Semi-Hard Cheeses
Filters
Abondance
Abondance is a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese from the Haute-Savoie department of France, named after the commune where it is made. A wheel weighs about 10 kg (22 lb), and the cheese has held AOC status since 1990.
Asiago
Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.
Batzos
Batzos is a Greek brined cheese made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a mixture of the two. It is rindless, semi-hard to hard, full of irregular holes, and salty with a slightly piquant edge. It has held EU PDO status since 1996.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
Gouda
Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.
Idiazabal
Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
Sfela
Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese dishes.
Spressa delle Giudicarie
Spressa delle Giudicarie is a cow's milk cheese from Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy, made from milk left over after buttermaking. It has a brown crust and a pale, lightly holed interior, and it is usually eaten young.
Stelvio
Stelvio, known in German as Stilfser, is a protected designation of origin cow's milk cheese from the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in northern Italy. It is known for its yellow to orange-brown rind, springy pale yellow paste, and pronounced, sometimes sharp taste.
Abbaye de Belloc
Abbaye de Belloc is a semi-hard cheese from the Pays Basque in the French Pyrenees, made from unpasteurized Manech ewe milk and aged 6 weeks to 6 months. It is known for a nutty, caramelized flavor and a lanolin aroma.
Abbaye de Belval
Abbaye de Belval is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk in France. It has a fat content ranging from 40-46%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese has an aromatic scent, which is complemented by its washed rind. Its ivory color indicates a smooth and inviting interior. The flavor is typically mild yet savory, offering a satisfying taste experience. Abbaye de Belval is often enjoyed on its own or paired with bread and fruit.
Aged Goat Cheese
Aged Goat Cheese is made from goat's milk and is known for its firm texture and crumbly consistency. It typically has a sharp, tangy flavor with a hint of nuttiness. The aging process intensifies its taste, giving it a slightly earthy and piquant quality. The cheese usually has a pale ivory color, and its rind may develop a natural mold that adds to its depth of flavor. It can be sliced or crumbled, making it a great addition to salads, cheese boards, or as a topping for dishes that benefit from its bold taste. Aged Goat Cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines, particularly whites and light reds.
Aged Hard
Aged Hard cheese is a firm cheese known for its crumbly texture and rich, concentrated flavor. As it ages, its flavors become more pronounced, developing savory, nutty notes with hints of caramel. This cheese often has a granular texture and tiny crystals that give it a satisfying crunch. The rind is typically firm and sometimes slightly waxy, providing a sharp contrast to the cheese's interior. Aged Hard cheese is a popular choice for grating over pasta dishes, salads, or soups, adding depth and umami to meals. It's also enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. Suitable for those who appreciate bold and mature flavors, Aged Hard cheese is a staple in many kitchens.
Aged Manchego
Aged Manchego is a popular Spanish cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep, primarily found in the La Mancha region. It is aged for at least 12 months, which gives it a firm and crumbly texture. The cheese has a pale yellow color with a brown, inedible rind marked by a distinctive herringbone pattern. Its flavor is rich and nutty with a slightly sharp tang, becoming more pronounced as it matures. Aged Manchego is often enjoyed on its own, with fruit, or paired with Spanish wines. Its savory taste makes it a great addition to various dishes, adding depth and character.
Aged Sheep's Milk
Aged Sheep's Milk cheese is crafted from the milk of sheep and is known for its firm texture and rich, buttery flavor. As it matures, the cheese develops a nutty character with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold flavors. The aging process enhances its crumbly texture, which can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. This cheese often has a pale ivory color and a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. It's a great choice for grating over pasta or adding depth to a cheese platter. Aged Sheep's Milk cheese pairs well with full-bodied red wines or a crisp white, creating a balanced tasting experience.
Allgäuer Sennalpkäse
Allgäuer Sennalpkäse is a German pressed cooked-curd cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Allgäu, in southern Bavaria. It is produced on alpine pastures between May and October, and has held a European protected designation of origin since 2016.
Alpine-Style
Alpine-style cheese is inspired by the traditional cheeses produced in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, France, and Austria. These cheeses are typically made using cow's milk and are known for their firm texture and nutty, buttery flavors. They often have a slightly sweet and fruity taste, with some variations offering a hint of earthiness. The cheese is usually aged for several months, which helps develop its rich and full-bodied flavor profile. It melts well, making it ideal for use in fondue, gratins, and other cooked dishes. The rind is typically natural and may have a reddish-brown hue. Alpine-style cheese is enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, charcuterie, and wines.
Alverca
Alverca is a semi-hard cheese from Portugal, made from either goat's or sheep's milk. The cheese undergoes a pasteurization process and has a fat content ranging from 40-50%. It is aged for about six months, which contributes to its firm yet slightly creamy texture. The flavor is moderately sharp with a hint of tanginess, typical of goat's and sheep's milk cheeses. It is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. Alverca is a versatile addition to any cheese board, offering a balanced taste that complements both savory and sweet accompaniments.
Amarelo de Beira Baixa
Amarelo de Beira Baixa is a semi-firm cheese originating from the Beira Baixa Province in Portugal. Made from unpasteurized goat's or sheep's milk, it features a rich yellow color. The cheese has an acidic flavor profile, offering a tangy taste that reflects its artisanal production methods. With a fat content ranging between 45-60%, it presents a creamy texture while maintaining a firm structure. Known locally as Queijo amarelo da Beira Baixa, this cheese is recognized under the DOP (Denominação de Origem Protegida) status, ensuring its regional authenticity and traditional crafting techniques.
Amou
Amou is a firm sheep's milk cheese from the village of Amou in the Gascony region of France. Made with unpasteurized milk, it has a fat content of 45%, giving it a rich and creamy texture despite its firmness. The cheese features a golden yellow color and is known for its mild, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with crusty bread and fruits, making it a popular choice for cheese platters. Amou can also be enjoyed on its own or as part of a simple meal. Known by other names like l'Amou and Amu, it reflects the traditional cheesemaking practices of its region.
Anejo Enchilado
Añejo enchilado is an aged Mexican cheese from Zacatecas, made from skimmed goat's or cow's milk and rolled in paprika. It tastes salty and sharp, close to Parmesan, and gets grated over enchiladas, tacos, and tostadas.
Aragon
Aragon cheese is a traditional Spanish cheese known for its semi-hard texture and mild, nutty flavor. It is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a rich, creamy quality. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a slightly crumbly consistency. Its taste is balanced with subtle hints of sweetness and a gentle tang. Aragon cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. It also complements a variety of wines and can be used in cooking to add depth to dishes. This cheese is a regional specialty, celebrating the cheesemaking heritage of Spain.
Asiago-Style
Asiago-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese that draws inspiration from the traditional Italian Asiago. It is made from cow's milk and offers a flavor profile that ranges from mild and creamy when young to sharper and more crumbly as it ages. The texture can vary from smooth and pliable in its fresher form to a firmer, granular consistency in its older state. This cheese is often used for grating over pasta, salads, or soups when aged, or sliced for sandwiches and crackers when young. Its mild nutty flavor with hints of cream makes it a popular choice for both cooking and snacking. Asiago-Style cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines.
Aubisque Pyrenees
Aubisque Pyrenees is a semi-hard cheese from the Béarnaise region in Pyrénées-Atlantique, France. Made from a blend of cow's and sheep's milk, this cheese offers a mild and smooth flavor that is easy on the palate. Its natural rind adds a rustic touch, making it visually appealing. The combination of milk types gives it a balanced taste that's creamy yet not overpowering. Aubisque Pyrenees is perfect for those who enjoy a gentle cheese experience, making it a great addition to a cheese board or a simple snack. Its texture and flavor make it versatile for pairing with a variety of foods and wines.
Austrian Alps cheese
Austrian Alps cheese, despite its name, is actually from Switzerland and is made from pasteurized cow's milk. This cheese is known for its nutty and spicy flavor, which offers a warm and inviting taste experience. The aroma is similarly aromatic, with nutty and spicy notes that complement its taste. It's a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various dishes. Its smooth texture makes it easy to slice or melt, adding a rich flavor to any meal. Whether paired with a glass of wine or used in cooking, Austrian Alps cheese brings a delicious twist to the table.
Babybel
Mini Babybel is a small Edam-style snack cheese from Le Groupe Bel of France, sold as individually waxed wheels in a netted bag. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, and it is naturally lactose-free.
Baita Friuli
Baita Friuli is a cow's milk cheese originating from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy. Made with unpasteurized milk, this cheese has a firm texture and a natural rind. It is pale yellow in color, offering a rich aroma that complements its flavor profile. The taste is both fruity and spicy, making it a distinctive option for those who enjoy a bit of complexity in their cheese. Perfect for pairing with robust wines or enjoyed on its own, Baita Friuli is a testament to the rich cheese-making traditions of its region.
Balaton
Balaton is a semi-hard cheese from Hungary made from cow's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The flavor is mild with a noticeable acidic tang. Its texture is firm but not too hard, making it easy to slice. This cheese can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. It's a good choice for those who prefer a cheese that's flavorful without being overpowering.
Barricato al Pepe
Barricato al Pepe is an Italian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a firm, artisan texture and an ivory color. The cheese is known for its fruity and spicy aroma, which adds to its appeal. The natural rind gives it an authentic look and feel. Its flavor is often described as rich and savory, with a hint of pepper that complements the creamy base. This cheese is typically enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for cheese boards. Barricato al Pepe is a testament to Italy's rich cheese-making traditions.
Beacon Fell traditional Lancashire cheese
Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese is a PDO cow's milk cheese made north of the River Ribble in Lancashire, England. It is built from two or three days' curd blended together, which gives it a loose, buttery texture and a flavour that runs from mellow to sharp.
Beauvoorde
Beauvoorde is a semi-hard cheese from the Flanders region of Belgium, crafted from cow's milk. It presents a mild flavor that makes it approachable for many palates. The cheese has a natural rind and a yellow interior, giving it a classic appearance. Its aroma is notably spicy, adding an interesting contrast to its mild taste. Beauvoorde is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board. It pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts.
Bergues
Bergues cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the town of Bergues, France. It has a fat content ranging between 15-25%, contributing to its creamy texture. The cheese is characterized by a subtle and sweet flavor that is gentle on the palate. Its washed rind adds an aromatic quality to its profile, making it an enticing choice for cheese lovers. The texture is firm yet smooth, making it versatile for various culinary uses. Bergues is traditionally enjoyed with rustic bread or paired with a light white wine.
Bethmale des Pyrenees
Bethmale des Pyrenees is a traditional French cheese made from cow's milk in the Pyrenees region. It features a semi-hard texture and a mild flavor that makes it approachable for a variety of palates. The cheese has an aromatic quality with earthy and mushroom-like scents, adding to its appeal. Its appearance is marked by a brownish-yellow color and a natural rind, which gives it a rustic look. Often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter, Bethmale des Pyrenees also pairs well with fruits and nuts. It is a versatile cheese suited for both casual and formal settings.
