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.
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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.
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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
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.
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
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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.
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THE BEST Oaxaca Cheese Cheeses
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Don Froylan Creamery
Don Froylan Queso Oaxaca
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2022, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
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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
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
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World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
BEST Little Cheese Farm 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
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Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2019
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2020, 2018, 2016
BEST Käserei Champignon Hofmeister Cheeses
Village Maid Cheese, based in Reading, 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
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
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Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
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Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Village Maid Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
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Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2018, 2016, 2014
BEST Hidden Springs Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011
BEST Ruggles Hill Creamery Cheeses
Grupo Ganaderos is a cheese producer based in Fuerteventura, one of Spain's Canary Islands. The company specializes in producing cheese from goat and sheep milk, utilizing traditional methods combined with modern technology. Their products include a variety of cheeses, such as the Majorero cheese, which is protected under a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status.
The company also focuses on sustainable farming practices.
AWARDS
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2021
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World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2018
BEST Grupo Ganaderos Cheeses
Gourmino, based in Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland, is a cooperative formed by a group of Swiss Alpine dairies specializing in the production of Emmental cheese. This producer focuses on traditional cheese-making methods, aging their cheese in natural cave cellars.
Gourmino also plays a significant role in supporting local dairy farmers by providing a stable outlet for their milk, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and quality in their cheese production processes.
AWARDS
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2012
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World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Gourmino 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
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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
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
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World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses
Green Dirt Farm is located in Weston, Missouri, and specializes in producing sheep's milk cheeses and other dairy products. They are dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices and emphasize the importance of soil health and pasture-raised animals in their production process.
Green Dirt Farm offers a variety of cheeses, including both fresh and aged types, crafted using milk from their own flock of sheep.
AWARDS
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2009
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Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2018
BEST Green Dirt Farm Cheeses
Best Semi-soft Cheeses in the World
Maigre Des Flandres is a traditional Belgian cheese renowned for its rich flavor and unique texture. Originating from the Flanders region, this cheese is typically made from cow's milk and is characterized by its semi-soft consistency. The cheese has a pale yellow rind, which is often natural and slightly wrinkled, and a creamy, smooth interior that melts in the mouth.
Its flavor profile is pleasantly mild with subtle nutty and buttery notes, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
AWARDS
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
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World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
AWARDS
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Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
Leelanau Raclette is an artisan cheese produced by Leelanau Cheese Company, located in Suttons Bay, Michigan. This cheese is crafted using traditional Swiss methods, yielding a semi-soft texture with a nutty and slightly tangy flavor profile. It melts exceptionally well, making it ideal for the Swiss dish raclette, where the cheese is melted and scraped over vegetables, meats, or bread.
The cheesemakers at Leelanau carefully age the Raclette to develop its characteristic aroma and taste, ensuring a high-quality product that stands out in the American artisan cheese market.
AWARDS
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2006
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
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2009
Russet Squire is a cider-washed, semi-soft cheese crafted by the artisan cheesemakers at Curds & Croust. The cheese is known for its distinctive aroma and rich, complex flavor profile. It features a creamy texture that makes it a delightful addition to any cheese board.
The washing process, using cider, gives the cheese a unique, slightly tangy taste and enhances its depth of flavor, making it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
AWARDS
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Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2018
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Global Cheese Awards - Champion
2018
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Global Cheese Awards - Best
2018
Maxorata Curado Al Pimentón Majorero DOP is a distinguished semi-soft goat's milk cheese from Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain. This cheese is recognized for its unique flavor, which combines the creamy, rich notes of Majorero goat's milk with a smoky, spicy layer of Spanish paprika on the rind.
It is aged for a minimum of four months, enhancing its complexity and taste.
AWARDS
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
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
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Marieke Gouda Reserve made by Marieke Gouda is a premium cheese crafted by Marieke Penterman, a Dutch native who has brought traditional Dutch cheesemaking to the United States. This particular variety is aged for over three years, allowing it to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
Its texture is typically dense and crumbly, with a deep golden color and caramel-like undertones that are characteristic of well-aged Gouda. Marieke Gouda has gained a reputation for its high-quality products, often winning awards and accolades in various cheese competitions.
AWARDS
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
AWARDS
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International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
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
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American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
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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 March 02, 2025, 10,403 ratings were recorded, of which 6,648 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.