Best American Cow's Milk Cheese Types
Muenster is an American imitation of the famous Munster cheese that's traditionally produced in France. This one is made from pasteurized cow's milk. Underneath its orange rind, the texture is smooth, supple, and elastic. This soft cheese has pungent aromas and savory flavors that range from mild to sharp.
Compared to the French Munster, Muenster is much milder and it's also sold younger than the French one. Muenster has great melting properties so it's often used in sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, burgers, and pizza. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of beer.
THE BEST Muenster Cheeses
American Provolone is an American type of Provolone cheese. The most famous Provolone cheeses are protected and come from Italy in two versions – dolce and piccante. The American version of provolone is unlike its Italian cousins – it’s usually aged for just two months, while the Italian piccante is usually aged for more than a year, and the dolce version is aged for at least 4 months before consumption.
American producers of provolone use non-animal enzymes, which can vary in flavor. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, and its texture is semi-soft and light. The flavor is very mellow, milky, and mild, and it’s typically recommended to use it in sandwiches and for cooking.
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
Pinconning is a traditional semi-hard American Colby-style cheese. It's named after Pinconning, Michigan, where it was first created by Dan Horn in 1915. The cheese is aged up to 120 months, giving Pinconning a special savory flavor. It's made from cow's milk and it's available in mild, medium mild, medium sharp, sharp, extra sharp, and super sharp (more than 7 years!) varieties.
The texture changes with aging, but it's usually creamy, rich, and open. It's recommended to use it in dishes such as mac & cheese and soufflés.
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.
Colby Jack or Cojack is an American cheese originating from Wisconsin. The cheese is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack. It has a semi-soft, smooth texture and an appealing marbled visual appearance. Its flavor ranges from mild and sweet to sharp and tangy.
Colby Jack is usually used in omelets, sandwiches, sauces, and soups, and it is recommended to serve it with baked potatoes, pears, apples, and steamed vegetables. Due to its good melting properties, it is also used in casseroles and with nachos.
THE BEST Colby Jack Cheeses

Monterey Jack is an American cheese made from cow's milk. It originates from Monterey in California, where it was first made by Spanish missionaries under the name queso blanco pais, but it was later taken from them by David Jack, who bought nearly all of Monterey in 1859 and renamed the cheese to Jack's Cheese, soon to be called Monterey Jack's Cheese.
Historical shenanigans aside, this semi-hard cheese has a firm, open, supple, and compact texture and a natural rind. It is pale yellow in color, while the flavors are mild and buttery. Monterey Jack also melts exceptionally well. It has a few subvarieties, such as Dry Jack and Pepper Jack.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Monterey Jack
THE BEST Monterey Jack Cheeses

Rumiano Cheese Company
Monterey Jack
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2010
Joseph Farms Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2024

Cabot Creamery
Cabot Monterey Jack
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2024, 2014, 2004

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
Point Reyes Bay Blue is an American cheese hailing from California. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's left to age for 90 days. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is crumbly and creamy with blue-green veining running throughout the paste.
The aromas are strong and earthy, while the flavors are creamy, sweet, mushroomy, salty, and buttery, with hints of caramel at the finish. It's recommended to pair Point Reyes Bay Blue with toasted nuts or grilled peaches. The cheese also melts well, so it's often used in risottos and pasta dishes or on steaks and burgers.
Pepper Jack is an American cheese produced in Monterey, California. This popular variety of Monterey Jack cheese is flavored with jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick. It's made from cow's milk and has a natural rind that hides a creamy, smooth, and open texture.
The aromas are herbal, while the flavors are sharp, spicy, and buttery. The cheese has a high moisture content and melts easily. Pepper Jack is often used to add flavor to sandwiches, pizza, omelets, and casseroles. It's also recommended to use it in Mexican-style dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and nachos.
THE BEST Pepper Jack Cheeses

Tillamook County Creamery
Pepper Jack
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2014

Cabot Creamery
Cabot Pepper Jack Shingled Slices
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class 2024, 2022
Best American Cow's Milk Cheese Producers
Uplands Cheese located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is renowned for its artisanal cheese production, particularly the Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Rush Creek Reserve. The company operates on a dairy farm that has been milking cows for over a century. The farm is uniquely situated on Pleasant Ridge in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin, which is ideal for the diverse range of grasses that contribute to the high-quality milk produced by their cows.
The farm is managed with a focus on sustainable, seasonal, and pasture-based systems. This approach includes rotational grazing, which ensures fresh pasture for the cows daily, contributing to the exceptional flavors of their milk. The company's commitment to traditional cheesemaking methods, combined with innovative approaches to enhance the unique flavors of their farm, has established Uplands Cheese as a leading example of artisanal cheesemaking in the U.S..
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2005, 2001

