The 25 Most Important Cheeses in America, According to Cheese Experts Unique, quintessentially American cheeses you need to track down and try immediately.

bonappetite ^

[mylife]

The phrase American cheese used to mean only one thing: that floppy, pale orange plastic-wrapped slice of processed perfection. But when I use the phrase American cheese now, that’s not what I’m talking about (save for this great grilled cheese recipe and the occasional hamburger). Instead, I’m referring to the incredible range of cheeses handcrafted in America—from young, tangy goat cheeses in Indiana to aged, nutty cow’s-milk cheese in Wisconsin; dessert-like blue cheeses from Oregon and complex, caramel-y clothbound cheddars from Vermont.

We’re living in a dairy renaissance, people! The golden age of American cheese! What a time to be alive!

But the cheese counter can be an intimidating place; good cheese does not come cheap. So I asked seven of the country’s leading cheese experts (see their bios at the end) to share what they think are the most important (and most delicious) cheeses that define American dairy today. Beyond just how good these cheeses taste, many of them also serve as models for responsible dairy farming and helping local communities.

While this list is a great starting point, don’t make it an ending point. Chat with your cheesemonger, find out what your nearby dairies are producing, and—best of all—always ask for samples. But, you know, then go buy something; think of your cheese purchase as not only supporting your desire to sit on the couch and eat cheese for dinner, but also as a way to support small businesses. Now that’s a cause I can get behind.

[mylife]

Some beautiful cheese here...

[PGR88]

Blessed are the cheesemakers!

[bagster]

The 25 Most Important Cheeses in America

Important Cheese?

The only important cheese I know, is the kind I cut myself.

#PotentCheese

[mylife]

I have a strong desire for bleu cheese at the moment.

[bk1000]

[Osage Orange]

I’m going on a cheese and wine tour before I croak.

[Track9]

Government cheese by far..

[billorites]

Rogue River Blue is often found in the supermarket here in New Hampshire. One of my favorites.

[Track9]

Lizzy warren knows all the in spots.

[mylife]

there is some good stuff put there.

[Track9]

Do they still start the blue fungal growth with horse urine?

[mylife]

don’t ignore the charcuterie

[Dr. Sivana]

[outofsalt]

"Chat with your cheesemonger"

I would, but my fishmonger would kill me.

[Osage Orange]

I cook sometimes Sous Vide.....so I know the term.

[mylife]

[mylife]

:)

[cherry]

Cougar Gold is about the best cheese ever made.....

and NYS has a variety of sharp cheddars that would rival any others....

as an aside, try smoking your own cheese....its wonderful yet easy...

[volunbeer]

The Cougar Gold is fantastic. Expensive, but it’s that good and they sell it all.

[mylife]

very easy