Bez Tulum Peyniri
Bez Tulum Peyniri is a goat's milk cheese from Turkey, known for its strong flavor and crumbly texture. Unlike other tulum cheeses, Bez Tulum is not aged in animal skins, which gives it a slightly milder flavor while retaining the characteristic sharpness and depth of traditional tulum.
Bjelovarski kvargl
Bjelovarski kvargl is a traditional cheese from Croatia, specifically produced in Bjelovar-Bilogora County. It is made from fresh cow's milk cheese, which is mixed with salt and paprika, shaped into small pointed cones, and then dried and smoked. The cheese is known for its firm consistency, dense texture, and a color that ranges from pale grey to dark red. It has a mildly acidic and slightly strong taste with a pronounced aroma of paprika and smoke. The cheese is produced exclusively by hand using traditional methods. Bjelovarski kvargl has a long-standing reputation in its region and is celebrated at local fairs and events.
Blu di Bufala
Blu di Bufala is a blue-veined cheese from the Lombardy region in Italy, made from pasteurized water buffalo's milk. Its semi-firm texture is crafted by artisans, resulting in a cream-colored cheese with a natural rind. The flavor profile is a blend of acidic, milky, sweet, and tangy notes, creating a balanced taste experience. The aroma is fresh and milky, inviting and pleasant to the senses. This cheese offers a unique twist on traditional blue cheeses by using buffalo milk, which contributes to its distinctive taste and texture. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a different blue cheese experience.
Boeren-Leidse met sleutels
Boeren-Leidse met sleutels is a Dutch cow's milk cheese flavored with cumin and caraway seed, made from the semi-skimmed milk left over from butter making. It carries the crossed keys of Leiden and a red annatto-colored rind.
Boerenkaas
Boerenkaas is a Dutch farmhouse cheese, mostly handmade from raw cow, goat, sheep or buffalo milk. Its name has been protected as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed in the European Union since 2007.
Bra
Bra is an Italian cheese from the town of Bra in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. It is made mostly from cow's milk and sold either soft or hard, depending on how long it has aged, and it carries PDO status.
Braudostur
Braudostur is a semi-hard cheese from Iceland, made from cow's milk with a fat content of 25%. It has a sweet flavor that pairs with its strong aroma, making it a memorable choice for cheese lovers. Its texture is firm yet smooth, allowing it to be easily sliced or grated. This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter profile in their dairy products. It can be enjoyed on its own, added to sandwiches, or used in cooking to bring its sweet and aromatic qualities to various dishes.
Brick
Brick cheese is a Wisconsin cheese pressed into brick shape and ripened on the surface with Brevibacterium linens. Young, it is sweet, mild and melts well; aged, it smells stronger and tastes nuttier. It is the traditional cheese on Detroit-style pizza.
Brine-Rubbed
Brine-Rubbed cheese is a type of cheese that is treated with a saltwater solution during its aging process. This method of rubbing helps to develop a firm rind and can enhance the flavor profile of the cheese. Typically, Brine-Rubbed cheese has a slightly salty taste with a hint of tanginess, depending on the brining duration and the base cheese used. The texture can range from semi-soft to firm, making it suitable for slicing or grating. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own, paired with bread, or used in cooking to add a savory kick. It's a popular choice for those who appreciate a bit of saltiness in their cheese without overwhelming other flavors.
Brocciu Corse / Brocciu
Brocciu Corse, also known simply as Brocciu, is a traditional cheese from Corsica, France. It is a whey cheese made exclusively from fresh goat's and/or ewe's milk whey, supplemented with fresh whole ewe's and/or goat's milk used in its raw state. The cheese is available in two varieties: fresh (frais) and ripened (passu). Brocciu Corse is characterized by its firm texture, creamy consistency, and mild, slightly salty flavor. It is a key ingredient in many regional Corsican dishes, such as omelettes with wild mint and traditional pastries. The cheese is protected under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, ensuring its production is confined to the geographical area of Corsica.
Caciocavallo
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made with sheep's or cow's milk and shaped like a teardrop. It has a hard edible rind and tastes much like the aged provolone of the same region.
Caciocavallo Palermitano
Caciocavallo Palermitano is a variant of Caciocavallo from the Palermo region of Sicily. It is made using traditional methods that include hanging the cheese in pairs tied with rope, hence the name "caciocavallo" (cheese on horseback). This cheese has a spicy, full-bodied flavor and a firm texture that softens as it matures.
Caciocavallo Podolico
Caciocavallo podolico is the caciocavallo made only from the milk of Podolica cows, by traditional methods and only in certain seasons. It is a table cheese served at the end of a meal, and long aging brings out aromas of pasture and scrubland.
Caciocavallo Silano
Caciocavallo Silano is a stretched-curd cow's milk cheese from southern Italy, made in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise and Apulia. It has held protected geographical status since 1993 and carries a hard edible rind.
Caciocavallo di Bufala
Caciocavallo di Bufala is a traditional Italian cheese made from pasteurized water buffalo's milk. It is a semi-hard, artisan cheese known for its savory flavor and earthy aroma. The cheese is typically shaped into a teardrop and aged for a period to develop its characteristic taste and texture. Its firm yet pliable consistency makes it suitable for slicing and melting, adding rich flavor to various dishes. Often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board, Caciocavallo di Bufala pairs well with hearty breads and full-bodied wines. This cheese offers a taste of Italy's rich dairy heritage, particularly appreciated in regions where it is traditionally produced.
Caciocavallo-Style
Caciocavallo-Style cheese is a traditional southern Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically shaped like a teardrop and is aged by hanging in pairs over a wooden beam. This cheese is known for its smooth, firm texture and mild to moderately sharp flavor. As it ages, Caciocavallo-Style cheese develops a nutty taste with hints of caramel. It is often enjoyed on its own or melted over dishes like pasta and pizza. The cheese’s elasticity makes it suitable for grilling or frying, offering a golden crust when cooked. It's a staple in many Italian households and adds a rich flavor to various culinary creations.
Caerphilly-Style
Caerphilly-style cheese is a semi-firm, crumbly cheese originally from Wales, now often produced in other regions. It has a pale, ivory color and a slightly moist texture. The cheese is known for its mild, fresh flavor with a hint of tanginess. It typically matures quickly, usually within a few weeks, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy young cheeses. The texture is slightly crumbly, yet creamy, making it suitable for both slicing and melting. It pairs well with rustic breads and is often enjoyed in traditional Welsh dishes. Caerphilly-style cheese is a great addition to cheese boards and offers a pleasant, milky taste that complements many foods.
Cantal
Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.
Castelmagno
Castelmagno is a semi-hard Italian cheese from the Valle Grana in Piedmont, made mainly from whole cow's milk. It holds protected designation of origin status and has been made since at least 1277.
Cave-Aged
Cave-Aged cheese is a type of cheese that is matured in natural caves, which provide a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity. This aging process enhances the cheese's flavor and texture, giving it a rich, nutty taste with earthy notes. The texture is often firm and crumbly, yet it melts smoothly in the mouth. Cave-Aged cheese can vary in flavor intensity depending on the length of aging, typically developing sharper and more pronounced flavors over time. It's commonly made from cow's milk, but variations can be found using goat or sheep's milk. This cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines, making it a popular choice for cheese boards. Its natural rind often has a rustic appearance, adding to its traditional charm.
Caşcaval de Săveni
Cașcaval de Săveni is a semi-hard cheese from Romania, specifically from the northern half of Botoșani County. It is made from raw cow's milk and undergoes a traditional production process involving enzymatic coagulation with rennet. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 60 days, developing a unique flavor profile with sweet, salty, and slightly bitter notes reminiscent of walnuts. The cheese has a doughy, springy, and creamy texture, with a cream to pale yellow color. It is sold in cuboid or cylindrical shapes, either coated in wax or covered with a heat-shrinkable film. The cheese's distinct characteristics are attributed to the local milk and traditional production methods passed down through generations. The geographical area and local flora contribute to the cheese's flavor and aroma.
Cheddar with Irish Porter
Cheddar with Irish Porter is an artisan cheese from Kilmallock, County Limerick in Ireland. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, this semi-hard cheese combines the familiar richness of cheddar with the distinctive flavor of Irish Porter beer. Its pale yellow color is streaked with dark lines from the porter, creating a visually striking appearance. The cheese has a fruity and tangy flavor that is complemented by a pungent and rich aroma. The texture is firm yet smooth, making it a satisfying addition to any cheese platter. Often referred to simply as Irish Porter, this cheese is a wonderful choice for those looking to explore traditional Irish flavors with a modern twist.
Cheshire
Cheshire is a dense, crumbly cheese from the English county of Cheshire and its neighbouring counties. It is the UK's largest-selling crumbly cheese and is sold in white, red and blue versions.
Chubut
Chubut, also called Chubutense, is a semi-hard cheese made in Gaiman, in Argentina's lower Chubut river valley. Its recipe comes from the Welsh colony there, and the Chubut brand is the first cheese brand registered in Argentina.
Clothbound Cheddar
Clothbound Cheddar is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk. Wrapped in cloth during the aging process, it develops a firm, crumbly texture with a natural rind. The flavor is sharp and nutty, with earthy notes and a hint of sweetness. As it matures, it often gains a slightly tangy profile. This cheese is typically aged for 12 to 18 months, allowing its flavors to deepen. It pairs well with crusty bread, apples, and a variety of beverages, including cider and beer. Clothbound Cheddar is a popular choice for cheese boards and culinary use, offering a classic taste that appeals to many.
Coalho
Coalho is a firm, lightweight cheese from Northeastern Brazil that squeaks when you bite it, the way fresh cheese curds do. Most people meet it grilled on a stick at the beach.
Colby
Colby is a semihard orange cheese made from cow's milk, first developed in 1885 in Colby, Wisconsin. Skipping the cheddaring step and washing the curd with cold water leaves it moister, softer and milder than cheddar.
Colby-Jack
Colby-Jack, also spelled Co-jack or Cojack, is an American marble cheese made by blending curds of Colby and Monterey Jack. It is known for its orange and white marbling, its mild flavor, and how well it melts over burgers and casseroles.
Colonial
Colonial cheese is a traditional Brazilian cheese known for its semi-hard texture and mild flavor. It is often compared to European cheeses like Gouda or Edam due to its smooth, creamy consistency. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a slightly nutty taste with a hint of sweetness. It is commonly used in cooking and pairs well with fruits and nuts, making it a popular choice for cheese boards. Colonial cheese is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or melted in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches or casseroles. Its gentle flavor makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
Colony cheese
Colony cheese, also called queijo colonial, is a semi-hard artisan cheese from Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. It is known for a pale yellow paste, a natural rind, and a creamy texture with pungent, spicy flavor.
Cotherstone
Cotherstone is a semi-hard, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. Originating from the region of Cotherstone in England, this cheese has a fat content of 45%, giving it a rich texture. It is known for its pale yellow color and is traditionally covered with a waxed rind. The flavor profile is characterized by its acidic, citrusy, and tangy notes, making it a refreshing choice for cheese lovers. The aroma is fresh, enhancing its appeal as a natural and unpretentious cheese. Cotherstone is often enjoyed as part of a cheese board or used to add a zesty kick to various dishes.
