavaria Blu is a German blue cheese that was originally introduced to the market by Bergader in 1972. The cheese is handmade from high-quality pasteurized cow's milk coming from the Bavarian Alps. The rind is mold-ripened and the texture is soft and creamy.
The aromas are rich and intense, while the flavors are sharp, creamy, and strong. There are also other versions of this cheese such as Bavaria Blu Rich and Creamy and Bavaria Blu Fitness, with a lower fat content. It's recommended to pair Bavaria Blu with aromatic reds such as Lagrein or Dornfelder, or whites such as Silvaner or Riesling.
Pair with
Cambozola is an unusual German triple-cream cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is produced in the region of Allgäu since the early 1970s by Käserei Champignon, although it first appeared in the 1900s. This cross between Camembert and Gorgonzola (hence the name) has a bloomy rind that hides a creamy and smooth texture of the paste underneath.
On the exterior, grey mold is clearly visible, and on the inside, there are pockets of blue veins. The aroma is strong, while the flavors are sharp, nutty, and slightly sweet. It's recommended to pair Cambozola with a glass of Chardonnay and serve it with honey, crackers, and fruit.
THE BEST Cambozola Cheeses
Käserei Champignon Hofmeister
Cambozola Black Label
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class 2022, 2020, 2018
Allgäu mountain cheese is made with raw, silage-free and untreated cow milk from local dairies in the Bavarian Alps. Often called 'Emmentaler's baby brother', Allgäuer Bergkäse is made in the Allgäu Alps during the spring months, and after about 4 weeks it is brought down to the Allgäu valley where it is left to mature for at least 3-4 months.
It is classified as a hard cheese and, depending on its age, it has a mildly piquant flavor ranging from mellow with fruity and nutty notes in less mature varieties to more complex, pungent flavors when fully aged.
Pair with
THE BEST Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheeses
Emmentaler cheese originates from the Swiss Emmental Valley in the Bern canton. Originally, this 'King of the Mountain Cheeses' used to be produced as a pure mountain cheese only during the summer months. Today, Allgäu Emmentaler is available year round.
It is made with raw cow's milk, and thanks to the amazing flora of the Allgäu Alps, each cheese wheel develops its own distinctive flavor. Younger Emmentalers are quite mild and have a nutty finish, but as the cheese ages, the flavors and aromas become stronger and more refined.
Although romadur is nowadays considered a German cheese, some believe that it originated in Belgium and was brought over to Germany in the 1830s. Regardless of the origin, today it is considered a specialty of Bavaria. This soft cheese is made from raw cow’s milk, and it is usually shaped into small, rectangular logs.
During the aging period (anywhere from 8-10 days) it is regularly washed in salt water, a process that gives the cheese its characteristical reddish-brown rind. Romadur also has a strong, spicy aroma and a distinctive flavor that ranges from mild to slightly tangy.
Pair with
Bonifaz is a traditional cheese made from cow's milk in the Bavarian Alps. The cheese has a natural rind that hides a creamy and soft texture underneath. Due to the fact that there are many versions of the cheese, the flavors can range from creamy, mild, and milky to garlicky, mushroomy, spicy, and herbaceous.
Bonifaz is available in the following versions – garlic, garden herbs, chili, wild mushrooms, original, green pepper, and yogurt. It can be enjoyed on rustic bread, as a part of cheese platters, or it can be added to sauces, dressing, and salads.
Pair with
Bruder Basil is a traditional cheese hailing from Bavaria, where it was originally produced by Trappist monks. This smoked (rauchkäse-style, smoked over beech wood), semi-soft cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. Underneath its washed rind, the texture is smooth, creamy, and open with large irregular eyes distributed throughout the body.
The aromas are intense and smokey, while the flavors are mild, savory, and smokey. It's recommended to use Bruder Basil in raclette, sandwiches, or gratins. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a bottle of dark beer.
Also known as 'beer cheese', this piquant, salty, semi-soft sliced cow cheese is made using a traditional recipe from the Allgäu region in Germany. Weisslacker was first made during the Franco-Prussian War by the Kramer brothers in Wertach.
It is the first patented cheese in the world, and its name, German for 'white lacquer', derives from its bright white color. Connoisseurs throughout Germany often dip this cheese directly into the beer it is served with – it is too strong to be paired with most wines.
Weisslacker is a regular appearance on menus throughout southern Germany and the Czech Republic, and it is popularly served with pumpernickel or rye bread and radishes or Wurst.
