Best New York Cow's Milk Cheese Types
Pimento cheese is a combination of grated cheddar, pimento peppers, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings or special ingredients that vary regionally. Although pimento cheese is nowadays a staple of the American South, some claim that it actually got its start in New York when cream cheese was first starting to be made by mixing cream with Neufchatel curd.
At the same time, red peppers that were imported from Spain started to become available in the Americas, and it was just a matter of time before these two ingredients were combined. Nowadays, pimento cheese is usually served as a spread on crackers, tortilla chips, and hamburgers, but sandwiches with pimento cheese are especially popular.
Roasted Garlic Cheddar is an American cheese produced in New York by Muranda Cheese Company. This semi-hard artisan cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's infused with roasted garlic, hence the name. The cheese also often contains spices such as chives and parsley.
Underneath its natural rind, the texture is crumbly. The aromas are strong, while the flavors are full, sharp, intense, and garlicky. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of dry Riesling.
Pair with
Fiesta Cheddar is an American cheese hailing from New York. This Cheddar is made from raw cow's milk and it's infused with taco seasonings. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 60 days. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard and crumbly.
The aromas are slightly spicy, and the flavors are sharp and spicy. It's recommended to serve Fiesta Cheddar with crackers or quesadillas. Pair it with a glass of white wine on the side.
Pair with
Kefir Blue is an American blue cheese hailing from New York. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk as a combination of creamy and sharp Roquefort and live kefir cultures. Underneath its waxed rind, the texture is crumbly, with blue veining running throughout the paste.
The flavors are nutty, sharp, tangy, and creamy. Kefir Blue is aged in caves. It's recommended to use it in dips and sauces or crumble it over salads.
Bel Ceillo is an American cheese hailing from Waterloo, New York, where it's produced by Muranda Cheese Company. The cheese is an Italian-style blend of Provolone and Asiago, made from cow's milk. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is crumbly, creamy, and semi-hard.
The aromas are pungent, while the flavor is sharp. It's recommended to serve Bel Ceillo as an appetizer or a replacement for parmesan cheese. Pair it with a glass of bold red wine for the best experience.
Scallion Onion Cheddar is an American cheddar cheese hailing from New York, where it's produced by Muranda Cheese Company. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's infused with scallions. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard and crumbly.
The aromas are strong, while the flavors are rich, full, and slightly spicy. It's recommended to serve Scallion Onion Cheddar for breakfast, accompanied by eggs or a quiche. For the best experience, pair it with a glass of dry red wine.
Pair with
Peekskill Pyramid is an American cheese hailing from Peekskill, New York, where it's produced by cheesemaker Jonathan White. This rindless brie-style cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's shaped into a pyramid. The texture is soft and creamy, the aromas are rich, and the flavors are sweet, buttery, and sour.
It's recommended to pair Peekskill Pyramid with a glass of white wine on the side.
Moonlight Chaource is an American cheese hailing from New York, where it's produced by Chaseholm Farm. The cheese is made from cow's milk and it's aged from 4 to 6 weeks before consumption. Underneath its ash-coated bloomy rind, the texture is soft and dense, yet firm as it ripens from the outside.
The aromas are rich and sweet, while the flavors are tart and savory. It's recommended to pair Moonlight Chaource with crisp whites and buttery Chardonnays. Serve it with honey and dark berries for the best experience.
Muranda Blue is an American cheese hailing from New York, where it's produced by Muranda Cheese Company. This blue cheese is made from cow's milk and it's usually left to age for 2 months before consumption. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard and crumbly, with blue veins running throughout the paste.
The aromas are intense, while the flavors are sharp, salty, and strong. It's recommended to pair Muranda Blue with a glass of full-bodied red wine on the side.
Checkerboard Cheddar is an American cheddar cheese hailing from New York, where it's produced by Muranda Cheese Company. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk with the addition of cracked peppercorns and sun-dried tomatoes. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard and crumbly.
The aromas are pleasant, while the flavors are sweet, tangy, and sharp. It's recommended to serve Checkerboard Cheddar on a cheese board or use it in homemade macaroni and cheese.
Best New York Cow's Milk Cheese Producers
Lively Run Dairy is a family-operated cheese producer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. They focus on crafting artisanal cheeses, including goat and cow milk cheeses. The dairy farm has a commitment to sustainable agriculture and practices cheese production that supports local farming communities.
They offer a variety of cheese types, including their popular blue cheese and chevre. Lively Run Dairy also provides educational tours and cheese tastings at their facility.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2022, 2019, 2017
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Lively Run Dairy Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
BEST McGrath Cheese Company Cheeses
Best New York Cow's Milk Cheeses
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
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