Cotswold
Cotswold is Double Gloucester blended with chives and spring onions, made in Gloucestershire, England. The name is a modern marketing name, not a traditional English one, and the cheese is coloured to resemble Cotswold stone.
Cow Milk Gouda
Cow Milk Gouda is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, traditionally made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized cow's milk. It has a natural rind and is known for its caramel-like flavor with a hint of crunchiness. The cheese is artisan crafted, contributing to its rich and smooth texture. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper flavor profile and may exhibit small, crunchy crystals. It's often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter, and pairs well with fruits and nuts. This cheese is versatile and can also be used in cooking to add a sweet, nutty taste to dishes.
Criollo Cheese
Criollo cheese is a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese from the area around Taxco, in northern Guerrero, Mexico. Its yellow to orange paste is full of eyes, the taste is mild and slightly sweet, and it browns well under a grill.
Crotonese
Crotonese, also known as Pecorino Crotonese, is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in the region of Crotone, Italy. This artisan cheese presents a pale yellow color and features a natural rind. It offers a strong, salty, and savory flavor profile, with a spicy aroma that adds to its character. Crotonese is well-suited for grating over pasta or enjoyed on its own as part of a cheese platter. Its firm texture makes it easy to slice or shave, complementing a variety of dishes. Whether used in cooking or served as an appetizer, Crotonese brings a bold taste to the table.
Crottin de Chavignol
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
Crottin-Style
Crottin-style cheese is a small, round goat cheese known for its dense texture and slightly tangy flavor. It is typically aged, developing a firm, crumbly interior and a natural rind that can range from white to speckled with blue molds. The aging process intensifies its flavor, making it sharper and more pronounced. When young, it has a creamy, mild taste with a hint of earthiness. As it matures, the cheese becomes more nutty and piquant, offering a richer experience. Crottin-style cheese is often enjoyed on its own, paired with crusty bread, or crumbled over salads for added flavor. It pairs well with light wines and fresh fruits, enhancing its fresh and savory notes.
Danish Feta
Danish Feta, also known as Danish White, is a cheese from Denmark made from cow's milk. It has a semi-hard texture and is brined, which helps preserve its mild flavor and aroma. The cheese is white in color and does not have a rind. Danish Feta is known for its smooth and creamy consistency, making it an excellent choice for salads and cooking. Its mild taste makes it approachable and suitable for various dishes, adding a subtle touch without overpowering other ingredients. This cheese is a popular alternative to traditional Greek feta, offering a similar texture with a less tangy flavor profile.
Derby
Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.
Devon Garland
Devon Garland is a semi-hard artisan cheese from Exeter, Devon, England. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk, it features a natural rind and a pale yellow interior. The flavor profile is savory with herbal notes, providing a fresh and aromatic experience. Its aroma is equally fresh and herbal, enhancing the overall tasting experience. This cheese is crafted using traditional methods, reflecting the rich dairy heritage of the region. Ideal for a cheese board, Devon Garland pairs well with crusty bread or fresh fruits.
Dorset Blue Cheese
Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.
Double Gloucester
Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.
Edam
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.
Edam Holland
Edam Holland is a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, made from cow's milk. It is known for its ball, loaf, or block shapes and is naturally matured in Dutch maturing rooms. The cheese has a mild to piquant flavor, depending on its age and type. It has a firm, smooth, and dry rind, formed by drying during maturation. The cheese's color ranges from ivory to yellow, with a uniform cross-section and small round holes. Edam Holland is matured for a minimum of 28 days, with a minimum of 21 days for the baby version. The cheese is made using pasteurized milk and non-genetically modified cultures, with rennet from calf or microbial sources.
Edelpilz
Edelpilz is a German blue-veined cheese made from cow's milk. With a fat content of 22%, it has a semi-hard texture that crumbles easily. The cheese is known for its spicy, strong flavor, which makes it stand out among other blue cheeses. Its bold taste pairs well with hearty breads and robust red wines. Edelpilz is often enjoyed as part of a cheese board or used to enhance the flavors of salads and sauces. Its blue mold is evenly distributed, adding both visual appeal and a punch of flavor. This cheese is a popular choice in Germany and appreciated by those who enjoy intense, savory cheeses.
Emmental
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
Emmental de Savoie
Emmental de Savoie is a French cheese from Savoie with EU protected geographical indication status. It belongs to the Emmental family of yellow, medium-hard Swiss-type cheeses known for the natural holes in their paste.
Emmental français est-central
Emmental français est-central is a French Emmental from Franche-Comté with PGI status under EU law. It is a medium-hard cow's milk cheese of the Swiss type, recognized by the natural holes in its yellow paste.
Esbareich
Esbareich is a pressed uncooked sheep's milk cheese from the Barousse valley in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Dry-aged two to six months in a cool cellar, it tastes fruity and nutty under a smooth, pale natural rind.
Esrom
Esrom is a Danish cow's milk cheese, also sold as Danish Port Salut. It is known for a pungent aroma, a full sweet flavour, a waxy yellow-brown rind and small holes scattered through a buttery paste. It is one of three Danish cheeses with EU PGI protection.
Etorki
Etorki is a firm sheep milk cheese from Mauléon-Licharre in the French Basque country. Pressed but not cooked and matured for seven weeks, it is known for a smooth, supple, velvety body sold in ten-pound cylinders.
Evora De L'Alentejo
Evora De L'Alentejo is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This artisan cheese is known for its pale yellow color and natural rind. It has an acidic and spicy flavor, which gives it a distinctive edge. The aroma is grassy, reflecting its rustic origins. Evora De L'Alentejo is traditionally produced and offers a taste experience that highlights the region's cheese-making heritage.
Ezine Peyniri
Ezine peyniri is a matured full-fat white cheese from Çanakkale Province in Türkiye, made from a mix of goat, sheep and cow milk. It is one of the most popular white cheeses in the country and the first Turkish cheese to hold an EU geographical indication.
Farm Chanco
Farm Chanco, also known as Queso Chanco, is a semi-hard cheese from the Maule region of Chile. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk, it has a fat content of 26-28%. The cheese is yellow in color and features a natural rind. Its flavor is mild, making it a pleasant option for those who prefer less intense cheeses. Farm Chanco is primarily produced in Chile and is known for its straightforward yet satisfying taste profile. Its texture is firm yet slightly pliable, making it suitable for slicing and melting.
Five Counties
Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Fontal
Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.
Fontina Val d'Aosta
Fontina Val d'Aosta is a PDO-protected cheese, specific to the Aosta Valley in Italy. This version of Fontina is aged longer, which develops a stronger, more intense flavor compared to regular Fontina. It has a rich, creamy texture, and a complex flavor profile with notes of butter and roasted nuts. This cheese is often used in traditional Italian dishes requiring melted cheese, such as Valdostana veal.
Formaella Arachovas Parnassou
Formaella Arachovas Parnassou is a semi-hard Greek cheese made mainly from sheep's milk in the Parnassus mountains around Arachova. A protected designation of origin since 1996, it is known for its strong peppery flavor and for being fried as saganaki.
Formaggella del Luinese
Formaggella del Luinese is a semihard raw goat's milk cheese from the Varese Prealps in Lombardy, Italy, with protected designation of origin status. It is known for its soft, elastic white paste and a mild, delicate taste that gets stronger as the cheese ripens.
Formaggio d'alpe ticinese
Formaggio d'alpe ticinese is a semi-hard raw milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Ticino, Switzerland, during the summer grazing months. It is known for its brown-grey rind and, in some valleys, a share of goat milk blended into the cow milk.
Formaggio di Fossa di Sogliano
Formaggio di fossa is an Italian pit cheese from Sogliano al Rubicone in Emilia-Romagna, made from sheep's, cow's or mixed milk. It is buried in bags inside tufa pits for 80 to 100 days, which gives it a sharp, herbaceous taste.
Formaggio di fossa
Formaggio di fossa is an Italian cheese from Sogliano al Rubicone in Emilia-Romagna, matured 80 to 100 days in sealed tufa pits. The airless burial gives it a sharp, herbaceous taste and a nearly rindless surface that molds readily.
Fourme d'Ambert
Fourme d'Ambert is a semi-hard blue cheese from the Auvergne region of France, sold in a narrow cylinder. One of the country's oldest cheeses, it dates back to Roman times and is inoculated with Penicillium roqueforti.
Friesla
Friesla is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in Devon, England. This artisan cheese has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. It offers a sweet flavor profile, complemented by a similarly sweet aroma. The cheese's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, making it a pleasing choice for various culinary applications. Its sweet taste makes it a wonderful addition to cheese boards, pairing well with fruits and nuts. Friesla reflects the quality of English sheep's milk and traditional cheese-making practices in the region.
Fromage a Raclette
Fromage à Raclette is a semi-hard, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk, traditionally produced in both France and Switzerland. It is well-known for its meltability, making it perfect for the classic dish, Raclette, where the cheese is melted and scraped over potatoes, meats, and vegetables. The cheese has a creamy and smooth texture when melted, with a mild flavor that is slightly nutty and tangy. When served unheated, it has a firm but pliable consistency. Its aroma is rich and inviting, hinting at the lush pastures where the cows graze. Fromage à Raclette is a staple in Alpine regions, especially during the winter months when hearty, warming meals are favored.
Fromage de Herve
Fromage de Herve is a Belgian washed-rind soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Herve area near Liege. Produced since the 15th century, it is best known for the powerful smell it develops as Brevibacterium linens works on the rind.
Gamonedo
Gamonéu is a fatty, lightly smoked Spanish cheese made in parts of Asturias from a blend of cow, goat and sheep milk. It holds a Protected Designation of Origin and comes in two forms: del Puertu from the high passes and del Valle from the lower valleys.
Geitost
Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.
Goat Cheddar
Goat Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk, commonly produced in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its texture is firm yet creamy, offering a smooth bite that distinguishes it from traditional cow's milk cheddar. The cheese has a mild, tangy flavor that is characteristic of goat's milk, with a subtle sharpness that develops as it ages. The natural rind adds a rustic touch, often contributing to its earthy aroma. This cheese can be enjoyed on its own, melted into dishes, or paired with fruits and nuts for a simple snack. Goat Cheddar offers a fresh twist on the classic cheddar experience.
Goat Gouda
Goat Gouda is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk, originating from the Netherlands. It has a pale yellow color and an artisan texture that is firm yet slightly creamy. The flavor is tangy, offering a pleasant contrast to its mild, grassy aroma. The cheese is an interesting twist on traditional cow's milk Gouda, providing a more tart and lively experience. Its balanced flavor and texture make it suitable for a range of culinary uses, from snacking to cooking.
Goat Milk Feta
Goat Milk Feta is a white, rindless cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk. It has a firm texture that is both brined and whey-like, offering a slightly crumbly consistency. The flavor is notably acidic with milky and herbal notes, making it a fresh addition to various dishes. Its aroma is aromatic with a touch of herbs, providing a pleasant scent that complements its taste. With a fat content of 30%, this cheese is rich yet balanced, perfect for salads or as a topping. It's a versatile choice for those who enjoy the tangy taste of feta with a twist from goat's milk.
