Best Semi-soft Cheese Types in the World
Serra da Estrela is a semi-soft cheese made from the milk of Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds of sheep. Milking is done by hand, after which the milk is heated, salted, and curdled using thistle extract.
The curd is formed into cheeses, which are left to ripen in humid and cold conditions. The cheese has a creamy, semi-soft interior that is yellowish-white in color, while its flavor is clean, sweet, and slightly sour. This cheese is Portugal's oldest, most traditional food product with international acclaim.
Pair with
Azeitão is a semi-soft cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk. The origins of this cheese date back to the 19th century, when Gaspar Henriques de Paiva emigrated to the town of Azeitão. Out of nostalgia for his place of birth, he imported black dairy sheep from his home town to Azeitão and brought cheesemakers from Beira Baixa to make cheeses.
De Paiva's Azeitão cheeses quickly became famous throughout Portugal, winning several awards at agricultural fairs. The milk for this cheese is taken from sheep that graze on natural vegetation in the pastures of Azeitão. The sheep are milked manually, and the milk is mixed with the extract of a local variety of thistle to start the curdling process instead of animal rennet, meaning the cheese is 100% vegetarian.
Pair with
Reblochon is a semi-hard, pressed cheese with a weight of about 500 grams, made from unpasteurized cow's milk that must ripen for at least 15 days in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France. According to an old tale, it exists because a farmer made the milk into cheese to hide a part of his milk production in order to lower his "milk taxes" that he paid to the pasture's owners.
Reblochon has a yellow to orange rind with an ivory body inside. Its rind is edible, and the taste of the cheese is nutty and slightly fruity. The smell is intense and reminiscent of cellars in which it has matured. It melts well and tastes great on baked potatoes.
THE BEST Reblochon Cheeses
Back in the 15th century, when Pecorino production used to begin in spring, this Tuscan delicacy was called Cacio Marzolino, meaning March cheese. Nowadays, Pecorino Toscano is also produced in Lazio and Umbria, Tuscany's neighboring regions, and available year-round as either Fresco (fresh) or Stagionato (matured for at least 4 months).
This soft to semi-hard cheese is made with whole milk from sheep feasting on pastures nestled between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Compared to other varieties of Pecorino cheese, Toscano is only briefly salted and thus retains its delicate, sweet flavor.
This mild-flavored cow's milk cheese has a soft and creamy texture, a strong aroma, and a fruity flavor. Its thin rind ranges in color from rosy to orange, and as it ages, it might develop edible mold. Taleggio is made in square blocks and has a pungent aroma that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages.
Though it can be eaten on its own, due to its delightful melting properties, Taleggio is also used in cooking. Historically linked to the Alpine valley of Val Taleggio, from which it takes its name, Taleggio cheese has been around since Roman times.
THE BEST Taleggio Cheeses


Bocconcini is an Italian cheese originating from Campania. It is a mozzarella-type cheese that is roughly the size of an egg, made with water buffalo's milk or a combination of buffalo's and cow's milk. These rindless small balls are semi-soft, creamy, elastic and springy in texture, while the flavors are mild, buttery, and slightly sweet.
The name bocconcini means little bites in Italian, referring to the shape and form of the cheese. It is recommended to consume it fresh or use it on pizzas or vegetable-based dishes. Pair it with white wines.
Oaxacan cheese is a semi-soft white cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is characterized by its stringy texture. It has a savory, creamy, mild and buttery flavor, making it ideal for quesadillas, empanadas, and tlayudas. The cheese has great melting properties, which is the reason why it is often used in numerous baked dishes.
It is named after the Oaxaca state in southern Mexico, where it was first produced. The pasta filata cheesemaking process, originally from Italy, was brought to Mexico by Dominican friars that settled in the state of Oaxaca.
Pair with
THE BEST Oaxaca Cheese Cheeses

Don Froylan Creamery
Don Froylan Queso Oaxaca
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2022, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014