Pair with
Chiriboga Blue is a semi-soft blue cheese hailing from Bad Oberdorf in the Bavarian Alps. It is produced by Arturo Chiriboga, an Ecuadorian native. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's usually left to age for a month or two before consumption.
This rindless cheese has a dense, smooth, creamy, and almost spreadable texture with light veining. The flavors are bright, tangy, creamy, and buttery. Pair it with a glass of Merlot or Riesling.
Pair with
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Cheese Producers
Käserei Champignon Hofmeister is a German cheese producer located in Bavaria. The company was established in 1908, and it specializes in producing soft cheeses, including the famous Cambozola, a blue-veined cheese that blends characteristics of Gorgonzola and Camembert.
Käserei Champignon Hofmeister uses traditional handcrafting techniques alongside modern technology to ensure the quality of their products. Their cheeses are made using milk from local farms, ensuring high freshness and quality standards.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2020, 2018, 2016
BEST Käserei Champignon Hofmeister Cheeses
Baldauf Käse is a cheese producer based in Germany, specifically known for producing Limburger cheese. The company was founded in 1862 and is located in the Allgäu region, an area traditionally recognized for its dairy products. Gebr. Baldauf GmbH & Co.
KG also offers a range of other cheeses, including Bergkäse and Weißlacker, and focuses on using traditional methods and regional milk.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2020
BEST Baldauf Käse Cheeses
Andechser Natur is a German organic dairy founded in 1908, based in Andechs, Bavaria, with over 100 years of tradition and commitment to sustainability. In 2009, the company fully transitioned to producing exclusively organic dairy products under the Andechser Natur brand.
Andechser Natur follows the philosophy of "leaving nature untouched," which means that only organically sourced ingredients are used in production. The product range of Andechser Natur includes around 150 organic dairy products, including yogurts, sour creams, cream, butter, cheeses, as well as goat milk products.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
BEST Andechser Natur Cheeses
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
BEST Bio-schaukaeserei Wiggensbach Cheeses
Hochland is a family-owned company specializing in cheese production, founded in 1927. Initially, Hochland started as a small regional cheese producer, but over time, it has grown into a major player in the European market. Today, the company produces high-quality cheeses that are available in supermarkets and stores across Europe, and it has an expanding presence in international markets.
The company specializes in producing a variety of cheeses, including processed cheeses, soft cheeses, and spreadable cheeses, with a constant focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.
BEST Hochland Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bavarian Cheeses
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Montagnolo Affiné is a soft, creamy blue cheese from Germany, known for its rich, indulgent flavor. The cheese is triple-cream, which gives it a luxurious, buttery texture that melts in the mouth. The blue veins provide a mild, tangy flavor, making it less sharp than typical blue cheeses.
The aging process enhances the complexity of its flavors, balancing earthy notes with a slight sweetness.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Cambozola is a semi-soft blue cheese that combines the creamy texture of a brie with the distinctive flavor of Gorgonzola. It is often characterized by its mild, slightly tangy taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. This cheese is aged longer than traditional brie, giving it a unique consistency and depth of flavor.
Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on a cheese platter, melted over dishes, or paired with fruits and wines.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2019
Global Cheese Awards - Best
2019
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Grand Noir, produced by Käserei Champignon Hofmeister in Germany, is a premium blue cheese encased in black wax. It is known for its intense, bold flavor and smooth, creamy texture. The cheese is aged for several months, developing a rich, tangy taste with earthy and nutty undertones.
The black wax rind helps preserve the cheese's moisture and enhances its distinctive characteristics. Grand Noir pairs well with fresh fruits, nuts, and robust wines.
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2018
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2016
Organic mountain flower cheese in slices is an artisanal cheese made by Andechser Natur, a renowned organic dairy producer based in Bavaria, Germany. This particular cheese is crafted from high-quality organic cow's milk sourced from the Alpine region, known for its lush, natural pastures.
The cheese is distinguished by its unique inclusion of a variety of mountain flowers and herbs, which are infused into the rind, imparting a distinct aromatic profile. It has a semi-hard texture and offers a slightly tangy yet creamy taste, complemented by floral and herbal notes.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
Roter Casanova is a cheese product made by Bio-Schaukaeserei Wiggensbach, a company based in Wiggensbach, Germany. This cheese is known for its distinctive red rind, which is achieved through the use of non-toxic, food-safe coloring agents. The cheese is organic, adhering to strict organic farming and production standards.
This ensures that no artificial additives or preservatives are used in the cheese-making process. The cheese has a creamy texture and a rich, complex flavor profile, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
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