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2016
BEST Uplands Cheese Cheeses
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
Beecher's Handmade Cheese, established in 2003, is renowned for its artisanal cheesemaking in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company was founded by Kurt Beecher Dammeier and quickly became known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, producing cheese free from artificial preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Beecher's is particularly famous for its Flagship cheese, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese noted for its robust, nutty flavor that is carefully aged for 15 months to develop its complex character. Beecher's operates transparently with a glass-walled facility that allows visitors to watch the cheesemaking process, emphasizing educational outreach and community engagement.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Beecher's Handmade Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000
BEST Roth Käse Cheeses
Beehive Cheese is a cheese producer based in Utah, specifically in Uintah. The company, founded in 2005 by brothers-in-law Tim Welsh and Pat Ford, specializes in crafting artisanal cheeses. They are particularly known for their unique cheese varieties like Barely Buzzed, which is a cheese hand-rubbed with a mix of coffee and lavender.
Beehive Cheese focuses on using high-quality ingredients and creating distinctive flavor profiles.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Beehive Cheese Cheeses
Fiscalini Cheese Company is a family-owned dairy farm and cheese producer located in Modesto, California. The company specializes in handmade cheeses crafted using traditional techniques. They are known for their award-winning Bandage Wrapped Cheddar, which has achieved international recognition.
Fiscalini Cheese Company operates with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibly, utilizing renewable energy and recycling water for irrigation on their farm.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002
BEST Fiscalini Cheese Company Cheeses
Bellwether Farms, located in Petaluma, California, is a family-owned creamery that produces a variety of artisan cheeses and dairy products. They are known for using traditional methods and primarily sheep's milk, along with cow's milk, to create their products.
Bellwether Farms also offers a line of yogurts alongside their cheeses.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003
BEST Bellwether Farms 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
Originally focused on making artisanal cheese and butter, the company has become well-known for its high-quality dairy products, including goat cheese, cultured butter, and crème fraîche. Vermont Creamery sources its milk from local family farms, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices.
The creamery has been a pioneer in the American artisan cheese industry and was acquired by Land O'Lakes in 2017, a move that helped it expand its reach and continue its growth.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2010

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Vermont Creamery Cheeses
Best American Cow's Milk Cheeses
Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is an acclaimed Alpine-style cheese crafted exclusively from the summer milk of grass-fed cows. Its unique taste profile includes a rich and salty flavor with a fruity finish, which develops through a natural, washed rind process.
This cheese is particularly notable for being the most awarded in American history, having won the American Cheese Society’s Best of Show three times and the U.S. Cheese Championships in 2003.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2005, 2001

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Marco Polo Reserve from Beecher's Handmade Cheese is a unique cheese that incorporates both green and black cracked peppercorns, adding a distinct peppery zest to its profile. This cheese is traditionally cloth-bound and aged in open air, which intensifies its flavor by reducing moisture and enhancing its salty and rich notes.
The texture is slightly crumbly due to the aging process, and it has a robust flavor that combines nutty, earthy tones with a tangy finish. Marco Polo Reserve has been recognized in several cheese competitions, winning awards at both the American Cheese Society and the World Cheese Awards, affirming its high quality and distinctive taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2020, 2010

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2019, 2014, 2011, 2008

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018
Gran Queso is a cheese crafted by Roth Käse, a renowned cheesemaker based in Wisconsin. Inspired by the Spanish Manchego, it is however distinctly original, being made entirely from cow's milk. Aged for a minimum of six months, Gran Queso boasts a firm texture and a rich, sweet profile with hints of nuttiness.
The rind of the cheese is rubbed with a blend of spices, including cinnamon and paprika, which adds an additional layer of flavor, distinguishing it further from its Spanish inspiration. Gran Queso has received accolades in cheese competitions, underscoring its quality and appeal.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
Mad River Blue, made by von Trapp Farmstead, is a cheese known for its robust and creamy profile. It is a blue cheese, meaning it is characterized by the presence of Penicillium mold, which gives it its distinctive blue veining. The texture is typically smooth and dense, often enjoyed both as a part of cheese boards and in culinary applications where a strong blue cheese is desired.
Made in Vermont, this cheese is crafted with care, reflecting the von Trapp family's commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Barely Buzzed is an artisan cheese crafted by Beehive Cheese, characterized by its unique rind that is rubbed with a blend of espresso and lavender. This blend infuses the cheese with a distinctive aroma and complex flavor profile that juxtaposes the subtle floral notes of lavender with the deep, robust tones of espresso.
The cheese itself is made from the milk of local Jersey cows in Utah, ensuring a creamy, rich texture. Barely Buzzed has received acclaim for its innovative flavor combination and has garnered awards, solidifying its reputation as a standout product in the artisanal cheese community.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007
The Bandage Wrap Cheddar produced by Fiscalini Cheese Company is a premium cheese that is characterized by its traditional cloth-wrapped aging process. This technique allows the cheddar to develop a unique, complex flavor profile with nutty and earthy undertones, accented by hints of caramel.
The aging process also contributes to its firm yet crumbly texture, which makes it an excellent choice for cheese boards or gourmet recipes.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2012, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002
Red Hawk is a triple-cream, washed-rind, fully organic cheese produced by Cowgirl Creamery. This distinctive cheese is known for its robust flavor, which is a result of being washed with a brine solution that promotes the growth of a bacteria-laden rind, giving Red Hawk its characteristic pungency and deep, complex flavor profile.
The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, gathered locally from the Straus Family Dairy in the Marin County region of California, ensuring high freshness and quality. s.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2009, 2003
Crème Fraiche made by Bellwether Farms is a rich and creamy cultured cream with a slightly tangy flavor. It is known for its high butterfat content and smooth texture, making it ideal for both savory and sweet culinary applications. This product is often used in soups, sauces, and desserts to add a luxurious, velvety consistency.
Bellwether Farms prides itself on using milk from pasture-raised cows, contributing to the quality and taste of their Crème Fraiche. The product is typically available in various sizes to suit different cooking needs.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2010, 2004, 2003










TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 American Cow's Milk Cheeses” list until February 28, 2025, 1,231 ratings were recorded, of which 1,133 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.