Don Froylan Creamery
Oaxaca Con Chipotle
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2023
Queijo de coalho is a traditional cow's milk cheese from the northeastern regions of Brazil. The cheese is characterized by its firm, yet elastic texture and a slightly yellow color. Coalho is often sold on sticks for roasting, because it can withstand high temperatures and does not melt easily.
Its flavor is salty and acidic, making it an ideal snack on numerous Brazilian beaches, where it is usually grilled and sprinkled with oregano.
Gorgonzola piccante is a traditional variety of Gorgonzola blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. Underneath its natural moldy rind, the texture is crumbly and compact, with blue veins running throughout the paste. The aromas are spicy and pungent, while the flavors are sharp, strong, intense, and creamy, unlike the Gorgonzola dolce version.
This piquant cheese is usually left to age for a minimum of 80 days. It's recommended to pair gorgonzola piccante with rum, port, or mead.
THE BEST Gorgonzola piccante Cheeses
Produced in the district of Beja in eastern Portugal, Serpa is a semi-soft sheep's milk cheese that's similar to Pecorino. Instead of animal rennet, Serpa is curdled using an extract made from a species of thistle that grows in the countryside of Alentejo.
The leaves of the plant are dried and soaked in water, and this liquid is added to the heated milk to begin the curdling process. The curd is placed into molds, and the molded cheeses are then gently wrapped in muslin cloth for further ripening. The rind of Serpa is thin and malleable, while the cheese's interior is semi-soft and yellowish-white in color.
Best Semi-soft Cheese Producers in the World
Rogue Creamery was founded in 1933 in Oregon, and has since become a recognized name in the cheese industry, specializing in organic, hand-crafted cheeses with a particular focus on blue cheeses. The creamery has maintained high standards of quality over the years and has built an outstanding reputation in the United States and worldwide.
Rogue Creamery is committed to sustainability, with its business model based on environmentally responsible practices. The creamery uses only milk from local farms that meet strict organic production standards. The milk used for their cheeses comes from farms that practice sustainable agricultural methods.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Rogue Creamery 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
Sartori Cheese is a brand specializing in the production of high-quality cheeses with a particular emphasis on artisanal and hand-crafted products. Founded in a small business in Wisconsin, Sartori quickly became known for its innovative production techniques and unique, rich flavors of cheese.
The brand offers a wide range of cheeses, including various types of hard cheeses as well as cheeses with added spices and herbs, enhancing every bite. Sartori is renowned for using the finest milk from local farms in its production process, creating cheeses that not only meet high taste standards but also provide a richness of textures and aromas that develop over time.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Village Maid Cheese, based in Riseley, England, was established by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. The company is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including the award-winning Wigmore, Waterloo, and Spenwood, which are all produced using traditional methods and milk from local farms committed to sustainability and animal welfare.
The cheese production at Village Maid emphasizes minimal changes to traditional methods over the years, focusing on handmade processes and environmental sustainability. For instance, they innovated by replacing disposable cheese cloths with a more sustainable alternative to reduce waste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Village Maid Cheese Cheeses
Cowgirl Creamery is a renowned artisanal cheese producer, founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in Petaluma, California. The company specializes in the production of organic cheeses, offering a wide range of hand-crafted cheeses that reflect their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Cowgirl Creamery prides itself on using milk from local farms in the Point Reyes area, known for its rich pastures. The use of locally sourced, organically grown milk gives their cheeses a unique character, depth of flavor, and a high level of quality.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024
BEST Cowgirl Creamery 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
Carr Valley Cheese is a family-owned cheese company located in Wisconsin, known for its traditional cheesemaking techniques passed down through generations. It produces a wide variety of cheeses, including artisanal and specialty cheeses, that have won numerous national and international awards.
The company operates multiple retail stores across Wisconsin.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

