TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best German 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
This soft cheese is produced between Saxony and Thuringia in Germany. Although the name suggests differently, Altenburger Ziegenkäse is not a pure goat's cheese – it is made with cow's milk and a small amount of goat's milk flavored with caraway.
The cheese is coated with white mold and resembles Camembert. It has a relatively mild taste, becoming more aromatic and piquant as it matures. For a hearty snack, Altenburger Ziegenkäse is typically served on bread with pickled vegetables.
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.
Butterkäse is a semi-soft German cheese made from cow's milk. Its texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavors are mild and buttery, hence the name. The cheese ripens for one month and develops a natural golden rind. It also melts exceptionally well, which is the reason why it's used in some pretty good stuff such as grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, omelets, and burgers.
If you can, pair it with a glass of ice cold beer on the side.
Characterized by its pungent smell, Limburger is a semi-soft, smear-ripened cheese made from cow’s milk. It was first produced in the 19th century by Trappist monks in the Duchy of Limburg, which is nowadays divided between Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Today, most of Limburger cheese is produced in Germany. It has a straw-colored washed rind, while the flavor can best be described as mild, grassy, and reminiscent of mushrooms. The texture changes as it ripens – in the beginning, it is crumbly and firm, but after six weeks it becomes smooth and creamy.
Edelpilz is a German blue cheese that's often compared with Danish Blue Cheese (Danablu). The cheese is made from cow's milk and has a fat content of 22%. The rind is soft, and underneath it the texture is semi-soft and creamy.
The aromas and flavors are strong, savory, and slightly spicy. Edelpilz is great for melting over au gratin dishes or as a stuffing for fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as sauces and dressings. It's recommended to pair it with robust red wines such as Dornfelder or white wines with residual sweetness such as Pinot Gris from Alsace.
Pair with
This semi-hard cheese is produced from either raw or pasteurized cow’s milk. It is shaped into a wheel or a loaf with a thin, yellow-brown rind, and it can only be spiced with caraway. The body of the cheese is light-yellow in color, while its texture is supple and springy and features eyes and cracks.
Depending on the aging, the flavor of the cheese ranges from mild and aromatic to sharp and spicy. The production of Holsteiner Tilsiter started in the late 19th century in the Schleswig-Holstein region, and all steps in the production process must take place in the same geographical area.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best German 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
Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz is a cheese producer located in Germany, specializing in organic cheeses made from raw milk. The company is situated in Oster-Ohrstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, and operates with a focus on sustainability and natural cheese production methods.
They offer a variety of cheeses, including both cow's milk and goat's milk options, manufactured under strict organic standards.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005
BEST Willamette Valley Cheese Cheeses
Meierei Barmstedt is one of the leading dairy cooperatives in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, headquartered in the town of Barmstedt. Founded as a cooperative, this dairy brings together numerous regional milk producers and is dedicated to processing high-quality raw milk into a wide range of dairy products.
Their product portfolio includes both classic and specialty cheeses. Special emphasis is placed on quality, sustainability, and the regional origin of raw materials, with strict adherence to safety and freshness standards. Their commitment to the local community, modern technologies, and traditional values makes them a reliable partner on both the national and international markets.
BEST Meierei Barmstedt Cheeses
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
BEST Käserei Monte Ziego Dairy Products
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2013
London IOOC - Gold
2022, 2021
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
BEST Jordan Olivenoel Olive Oils
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
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Molkerei Söbbeke 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best German Cheeses
AWARDS
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Michel is a type of cheese produced by Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz, a German dairy farm known for its organic, raw milk cheeses. The cheese is typically made from cow's milk, produced with traditional craftsmanship, and reflects the farm's dedication to high-quality dairy products.
Michel is known for its robust, nutty flavors, and is often described as having a creamy texture with a complex taste that develops as it ages.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
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
Perrydale is a cheese produced by Willamette Valley Cheese, a well-regarded artisan cheese company located in Oregon. This cheese is known for its distinctive flavor, often described as a balance between sweet and tangy profile. It typically has a creamy texture, which makes it versatile for various culinary uses, from cheese boards to melting over dishes.
Willamette Valley Cheese prides itself on using high-quality milk sourced from local dairies that practice sustainable farming, contributing to the rich flavor and quality of their cheeses.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010, 2009, 2007
Söbbeke Uriger Hannes is a product made by Molkerei Söbbeke GmbH, a German dairy company known for its organic and high-quality dairy products. This cheese is characterized by its robust flavor and premium quality, coming from carefully selected organic milk.
Molkerei Söbbeke GmbH focuses on sustainable practices, ensuring that all of its products, including Söbbeke Uriger Hannes, adhere to strict organic standards to provide consumers with healthy and environmentally friendly options.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
Deichkäse Gold is a cheese product made by Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz. This company is known for producing high-quality artisan cheeses using raw milk. Backensholz specializes in creating unique cheeses that reflect the terroir of their production area in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
The cheese-makers are dedicated to traditional methods and sustainability, often sourcing milk from their own herd of cows. "Deichkäse" suggests that the cheese is influenced by its coastal origins, likely benefiting from the salty air and rich pastures near the dykes. "Gold" indicates that this variant of Deichkäse may have a special aging process or particular richness to its flavor profile that sets it apart from other cheeses in the Deichkäse line.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Großer Deichkäse 12 Monate is a cheese produced by Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz. This cheese is crafted from raw milk and is aged for 12 months to develop its distinctive flavor profile. The aging process allows it to achieve a firm texture and a rich, complex taste that includes notes of nuttiness and a hint of sweetness.
It is often enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or used in gourmet recipes.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021
Cumin Gouda made by Willamette Valley Cheese is a Dutch-inspired cheese that combines the creamy texture of traditional Gouda with the aromatic and slightly peppery flavor of cumin seeds. The cumin seeds are evenly incorporated into the cheese, providing a beautiful contrast to the mild and nutty base.
The cheese is aged to develop a balanced profile that enhances its rich and multifaceted taste. This product is handmade in Oregon, reflecting the company's commitment to artisanal cheese-making practices using high-quality, locally sourced milk.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2006, 2005
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
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