Gorgonzola Piccante DOP
Gorgonzola Piccante DOP is a blue-veined cheese from Italy made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a semi-hard texture and is known for its creamy yet sharp flavor. The cheese has a pale yellow color with blue veins running throughout, giving it a striking appearance. Its aroma is spicy, which complements its bold taste. Often referred to as Mountain Gorgonzola or Gorgonzola Naturale, this cheese is appreciated for its rich, tangy character. It's a popular choice for adding depth to dishes or enjoying on its own with bread and wine.
Gouda Holland
Gouda Holland is a semi-hard cheese made in the Netherlands. It is a full-fat cheese with a fat content ranging from 48% to 52% in dry matter. The cheese is made from cows' milk sourced from Dutch dairy farms and is naturally matured in Dutch maturing rooms. Gouda Holland is shaped like a flattened cylinder, block, or loaf, and weighs between
Gouda-Style
Gouda-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its smooth, creamy texture. The flavor is rich and buttery with a mild sweetness, often accompanied by nutty notes. As it ages, the cheese develops a firmer texture and a more pronounced, caramel-like flavor. Gouda-Style cheese melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking and baking. It pairs nicely with fruits, nuts, and wines. This cheese is commonly enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board.
Graddost
Gräddost is a Swedish semi-hard cow's milk cheese whose name means cream cheese. It tastes mild, creamy and slightly sour, is usually sold at 60% fat, and melts so well that Swedish pizzerias made it a standard in the 1970s.
Grevé
Grevé is a Swedish cow's milk cheese built along the lines of Emmental, first produced in 1964 at Örnsköldsvik. It is semi-hard, tastes nut-like and slightly sweet, and carries a fat content of 30 to 45 percent.
Grobnik
Grobnik is a semi-hard cheese from the Grobnik alps of Croatia, made predominantly from sheep's milk. It has a distinctive, slightly tangy and salty flavor, with a firm texture that becomes crumbly as it ages. Grobnik cheese is traditionally used in Croatian cuisine, both as a table cheese and in various dishes.
Gruyere-Style
Gruyere-Style cheese is a firm, cow's milk cheese inspired by the traditional Swiss Gruyere. It has a smooth, dense texture with small holes scattered throughout. The flavor is rich and nutty, with a slight sweetness and a hint of saltiness. As it ages, the cheese develops a more pronounced earthy taste and becomes more crumbly. Gruyere-Style is excellent for melting, making it a popular choice for dishes like French onion soup and fondue. It also pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines. Typically produced in large wheels, the cheese is often aged for several months to a year.
Halloumi
Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.
Handkäse
Handkäse is a German sour milk cheese from southern Hesse, named for the way it was once shaped by hand. It is small, translucent and yellow, with a pungent aroma and a sour taste, and it is usually served topped with chopped onions.
Harzer
Harzer is a German sour milk cheese from the Harz mountains, made from low fat curd cheese and usually seasoned with caraway. It is known for its strong smell and flavor, almost no fat, and about 30% protein.
Herrgardsost
Herrgardsost is a semi-hard Swedish cheese made from cow's milk, aged three months to two years. It has small round holes, a waxed surface, and a mild, nutty, creamy taste.
Herzegovina sack cheese
Herzegovina sack cheese, or "sack cheese," is a traditional Bosnian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is aged in sacks made from sheep's skin, which imparts a unique flavor. This cheese has a hard texture and a rich, tangy taste, often enjoyed as part of traditional Bosnian meals.
Heublumenkäse
Heublumenkäse is a semi-hard, artisan cheese made from cow's milk, found in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. This cheese offers a creamy and nutty flavor, making it a pleasant choice for many palates. Its aroma is floral and herbal, derived from the traditional practice of aging it in hay and herbs. This method not only influences the scent but also gives the cheese its characteristic appearance. Heublumenkäse pairs well with a variety of wines and is suitable for both snacking and culinary use.
Hollandse geitenkaas
Hollandse Geitenkaas is a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, made from goat's milk. It is produced in a manner similar to Gouda cheese and can be naturally ripened with a rind or foil-ripened without a rind. The cheese is known for its soft, mild, and clean taste, which becomes more intense as it ages. The ripening process takes at least 25 days, and the cheese can be aged for more than a year. It is made using pasteurized goat's milk from Dutch dairy goat holdings. The cheese can include herbs, spices, and vegetables for added flavor. Hollandse Geitenkaas is recognized for its high quality and has a strong national and international reputation.
Holsteiner Tilsiter
Holsteiner Tilsiter is the protected German name for Tilsiter, a pale yellow semi-hard smear-ripened cow's milk cheese from Schleswig-Holstein. It has a medium-firm paste with irregular holes and cracks, a dark yellow rind, and is often flavoured with caraway.
Horseradish Cheddar
Horseradish Cheddar is a flavorful variety of cheddar cheese infused with horseradish, offering a spicy kick. This cheese typically has a creamy, firm texture, and its flavor is a lively combination of sharp cheddar with the bold, tangy heat of horseradish. The cheddar base provides a rich, savory profile, while the horseradish adds a zesty, peppery note that can clear the sinuses. It pairs well with roast beef sandwiches, grilled meats, or can be used to add a punch to cheese platters. The cheese is often enjoyed by those who appreciate stronger flavors and can be a great addition to a range of culinary applications. Its spicy character makes it a standout choice for adding extra flavor to simple dishes.
Huntsman
Huntsman is a British cheese that combines Double Gloucester with Stilton in one wheel. The pairing of mild orange cheese and blue is what it is known for.
Italian-Style
Italian-Style cheese is a broad category that typically mimics the flavors and textures of traditional Italian cheeses. These cheeses are often semi-hard and range in flavor from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy. They may be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk, and are commonly used in cooking due to their melting properties. Italian-Style cheeses are versatile, making them suitable for grating over pasta, topping pizzas, or incorporating into baked dishes. While they may not be authentically Italian, they aim to capture the essence of Italy's renowned cheese-making traditions. The taste can vary but generally offers a savory and rich profile. Depending on the specific type, these cheeses might feature subtle hints of nuttiness or a buttery finish.
Izmir Tulum Peyniri
Izmir Tulum Peyniri is a traditional Turkish cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, originating from the Izmir region. It is aged in goat skins, which gives it a compact texture and a robust, slightly pungent flavor. This cheese is often enjoyed crumbled in salads or served with warm bread.
Jajikhli Panir
Jajikhli Panir is a traditional Iranian cheese made from sheep's or goat’s milk. It is known for its creamy texture and mild, somewhat salty flavor. This cheese is typically formed into balls and soaked in brine, and is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and various traditional Iranian dishes.
Jarlsberg
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
Kargı Tulumu
Kargı Tulumu is a type of tulum cheese specific to the Kargı region of Turkey. It is typically made from sheep's milk and aged in goat skins, giving it a firm texture and an intensely tangy, somewhat salty flavor. Kargı Tulumu is particularly well-regarded for its rich, concentrated taste.
Kefalograviera
Kefalograviera is a hard Greek table cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. It tastes salty, smells rich, and shows up most often fried as saganaki or grated over pasta.
Klenovecký syrec
Klenovecký syrec is a semi-hard, ripened cheese from Slovakia. It can be smoked or unsmoked and is made from sheep's or cow's milk. The cheese is produced using traditional methods in shepherd's huts or industrial methods in dairies. It features a unique decorative pattern embossed on its surface. The cheese is known for its pleasant cheesy flavor with a slight lactic acid taste and a sheep's milk aroma. Smoked varieties have a characteristic smoky aroma and a slightly higher salt content. Klenovecký syrec has a rich history, with production dating back to at least the mid-18th century.
Krasotyri
Krasotyri, or "wine cheese," is a semi-hard cheese from Greece that is aged in wine lees, giving it a unique purple rind and a distinct grape-flavored undertone. This cheese has a creamy, rich texture and a subtle wine-infused flavor, making it an exquisite addition to cheese platters or as an accompaniment to robust red wines.
Kraški kozji sir
Kraški kozji sir is a goat cheese from the Karst region of Slovenia. It has a firm texture and a distinct, sharp taste. This cheese is characterized by its aromatic and slightly tangy flavor, which is a result of the unique diet of the goats in the karst pastures.
Kupa Paniri
Kupa Paniri is a traditional Iranian cheese typically made from sheep's milk, although goat's milk can also be used. This cheese has a soft texture and a mild, creamy flavor, somewhat similar to fresh mozzarella. It is often used in salads, served with fresh bread, or enjoyed as part of breakfast spreads in Iran.
Lacy Swiss
Lacy Swiss is a semi-firm, processed cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in the United States. It is known for its mild, nutty flavor and has a smooth, ivory appearance. The cheese has a mild aroma, making it a subtle addition to a variety of dishes. Its texture is light and airy, characterized by small, lace-like holes throughout. Lacy Swiss melts well, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers. It can also be sliced thinly for use on cold cuts or in salads. Despite its name, it is distinct from traditional Swiss cheese, offering a milder taste experience.
Laguiole
Laguiole is a pressed, uncooked cheese from the Aubrac plateau in southern France, made only from raw Simmental or Aubrac cow's milk. Protected by AOC since 1961, it is the main cheese in aligot, the regional dish of mashed potatoes with cream and butter.
Lancashire
Lancashire is an English cow's milk cheese from the county of Lancashire. It is the only British cheese made by blending two or three days' curd of different maturities, and it comes as young Creamy, longer-matured Tasty, and mass-produced Crumbly.
Leerdammer
Leerdammer is a Dutch semi-hard cow's milk cheese with distinct holes and a sweet, nutty flavor. Launched in 1977, it was built to match Emmental in look and taste, and it ages about 3 to 12 months.
Leicester
Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.
Leyden (Leidse kaas)
Leyden, or Leidse kaas, is a semi-hard Dutch cow's milk cheese flavoured with cumin and caraway seed. It is the most common cumin cheese in the Netherlands, made both in factories and on farms in the Leiden area.
Liliputas
Liliputas is a small semi-hard cheese made by hand at the Belvederis dairy in Lithuania's Jurbarkas district since 1958. It ripens for 30 days in village cellars, where a local fungus gives it a fresh lactic taste.
Maasdam
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
Mahón
Mahón is a white cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca, off Spain's Mediterranean coast, named after the port town of Mahón. It runs from soft and young to hard and aged, tastes buttery sharp and slightly salty, and wears an orange rind rubbed with butter or oil and paprika.
Mahón-Menorca
Mahón-Menorca is a white cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca, named after the town and port of Mahón. It runs soft to hard depending on age, with an orange rind rubbed with butter or oil and paprika and a buttery, sharp, slightly salty taste.
Malvern
Malvern is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Severn Valley, England. It has a 50% fat content, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese is ivory in color and offers a sweet flavor profile with hints of butterscotch. Its taste is complemented by herbal notes, providing a pleasant balance. As an artisan cheese, Malvern is crafted with attention to detail, making it a cherished choice for cheese enthusiasts. Enjoy it on a cheese board or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.