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

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
BEST Carr Valley Cheese Cheeses
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
Little Cheese Farm is a family-owned artisanal cheese producer located in Belgium. They focus on creating high-quality, handcrafted cheeses using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Their range of products includes a variety of cheeses made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, all crafted with a passion for sustainability and authenticity.
Known for their dedication to preserving the unique flavors of the region, Little Cheese Farm emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, delivering exceptional cheeses that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Belgium.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
BEST Little Cheese Farm Cheeses
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011
BEST Ruggles Hill Creamery Cheeses
Best Semi-soft Cheeses in the World
Smokey Blue is a unique artisan blue cheese produced by Rogue Creamery, an award-winning cheese producer based in Oregon, USA. This cheese is distinguished by its process of cold-smoking over Oregon hazelnut shells, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that complements the rich, creamy profile of the blue cheese.
Smokey Blue showcases a smooth yet crumbly texture, with flavors of hazelnuts, caramel, and a hint of sweetness that balances the sharpness of the blue mold. It is often celebrated for its versatility and can enhance the flavor profile of both savory and sweet dishes.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2009
Wigmore is a semi-soft cheese crafted by Village Maid Cheese, a company known for producing artisan cheeses. This particular cheese is made using pasteurized ewe's milk, which gives it a delicate and creamy texture. Wigmore has a gentle flavor that carries hints of floral and mushroom undertones, attributable to its aging process and the quality of milk used.
Its rind is washed and develops a light, bloomy appearance as it matures. Lovers of cheese often note Wigmore for its smooth and slightly sweet taste, making it a favorite among those who prefer milder cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Whitney is a type of cheese made by Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm. It is a semi-soft, Swiss-inspired cheese with a smooth and elastic texture. Whitney features a distinctive golden rind and is known for its nutty, buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness.
The cheese is crafted using cow's milk sourced from the farm's own herds, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. Whitney is typically aged for about 2 to 4 months in the farm's unique underground cellars, which provide ideal aging conditions.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
Pierce Point is a seasonal cheese produced by Cowgirl Creamery, typically available from late summer to early fall. It is a semi-soft, cow's milk cheese that is hand-picked at the creamery's Point Reyes location. The cheese is washed with a mixture of muscato wine and herbs, which imparts a distinct floral and herbal aroma.
The rind is typically coated with organic herbs and flowers, which not only adds to its aesthetics but also enhances the overall flavor profile. The cheese has a buttery and creamy texture with a delicate, savory tang.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2006
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2003
Semistagionato del Fiorini is an Italian cheese produced by Caseficio il Fiorino, a renowned dairy located in Tuscany. It is a semi-aged cheese, characterized by its firm yet somewhat creamy texture. The aging process for this cheese typically ranges between two to four months, allowing it to develop a balanced flavor profile that is both rich and nuanced.
The taste is often described as a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy notes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications, from cheese platters to cooked dishes.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Willoughby is a type of cheese produced by Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm. It is a semi-soft, pasteurized cow's milk cheese known for its creamy texture and distinctive flavor profile. Willoughby has a washed rind, which contributes to its savory and aromatic qualities.
The cheese generally exhibits notes of butter, herbs, and roasted meat, making it a unique offering in the world of artisanal cheeses. The aging process takes place in the cellars at Jasper Hill, where careful attention is given to developing its complex flavors.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2018

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2013
Double Doe cheese from Murray's Cheese is a unique and flavorful cheese. This semi-soft cheese features a distinctive layer of tangy goat cheese wrapped in a creamy cow's milk cheese, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The Double Dose cheese has a smooth, buttery mouthfeel, with earthy undertones and a hint of nuttiness.
It's perfect for cheese boards, pairing with fruits, or melting over dishes for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy it with crusty bread, crackers, or alongside your favorite wine for a delicious experience.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2014, 2004

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018
Wagon Wheel is a semi-soft, cow's milk cheese produced by Cowgirl Creamery. It has a mild and approachable flavor profile, making it suitable for a variety of culinary uses, from melting in sandwiches to serving on a cheese platter. The cheese has a wash-rind and typically exhibits a golden hue with a smooth, flexible texture.
Aging usually lasts around 3 to 6 months, during which the flavors develop a subtle complexity with hints of butter and grass. This cheese exemplifies Cowgirl Creamery’s commitment to artisanal and sustainable cheese-making practices.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023


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 Semi-soft Cheeses in the World” list until April 12, 2025, 10,527 ratings were recorded, of which 6,754 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.
You should try Mascarpone gorgonzola. Not well know outside italy but an incredible soft cheese.