Maredsous
Maredsous is a semi-hard, loaf-shaped cow's milk cheese with a brine-washed orange rind and a pungent aroma. It is known for hand washing every two days and a 22-day cellar maturation.
Maribo
Maribo is a Danish semi-hard cow's milk cheese named after the town of Maribo on the island of Lolland. It is known for its tangy flavor, its firm interior dotted with small irregular holes, and a pale tan rind coated in yellow wax.
Matocq
Matocq is a semi-hard cheese from France made from a blend of cow's and sheep's milk. It is crafted using unpasteurized milk, giving it a rich character. The cheese has a creamy color and a processed texture, making it easy to slice. With a fat content of 50%, it delivers a satisfying mouthfeel. The flavor is both acidic and nutty, offering a pleasant balance that appeals to many palates. Its nutty aroma complements its taste, enhancing the overall experience. Matocq is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of various dishes.
Meira
Meira is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk in Iraq. It has a firm texture that's slightly crumbly, making it easy to slice or crumble over dishes. The flavor is mildly tangy with a rich, creamy taste typical of sheep's milk cheeses. Meira can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts for a simple snack. It's also a great addition to salads or melted over warm dishes. Known locally as Mira, it is a traditional cheese that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Metsovone
Metsovone is a semi-hard smoked pasta filata cheese from the Aromanian village of Metsovo in Epirus, Greece. It has carried European protected designation of origin status since 1996 and is one of the village's best known foods.
Milawa Aged Blue
Milawa Aged Blue is a cheese from North East Victoria known for its rich and creamy texture. The blue mold ripened rind gives it a bold flavor with a hint of earthiness. The cheese is aged to enhance its sharpness, making it a favorite for those who enjoy strong blue cheeses. Its crumbly texture pairs well with fresh fruits and nuts, offering a pleasant contrast. Enjoy it on a cheese board or as a topping for salads and steaks.
Mild Cheddar
Mild Cheddar is a popular cheese known for its smooth and creamy texture. It has a subtle, buttery flavor with a hint of tanginess, making it approachable for a wide range of palates. Pale yellow in color, it is typically aged for a short period, around 2 to 3 months, which keeps its taste gentle and less sharp compared to older cheddars. This cheese melts well, making it a favorite for cooking and baking, and is often used in sandwiches, casseroles, and sauces. Mild Cheddar is also enjoyable on its own, perhaps paired with crackers or fruits. Its mild flavor allows it to blend easily with other ingredients without overpowering them. Widely available, it serves as a staple in many households and culinary settings.
Mimolette (Boule de Lille)
Mimolette, or boule de Lille, is a pasteurized cow's milk cheese from around Lille in northern France. It is known for its orange paste, its cantaloupe-like sphere, and a grey rind pitted by the cheese mites that live on it.
Mixed Milk Aged
Mixed Milk Aged cheese is a blend typically made from a combination of cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. This cheese offers a balanced flavor profile, combining the creaminess of cow's milk with the tanginess of goat's milk and the rich, nutty taste of sheep's milk. Aged for several months, it develops a firm texture and a more pronounced flavor, often with a slightly sharp finish. The rind can be natural or washed, adding another layer of taste. Mixed Milk Aged cheese pairs well with crusty bread and fruits like grapes or apples. It is also a good choice for cheese boards, offering a variety of flavors in one bite. Enjoy it with a glass of white or light red wine to complement its flavors.
Molbo
Molbo is a semi-hard Danish table cheese from the Mols region, made with unpasteurized cow's milk. It sits in the Danbo group and resembles Edam closely enough that people call it Danish Edam.
Mondseer
Mondseer is an Austrian semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, sold in disks of about one kilogram. Its hand-salted, red-culture rind gives it a yellow-reddish surface and a sweet-sour, sharp flavor.
Montasio Mezzano
Montasio Mezzano is a semi-firm cheese from the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto in Italy. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk, it is known for its full-flavored profile. The cheese offers a nutty and sweet taste, which is complemented by its strong aroma. It is crafted with an artisan approach, giving it a natural rind. Montasio Mezzano is often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various Italian dishes. Its rich flavor makes it a popular choice among cheese lovers seeking something with depth and character.
Montasio Vecchio
Montasio Vecchio is a semi-firm, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, Italy. This cheese has a natural rind and is known for its sharp flavor and strong aroma. As it ages, it develops a rich, savory taste that can be enjoyed on its own or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. Its texture is firm yet slightly crumbly, making it suitable for grating over pasta or salads. Montasio Vecchio is an excellent choice for those who appreciate bold, aged cheeses.
Montasio-Style
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
Monte Veronese
Monte Veronese is a cow's milk cheese from the Lessini Mountains in the northern province of Verona. It is made in two versions: a fresh one from whole milk, and a harder aged one called d'allevo, made from semi-skimmed milk.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.
Motal Paniri
Motal Paniri is a traditional Armenian and Iranian cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk. It is often flavored with herbs such as wild garlic, fenugreek, or tarragon. This cheese has a crumbly texture and a strong, aromatic flavor, commonly enjoyed in traditional dishes or as part of a cheese platter.
Naboulsi
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
Nieheimer Käse
Nieheimer Käse is a low-fat, high-protein sour milk cheese from Nieheim in eastern Westphalia. Its name has been a protected geographical indication since 2010, so only cheese made in the municipality of Nieheim may carry it.
Nokkelost
Nokkelost is a Norwegian cow's milk cheese flavoured with cumin and cloves. It is semi-hard and yellow, sold in wheels or blocks, and matured for three months.
Noord-Hollandse Edammer
Noord-Hollandse Edammer is a traditional Edam cheese made in the Province of Noord-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for its spherical shape with a flat top and bottom, weighing between
Noord-Hollandse Gouda
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca cheese is a white, semihard, low-fat cheese from the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. It is stretched into long ribbons and rolled up like a ball of yarn, and its texture is like mozzarella or string cheese.
Old Ford
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
Oravský korbáčik
Oravský korbáčik is a traditional cheese from the Orava region in the Slovak Republic. It is a steamed cheese product that can be smoked or unsmoked, shaped like a small whip. The cheese is made by steaming fermented, partially ripened lump cheese, which is then stretched into string-like strands and plaited. The cheese has a stringy texture and is known for its unique shape. Smoked varieties have a golden yellow color and a smoky aroma, while unsmoked ones are white to creamy white. The cheese is made from cow's milk, either raw or pasteurized, and contains at least 25% fat in the dry matter. Oravský korbáčik is a protected geographical indication (PGI) product, highlighting its cultural and traditional significance in the region.
Orkney
Orkney cheese comes from the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is a cheddar-like cheese, known for its sharp, robust flavor and firm texture. Made from cow's milk, Orkney cheese is typically matured for several months and is popular for its depth of flavor, which pairs well with fruits and wines.
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is crafted using local milk and a unique dry stir technique developed in 1984, which gives it a firm, dense texture. The cheese matures for 6 to 18 months, creating medium, mature, and extra mature varieties with savory, nutty flavors. The production process includes hand-salting the curd for even distribution and controlled maturation for consistent quality. Orkney Cheddar has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent melting properties. It is available in both white and colored forms, with the latter containing a vegetable-based pigment.
Orla
Orla is a semi-hard cheese from Ireland, made with pasteurized sheep's milk. It has a distinct orange color and a washed rind that contributes to its earthy, strong aroma. The flavor profile is salty and sharp, making it a bold choice for cheese lovers. Orla's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, typical of brined cheeses. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with robust foods that can match its intense flavor. It's a great addition to cheese boards or used as a flavorful ingredient in cooking.
Oschtjepka
Oschtjepka is a semi-hard cheese from the Carpathian region of Slovakia. Made from a blend of cow's and sheep's milk, this artisan cheese is crafted using unpasteurized milk. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The flavor is sweet, offering a pleasant taste experience, while its aroma carries a hint of herbal scents. The texture is firm yet pliable, making it enjoyable to slice and eat on its own or as part of a cheese platter. Oschtjepka reflects the traditional cheese-making practices of the region, highlighting the rich dairy heritage of Slovakia.
Oscypek
Oscypek is a smoked cheese of salted sheep's milk made only in the Tatra Mountains of Poland, pressed in carved spindle-shaped wooden forms. It holds EU protected designation of origin status and is often pan-fried and served with cranberry jam.
Ossau-Iraty
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
Ossolano
Ossolano is an Italian PDO cow's milk cheese from the Ossola valley in Piedmont, made year round in small mountain dairies and ripened at least 60 days. It comes as plain Ossolano or as Ossolano d'Alpe, made in summer on pastures above 1,400 m.
Palermitano
Palermitano cheese, from Palermo in Sicily, is traditionally made from sheep's or cow's milk. It has a semi-hard texture and a mild, slightly salty flavor, making it versatile in both cooking and as a table cheese. Palermitano is often enjoyed in Sicilian culinary traditions, paired with local wines.
Pas de l'Escalette
Pas de l'Escalette is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Larzac region of France. It has a natural rind and a straw-colored interior. The cheese offers a sweet flavor profile, accompanied by a fresh aroma. Its texture is artisan, reflecting traditional cheese-making techniques. Pas de l'Escalette is well-suited for a cheese board and pairs nicely with a variety of breads and fruits. This cheese is a fine example of the rich dairy heritage of the French countryside.
Pecorino Crotonese
Pecorino Crotonese is an Italian sheep's milk cheese and one of the pecorino varieties registered with the EU as a protected designation of origin. Pecorino is the family name for Italy's sheep's milk cheeses, and every region makes its own.
Pecorino Ginepro
Pecorino Ginepro is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This artisan cheese is known for its fruity and savory flavor profile, with a pale white interior. Its aroma is both fruity and woody, adding to its appeal. The cheese is encased in a natural rind, which develops as it matures. Pecorino Ginepro is often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various dishes, offering a pleasant taste experience.
Pecorino Siciliano
Pecorino siciliano is a firm sheep milk cheese from Sicily. It goes back to the classical Greek world, when it was counted among the best cheeses anywhere, and it holds European PDO status today.
Pecorino Toscanello
Pecorino Toscanello is a semi-hard cheese from Tuscany, Italy, made from pasteurized sheep's milk. This cheese has a mild flavor and a nutty aroma, making it approachable for those new to sheep's milk cheeses. Its pale yellow color and firm texture make it visually appealing and easy to slice or grate. Often referred to as Pecorino Toscano or Tuscan Pecorino, this cheese is versatile in culinary uses, from being a table cheese to an ingredient in various dishes. Pecorino Toscanello pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines, enhancing its subtle flavors. Its mild taste makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy understated cheese profiles.
Pecorino Toscano
Pecorino toscano is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Tuscany that has held PDO status since 1996. It is the third most produced sheep's milk cheese in Italy, behind pecorino romano and pecorino sardo.
Pecorino del Monte Poro
Pecorino del Monte Poro is a type of cheese from Italy, specifically from the Monte Poro district in the Vibo Valentia province. It is made from raw whole sheep's milk and comes in three types based on the maturing period: fresco (fresh), semistagionato (semi-mature), and stagionato (mature). The cheese has a hard and coarse rind, with colors ranging from golden yellow to light or medium brown. Its flavor is rich and nutty, becoming more intense with age, and it has an aroma reminiscent of wildflowers and Mediterranean scrub. The cheese is produced using traditional methods, including the use of rennet from lambs or kids. Pecorino del Monte Poro is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, ensuring its unique characteristics are linked to its geographical area. The cheese has been recognized for its quality and has won awards, including the Gambero Rosso 'outstanding' award in
Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane
Pecorino delle Balze Volterrane is a cheese from Italy, specifically produced in the province of Pisa. It is made from raw, whole sheep's milk and uses vegetable rennet derived from wild cardoon or artichoke inflorescences. The cheese is available in four types based on maturation: fresh, semi-mature, mature, and extra-mature. The cheese has a cylindrical shape with a rind that ranges from pale straw yellow to deep yellow, and it can be coated in olive oil and ash. It has a compact texture with a flavor that is initially mild, with scents of milk and flowers, and a slightly spicy aftertaste. The cheese is known for its aroma reminiscent of milk and wild cardoon, with scents of aromatic plants and yellow flowers.
Penamellera
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
Pepato
Pepato is a semi-hard Sicilian sheep milk cheese studded with whole peppercorns. It is sold young at about 10 days or aged two to four months, and it turns up throughout Sicilian home cooking.
Petit Pardou
Petit Pardou is a semi-hard cheese from the Laruns region in France, made from cow's milk. With a fat content of 50%, it offers a rich and creamy texture. The cheese has a natural rind and an aromatic scent that enhances its flavor profile. Petit Pardou's taste is balanced, offering a hint of nuttiness and a mild tang. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board. The natural rind adds a rustic charm, making it visually appealing as well.
Piacentinu Ennese
Piacentinu Ennese is a protected designation of origin sheep's milk cheese from the Enna area of Sicily. Saffron grown in the same area colors the paste yellow, and whole black peppercorns are worked into the curd.
Piave Fresco
Piave Fresco is a semi-hard cheese from the Veneto region of Italy, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a smooth, mild, and milky flavor that makes it approachable and enjoyable for many palates. The cheese has a pleasant, milky aroma and an ivory color. Its natural rind adds a rustic touch to its appearance. Piave Fresco is crafted in an artisan style, which contributes to its quality and consistency. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or used in cooking to add a gentle touch of creaminess.
Picón Bejes-Tresviso
Picón Bejes-Tresviso is a blue cheese from the Liébana valley in Cantabria, Spain, made from a mix of cow, sheep and goat milk. It has held DO protection since 1994 and finishes in natural limestone caves, which gives it teal veins and a strong, slightly spicy bite.
Podhalanski
Podhalanski is a semi-hard, artisan cheese from Poland, traditionally made from a blend of cow's and sheep's milk. With a fat content of 40%, this cheese offers a creamy yet firm texture. Its pale yellow color is complemented by a natural rind that develops during the aging process. The flavor and aroma of Podhalanski are both smoky, lending it a distinctive character that reflects its traditional production methods. This cheese is a staple in Polish cuisine, often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance the flavors of various dishes.
Posavec
Posavec is a traditional Slovenian cheese from the Posavje region. Made from cow's milk, it is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Posavec is often aged in wooden molds, which imparts a unique character to its taste and appearance, enhancing its natural flavors.
Preveli
Preveli is a cheese from Croatia, specifically from the region around the Preveli monastery on the island of Krk. This sheep's milk cheese is aged in local olive oil, giving it a distinctive, rich flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. It is often served with Mediterranean dishes or as part of a cheese platter.
Processed Cheddar
Processed Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its sharp flavor, which is a result of the processing methods used to create it. The texture is smooth and consistent, making it easy to slice or melt. This cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, burgers, and casseroles due to its melting properties. Its sharp taste pairs well with a variety of foods, adding a tangy kick to dishes. Often found in both block and sliced forms, Processed Cheddar is a staple in many households and a favorite for quick and easy meals.
Provoleta
Provoleta is an Argentine provolone made by spinning the curd, sold in small discs that hold their shape over fire. It is grilled until part-melted and eaten at the start of an asado, often with oregano, chilli flakes and bread.
Provolone Valpadana
Provolone Valpadana is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk by the pasta filata method. It holds protected designation of origin status in the European Union and comes in a mild dolce version and a sharp piccante version, some of them smoked.
Provolone del Monaco
Provolone del Monaco is an Italian cheese made from the milk of the Agerolese cow in the hills behind Naples. It is named for the heavy cloaks its makers wore when they landed at the port of Naples, and it has held PDO status since 2010.
Pule
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
Puzzone di Moena
Puzzone di Moena is a semi-hard Italian PDO cheese made from raw cow's milk in Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme and Valle di Primiero. Its washed rind is brick red and greasy, and the cheese is known for a penetrating odor with hints of ammonia.
Pyrenees-Style
Pyrenees-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, originating from the mountainous region between France and Spain. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. The cheese is aged for a few months, which helps develop its subtle taste and pleasant aroma. Its pale yellow interior is encased in a thin, natural rind that adds a gentle earthiness. Pyrenees-Style cheese melts well, making it a great choice for cooking or enjoying on its own with bread and fruit. This cheese pairs nicely with light red wines or a crisp white for a simple yet satisfying experience.
Pyrénées Brebis
Pyrénées Brebis is a traditional sheep's milk cheese from the French Pyrenees. It has a firm texture and a rich, buttery flavor, with nutty undertones that become more pronounced as the cheese ages. Often enjoyed on its own, it can also be melted over bread or used in salads.
Queijo da Beira Baixa
Queijo da Beira Baixa is a Portuguese raw-milk cheese made from sheep milk, goat milk or a blend of both, sold as Amarelo, Castelo Branco or Picante. It has a protected designation of origin and an intense, clean flavor that sharpens with long curing.
Queijo de Cabra Transmontano
Queijo de Cabra Transmontano is a Portuguese protected designation of origin cheese made from raw milk of Serrana goats in Trás-os-Montes. It has a firm white paste, a strong aroma and a slightly piquant taste, and ages at least 60 days, or 90 days for the Velho version.
Queijo de Nisa
Queijo de Nisa is a semi-hard sheep's milk cheese from Nisa, in Portugal's Alto Alentejo. It is curdled with an infusion of thistle and known for a robust flavor with a slightly acidic finish.
Queijo de Évora
Queijo de Évora is a PDO ewe's milk cheese from Évora, in Portugal's Alentejo. It is cured, hard or semi-hard, yellowish in color, and known for a slightly acidic flavor with a light peppery bite.
Queso Camerano
Queso Camerano is a goat's milk cheese from the Sierra de los Cameros in La Rioja, Spain, sold fresh, tierno, semi-cured or cured. It is known for the basketwork pattern left by the cilla, the wicker mold it is pressed in, and has held protected designation of origin status since 2009.
Queso Castellano
Queso Castellano is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from Castile and Leon, Spain, made from raw or pasteurized milk. It has carried a protected geographical indication since 2020 and is sold as whole wheels, in portions, sliced or grated.
Queso Casín
Queso Casín is a hard to semi-hard cheese from southern Asturias, made with full-fat unpasteurized milk from Casina, Asturian Valley and Friesian cows. It is known for a firm, friable body, a sharp peppery bite, and a rind stamped with flowers or geometric figures.
Queso Ibores
Queso Ibores is a raw goat's milk cheese from southeast Cáceres, Spain, with a protected designation of origin. It is known for its paprika-rubbed or oil-rubbed rind and a tangy, moderately piquant paste made from Serrana, Verata and Retinta goat milk.
Queso Los Beyos
Queso de Los Beyos is a protected geographical indication cheese from the Los Beyos gorge, shared by Ponga and Amieva in Asturias and Oseja de Sajambre in Leon, Spain. It is a small smoked cheese of cow, goat, or sheep milk, semi-hard to hard, with a mild acidic tang.
Queso Majorero
Majorero is a Canary Island cheese from Fuerteventura, made from pasteurized Majorera goat's milk and protected by the designation Queso Majorero. It is sold fresh or aged and tastes slightly tart and mildly piquant, with a rind marked by the palm-leaf molds used to shape it.
Queso Manchego
Manchego is a PDO sheep milk cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain, made only with whole milk from Manchega sheep. It is firm and buttery, aged between 60 days and two years, with a creamy, slightly piquant flavor and a sheep milk aftertaste.
Queso Paipa
Paipa cheese is a semi-hard, semi-fat, semi-aged Colombian cheese made only in the Valley of Sogamoso in Boyacá. It carries a protected denomination of origin and takes its name from the town of Paipa.
Queso Palmero
Queso Palmero is a goat cheese from La Palma in the Canary Islands, made with unpasteurised milk and kid rennet. It carries Denomination of Origin protection and is often lightly smoked over almond shells, dried cactus or Canarian pine.
Queso de Acehúche
Queso de Acehúche is a pressed uncooked cheese from the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, Spain, made with whole raw goat's milk. It has held a European PDO since 2022 and is known for its soft elastic paste and yellow to ochre rind, sometimes rubbed with olive oil or paprika.
Queso de Media Flor de Guía
Queso de Media Flor de Guía is a full-fat or half-fat cheese produced in the same region as Queso de Flor de Guía, using the same milk proportions. However, its curdling process involves at least 50% vegetable rennet, with the remainder being animal rennet or other starter cultures. It has a cylindrical shape, with a diameter of 15–30 cm and a height of 4–8 cm. Its texture varies from creamy to very hard depending on its maturity. The cheese has a mild acidic flavor with slight sharpness, and its aroma includes lactic, vegetal, and sometimes floral or roasted notes. It is matured for at least 15 days for semi-mature and over 60 days for mature cheese.
Queso de Murcia al vino
Queso de Murcia al vino is a fatty goat's milk cheese from the province of Murcia in south-east Spain, with a Protected Designation of Origin. It is made from unpasteurized milk of Murcian goats, and its rind is washed in local red wine while it matures, which turns it purplish red.
Quesucos de Liébana
Quesucos de Liébana are small cheeses from the Liébana valley in Cantabria, Spain, made from cow, sheep or goat milk or a mix of the three. They come smoked and unsmoked, with a firm semi-hard paste and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Rabacal
Rabaçal is a Portuguese sheep's and goat's milk cheese from the village of Rabaçal in the Coimbra district, protected as a DOP since 1996. It is sold mainly as a hard cheese with a delicate, balanced taste that sharpens as it ages.
Raclette de Savoie
Raclette de Savoie is a pressed, uncooked cheese from France. It is made from raw or heat-treated cow's milk. The cheese is traditionally matured for a minimum of eight weeks. It has a washed rind that is yellow to brown and a paste that is white to straw-yellow. Raclette de Savoie is known for its firm and tender texture, becoming creamy and melting when heated. The cheese is typically sold in wheel form, but can also be sliced into wedges or prepackaged for consumers. It is linked to the Savoie region's rich history of livestock farming and cheese-making expertise.
Raclette du Valais
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
Raclette-Style
Raclette-style cheese is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from cow's milk. It has a creamy, smooth texture that becomes wonderfully gooey when melted, making it perfect for the classic Swiss dish where it's scraped over potatoes, meats, and vegetables. The flavor is mild and nutty, with a hint of sweetness that becomes more pronounced when heated. Its aroma is pleasantly earthy, reminiscent of the rustic Alpine regions where it originates. This cheese is typically aged for about three to six months, allowing it to develop its characteristic taste and texture. Raclette-style cheese is excellent for melting but also enjoyable when sliced and served on a cheese platter. It pairs well with white wines, such as a dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Ragusano
Ragusano is a firm Italian pasta filata cheese from the provinces of Ragusa and Syracuse in Sicily. It is made with whole milk from Modicana cows fed only fresh grass or hay, and it carries Italian DOC protection from 1955 and EU PDO status from 1995.
Raschera
Raschera is a semi-hard pressed cheese from the province of Cuneo in Italy, made with raw or pasteurized cow milk that may take a little sheep or goat milk. It tastes savory and salty, close to Muenster, and grows sharper with age.
Raw Milk Feta
Raw Milk Feta is a firm, brined cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It is traditionally white in color and does not have a rind. This artisan cheese offers a creamy and salty flavor, making it a popular choice for salads and Mediterranean dishes. Its aroma is mild and milky, complementing its straightforward taste profile. Known also as Raw Milk Goat Feta or Goat Milk Feta, this cheese is appreciated for its simplicity and fresh taste.
Redykołka
Redykołka is a smoked cheese from the Podhale region of Poland, made from the leftover Bundz used for Oscypek. It is known for decorative shapes such as animals, hearts and wreaths, and for a strong smoked aroma with a spicy, slightly salty taste.
Ricotta Salata
Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.
Ridder
Ridder is a semi-hard cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk with a fat content of 60%. It has a washed rind that contributes to its smooth texture and appealing flavor. The taste profile of Ridder is both nutty and sweet, offering a pleasant balance that is enjoyable to many palates. Its semi-hard texture makes it easy to slice, making it a good choice for sandwiches or cheese platters. Ridder's creamy consistency and mild flavors make it accessible to a wide range of cheese lovers. It's a popular choice in Norway and appreciated for its gentle, yet satisfying taste.
Rigotte de Condrieu
Rigotte de Condrieu is a small goat's milk cheese from the Lyonnaise region of France, named after the town of Condrieu. It has held French AOC status since 2008 and European PDO protection since November 2013.
Rosso Pecorino
Rosso Pecorino is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in Italy. This artisan cheese is known for its smooth flavor profile, making it approachable yet flavorful. The cheese has a firm texture that can be easily sliced or grated, adding a rich taste to a variety of dishes. Its pasteurized milk base ensures a consistent and safe eating experience. Rosso Pecorino is often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance the flavor of Italian-inspired recipes. Whether part of a cheese board or incorporated into cooking, it offers a taste that is both traditional and satisfying.
Royalp Tilsit
Royalp is the export name for Swiss Tilsiter, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a red-smear rind made in eastern Switzerland since 1893. The pale yellow paste is supple and moist, and the taste runs from mild and lightly spicy to sharply piquant.
Sage Derby
Sage Derby is a mild, semi-hard English variety of Derby cheese, mottled green from sage added to the curds. It ages for one to three months and was once made only for harvest time and Christmas.
Salers
Salers is a semi-hard pressed cheese from the Cantal department in France's Massif Central, made only between 15 April and 15 November. Wheels weigh about 40 kg (88 lb) and age in caves for three to forty-five months. It has held AOC status since 1961.
Salva Cremasco
Salva is a PDO washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the central plain of Lombardy, made from full-cream pasteurized milk and aged for months in squared truckles. It came from the habit of saving surplus spring milk, and locals eat it with pickled green peppers.
Samso
Samsø is a Danish cow's milk cheese named for the island of Samsø. It is made in the style of Emmentaler, with a supple yellow interior, a few large irregular holes, and a mild flavor that turns sweet and sour with age.
San Simón da Costa
San Simón da Costa is a smoked cow's milk cheese from the Terra Chá region of Galicia, Spain. It is pressed into a pear shape, smoked over birch wood, and has held Protected Designation of Origin status since 2008.
Selles-sur-Cher
Selles-sur-Cher is a goat milk cheese from Centre-Val de Loire, France, first made in the 19th century in the commune it is named for. It comes as a small charcoal-dusted cylinder of about 150 g, known for its grey-blue mould rind and lightly salty paste.
Semi-Aged Goat's Milk
Semi-Aged Goat's Milk cheese is a type of cheese made from goat's milk that has been aged for a moderate period, typically between two to four months. This aging process gives the cheese a balance of flavors, offering a slightly tangy and creamy taste with a hint of nuttiness. The texture is firm yet smooth, making it easy to slice and enjoy. Its pale, ivory color is characteristic of goat's milk cheeses, and it often develops a natural rind. The cheese can be enjoyed on its own, paired with fruits and nuts, or used in various culinary applications like salads or sandwiches. It's a versatile option for those who appreciate the mild but distinct flavors of goat's milk.
Semi-Aged Sheep's Milk
Semi-Aged Sheep's Milk cheese is crafted from the milk of sheep, offering a creamy and smooth texture. This cheese typically matures for a few months, resulting in a firm yet pliable consistency. The flavor is rich and buttery, with a hint of nuttiness that develops as it ages. It often carries a slight tanginess, characteristic of sheep's milk, making it both savory and mildly sweet. The rind is usually natural and may be slightly oily. This cheese is an excellent choice for slicing and serving on a cheese board, or for grating over dishes to enhance their flavor. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines.
Semi-Hard
Schnittkäse, also called Halbhartkäse, is the German category for cheese firm enough to slice cleanly, ripened one to three months. It carries more water than hard cheese, and it is eaten mostly as sliced cheese with bread.
Semi-Hard Goat Cheese
Semi-Hard Goat Cheese is made from goat's milk and has a firm yet slightly crumbly texture. It typically has a pale, ivory color and a smooth rind. The flavor is mild and tangy, with a hint of nuttiness that can become stronger as the cheese ages. It often has a clean, fresh taste with a subtle earthiness. This cheese is versatile in cooking, melting well and adding a creamy texture to dishes. It's also enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. Semi-Hard Goat Cheese is a popular choice for cheese boards, offering a pleasant contrast to stronger, more pungent cheeses.
Semi-Hard Sheep's Milk
Semi-Hard Sheep's Milk cheese is made from the milk of sheep and typically features a firm yet slightly pliable texture. Its flavor is mild to moderately sharp, with a buttery richness that carries a hint of tanginess. The cheese often has a pale yellow color and a natural rind, which may have a dusty or waxy appearance. It is aged for several months, which allows it to develop a more pronounced flavor compared to softer cheeses. This cheese can be sliced or grated, making it suitable for a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. Its creamy texture and balanced taste make it a favorite among those who appreciate sheep's milk cheeses. Enjoy it on a cheese board with fruits and nuts or melt it over a warm dish for added flavor.
Sharp Cheddar
Sharp Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, commonly produced in the United States. It is known for its strong and tangy flavor with a sharpness that intensifies as it ages. The texture is firm yet slightly crumbly, making it ideal for slicing or grating. The cheese has a natural rind that develops during the aging process, adding to its character. Sharp Cheddar is often used in cooking, adding bold flavor to dishes like mac and cheese or grilled sandwiches. It pairs well with apples, nuts, and hearty breads, and is a favorite on cheese boards.
Silter
Silter is a hard Italian cheese from the mountains of Lombardy, around the province of Brescia, made with unpasteurized cow's milk. It is named after the Val Camonica room where wheels are stored and aged, and it has held EU PDO status since 2015.
Sir iz mišine
Sir iz mišine is a traditional Croatian cheese made from sheep's milk, stored and aged in sheepskins, giving it a distinctively strong flavor. This practice imparts a unique earthy aroma to the cheese, which has a dense texture and a rich, sharp taste.
Slovenská parenica
Slovenská parenica is a traditional cheese from Slovakia, known for its unique 'S' shape and fibrous texture. It is a steamed, lightly smoked cheese made primarily from sheep's milk, though it can also include cow's milk. The cheese is formed into two rolls connected in an 'S'-shape and is bound with cheese string. It has a mild, pleasantly salty taste with a smoky aroma. The cheese is yellow to brown on the outside and white to buttery yellow on the inside. Slovenská parenica has a minimum of 53% dry matter and 50% fat in dry matter. It is produced in a defined mountainous area of Slovakia, using traditional methods that date back to the 18th century.
Slovenský oštiepok
Slovenský oštiepok is a traditional cheese from Slovakia. It is a half-fat, semi-hard cheese that can be either steamed or unsteamed, and smoked or unsmoked. The cheese is made from sheep's milk, a mixture of sheep's and cow's milk, or cow's milk. It is produced in the mountainous regions of Slovakia, either on small-scale farms or in dairies. The cheese is known for its unique shape, resembling a large egg, pine cone, or ellipsoid, often with decorative patterns. Slovenský oštiepok has a savory, mildly piquant to sour flavor, with a smoky aroma if smoked. It has been produced since at least the 18th century and is protected as a geographical indication in the European Union.
Smoked Sulguni
Smoked Sulguni is a traditional Georgian cheese made from a mix of buffalo's and cow's milk, originating from the regions of Svaneti and Samegrelo. This cheese has a semi-firm texture and is easily recognized by its yellow color. It offers a salty, smoky, and slightly sour flavor, making it a flavorful addition to many dishes. The smoky aroma is a key feature, adding to its appeal. Smoked Sulguni can be found under alternative spellings like Shebolili Megruli Sulguni and synonyms such as smoked suluguni or Georgian smoked suluguni. This cheese is a staple in Georgian cuisine, often enjoyed on its own or as part of a variety of traditional dishes.
Sombor
Sombor cheese, from the town of Sombor in Serbia, is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a smooth texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor, making it a versatile cheese for both direct consumption and culinary use in dishes like sandwiches and salads.
Spanish-Style Hard
Spanish-Style Hard cheese is a firm, aged cheese known for its rich and nutty flavor profile. It typically has a pale yellow to golden color, with a texture that ranges from smooth to slightly granular depending on its aging process. The cheese offers a savory taste with hints of buttery sweetness and a mild tang. Often made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk, its flavor can vary slightly based on the milk source. It's a popular choice for grating over dishes or serving on a cheese board, pairing well with red wines and cured meats. As it ages, the cheese develops a deeper, more intense flavor, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold tastes.
Staffordshire Cheese
Staffordshire Cheese is a raw cow's milk cheese from the county of Staffordshire, England, protected by a PDO. It is sold as cloth-wrapped cylinders of 8 to 10 kg and ranges from semi-hard to hard depending on how long it is matured.
Stella Feta
Stella Feta is a firm, artisan cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in the United States. It has a tangy flavor that adds a lively kick to dishes, making it a versatile option for various culinary uses. The cheese's fresh aroma complements its bright taste, creating an inviting sensory experience. Stella Feta has a white color and a crumbly texture, typical of traditional feta, making it perfect for salads, pastas, or as a topping. Its firm texture allows it to be easily crumbled or sliced, adding a satisfying bite to meals. This cheese is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their dishes with a punch of flavor and freshness.
String Cheese
String cheese is any cheese made so the milk proteins line up and the cheese peels into strings. In the United States that means snack sticks of low-moisture mozzarella, while versions from Mexico, Slovakia, Turkey and Armenia take other shapes.
Sulguni
Sulguni is a brined cheese from the Samegrelo region of Georgia, made from cow or buffalo milk. Sour and moderately salty, with a dimpled, elastic body, it is nicknamed pickled cheese and usually served in wedges or deep-fried.
Svecia
Svecia is a Swedish semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a creamy consistency, light yellow colour, small irregular holes and a mildly acidic taste. It is sold in wax-covered cylinders weighing 12 to 15 kg (26 to 33 lb) and aged for at least two months.
Sveciaost
Sveciaost is a traditional Swedish cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It originates from the low-laying regions of Sweden and has a semi-hard texture, achieved through brining. The cheese is pale yellow in color and does not have a rind. With a fat content of 45%, Sveciaost offers a rich and creamy taste. Its flavor profile is predominantly acidic, giving it a sharp and tangy bite. This cheese is typically enjoyed in slices and works well in a variety of dishes or simply on its own.
Swaledale
Swaledale is a full fat hard cheese from Richmond in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, made with unpasteurised cow, sheep or goat milk. It is known for its moist medium firm texture and a rind of grey-blue mould or natural wax.
Sweet Style Swiss
Sweet Style Swiss is a semi-hard, artisan cheese from Switzerland. It has a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it a pleasant choice for many cheese lovers. The cheese has a waxed rind that helps maintain its texture and aroma. Its nutty and slightly sweet scent adds to its appeal. This cheese is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both snacking and cooking. Whether added to a sandwich or melted in a fondue, Sweet Style Swiss offers a delightful taste experience.
Tasmania Highland Chevre Log
Tasmania Highland Chevre Log is a semi-hard cheese made from goat's milk in Tasmania, Australia. With a fat content of 35%, it has a smooth and creamy texture. The flavor is predominantly lemony, offering a refreshing and tangy taste. Its aroma is fresh, complementing its bright flavor profile. This cheese is ideal for pairing with fruits or adding to salads and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board. It reflects the clean, natural environment of its Tasmanian origin.
Tekovský salámový syr
Tekovský salámový syr is a semi-hard, ripened full-fat cheese from Slovakia. It can be smoked or unsmoked and is shaped like a cylinder, resembling a salami. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and has a soft, pliable, and elastic texture. It is known for its mildly acidulous dairy taste and can have a smoky flavor if smoked. The cheese is produced in the Tekov region of Slovakia, which is known for its high milk production. The production process involves traditional methods, including hand processing and checking. Tekovský salámový syr has a protected geographical indication (PGI) status, highlighting its regional significance and quality.
Telemea de Ibăneşti
Telemea de Ibănești is a Romanian brined cheese from the Gurghiu Valley, part of the telemea family that was traditionally made from sheep's milk and is now often made from cow's milk. The EU gave it Protected Designation of Origin status in 2017.
Telemea de Sibiu
Telemea de Sibiu is a semi-hard cheese from Romania, made entirely from freshly milked, unpasteurised raw sheep's milk. It is produced in Sibiu County and is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. The cheese is available in both fresh and mature forms, with the mature version aged for at least 21 days. It is shaped into cuboid blocks and has a uniform white color. The cheese is known for its pleasant, tangy, and moderately salty flavor, with a light scent of sheep's milk and hints of mature wild grasses and hay. The production process involves traditional methods, including enzymatic coagulation using rennet. The cheese is an important cultural product in the region, celebrated in local festivals and events.
Texelse Schapenkaas
Texelse Schapenkaas is a semi-hard, artisan cheese from the Netherlands, made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. This cheese has a strong flavor, reflecting the rich pastures of its origin. Its texture is firm yet slightly creamy, making it a satisfying option for cheese lovers. Known also as Texel Sheep's cheese, it is typically enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh bread and fruit. The natural rind adds a rustic element to its appearance. Whether served on a cheese board or incorporated into recipes, Texelse Schapenkaas offers a bold taste experience.
Tibetan Cheeses
Tibetan cheeses, originating from the Tibetan region, are primarily made from yak's milk. These artisan cheeses are known for their strong flavor, which can be quite bold and savory. The aroma is grassy and herbal, adding an earthy quality that reflects the natural pastures where the yaks graze. The texture varies but is generally firm, suitable for slicing or grating. The natural rind further enhances the cheese's rustic character. Tibetan cheeses are often used in local dishes, contributing to their rich and hearty qualities.
Ticklemore
Ticklemore is an artisan cheese from England, made from pasteurized goat's milk. It has a semi-firm texture that makes it easy to slice or crumble. The cheese features a bright, lemony flavor that pairs well with its mild, milky aroma. The color is a clean, inviting white, and it has a natural rind that adds to its rustic appeal. Ticklemore is often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board, where its fresh taste can shine. Its balanced flavor and texture make it a popular choice among goat cheese enthusiasts.
Tilsit
Tilsit, also spelled Tilsiter, is a pale yellow semihard smear-ripened cow's milk cheese created in the mid-19th century by Prussian-Swiss settlers in the East Prussian town of Tilsit. It is medium firm with irregular holes, and often flavoured with caraway seed.
Tiroler Almkäse / Tiroler Alpkäse
Tiroler Almkäse, also known as Tiroler Alpkäse, is a traditional hard cheese from Austria. It is made exclusively from raw cow's milk sourced from cows grazing on alpine pastures in the Tyrol region. The cheese is produced in the form of a loaf and has a firm to soft texture with a uniform ivory to light-yellow color. It is known for its aromatic and piquant flavor, with a minimum fat content of 45% in dry matter. The cheese is ripened for 4 to 6 months and has a firm, yellow to brownish rind. The production process involves traditional methods, including the use of calf rennet and bacterial cultures, without any additives. Tiroler Almkäse/Alpkäse is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, highlighting its unique regional characteristics.
Tiroler Bergkäse
Tiroler Bergkäse is an Austrian pressed cooked-curd cheese from Tyrol, made with partly skimmed raw cow's milk and held under a protected designation of origin since 1997. Wheels weigh 12 kg or more and carry a smooth brown rind.
Toma
Toma is a soft to semi-hard Italian cow's milk cheese from the Aosta Valley and Piedmont. It melts exceptionally well, and its Piedmontese version, toma piemontese, carries PDO status under EU law.
Tomme de Romans
Tomme de Romans is a semi-hard, blue-veined cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. Its texture is firm yet smooth, making it easy to slice or crumble. The flavor profile is a pleasant combination of nutty and sweet, offering a smooth taste experience. The cheese has a natural rind and a distinctive blue color throughout. Its aroma is grassy with a hint of sweetness, adding to its appeal. Ideal for cheese boards or as an addition to salads, Tomme de Romans brings a touch of French tradition to any dish.
Tomme du Jura
Tomme du Jura is a cow's milk cheese from the Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, sold mostly near where it is made. It is a pressed uncooked wheel with a greyish moldy crust, a paste full of small holes, and a light smell of milk.
Tounj
Tounj is a traditional Croatian cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically aged in natural limestone caves which impart a unique flavor profile. This cheese has a firm texture and a rich, pungent taste that is well-loved in Croatian cuisine.
Tourmalet
Tourmalet is a semi-hard cheese from the Pyrenees region in France, made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It features a nutty flavor and has a musty aroma that reflects its traditional methods of production. The cheese has a pale yellow color and is processed without a rind, giving it a smooth exterior. With a fat content of 50%, Tourmalet offers a rich and creamy texture that is both satisfying and approachable. Its flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for cheese boards or as an addition to various dishes.
Trappiste de Bricquebec
Trappe de Bricquebec is a pressed uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Manche in Normandy, sold as small wheels of about 1.4 kg. The name started with the Trappist monks of Bricquebec abbey and now belongs to the dairy Les Maitres Laitiers du Cotentin.
Tronchon
Tronchon is a Spanish cheese from sheep's milk, goat's milk or a mix of the two, typical of Teruel and Castellón and southern Tarragona. It is known for its trunk-like shape with crater-shaped hollows in the side and its intense, buttery flavor.
Tuma Persa
Tuma Persa, meaning "lost cheese," is a rare cheese from Sicily, Italy, made from raw cow's milk. This cheese is aged for several months, developing a firm texture and a strong, spicy flavor with hints of saffron and black peppercorn, making it a unique addition to any cheese platter.
Tête de Moine
Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.
Ubriaco al Prosecco
Ubriaco al Prosecco is an artisan cheese from the Veneto region of Italy, made from cow's milk. This semi-hard cheese is known for its fruity flavor and fresh, fruity aroma. Its ivory-colored body is complemented by a natural rind. The cheese is often referred to as "Drunken cheese" because it is soaked in Prosecco wine, which imparts its characteristic taste and aroma. Ubriaco al Prosecco is a delightful addition to any cheese board and pairs well with fresh fruits and nuts.
Vacherin Fribourgeois
Vacherin Fribourgeois is a Swiss semi-hard cheese from the canton of Fribourg, made with thermised milk and protected by Swiss AOP. It tastes slightly acidic and resiny, and it is one of the cheeses that gives fondue its character.
Valle d'Aosta Fromadzo
Valle d'Aosta Fromadzo is a PDO cheese made across the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy from cow's milk, sometimes with a little goat's milk. Young wheels taste fragrant and half sweet, while long aging turns them salty and almost sharp.
Valtellina Casera
Valtellina Casera is a cheese made from semi-skimmed cow's milk in the province of Sondrio, northern Italy. It goes back to the sixteenth century, carries PDO status, and turns up in Valtellina buckwheat cooking such as pizzoccheri and sciatt.
Vorarlberger Alpkäse
Vorarlberger Alpkäse is an Austrian hard cheese made from raw milk on the alps and Vorsäße of Vorarlberg. It holds a protected designation of origin, weighs up to 40 kilograms, and tastes mild young and piquant with age.
Vorarlberger Bergkäse
Vorarlberger Bergkäse is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, made by hand from raw hay milk and protected as a PDO. It ages 3 to 6 months, sometimes past two years, and tastes nutty with herbal notes.
Wensleydale
Wensleydale is a supple, crumbly cow's milk cheese that started in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. It has a faint honey aroma, pairs well with sweet fruit, and owes much of its modern fame to Wallace and Gromit.
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
White Leicester
White Leicester, also known as Leicester or Leicestershire cheese, is similar to Red Leicester but lacks the annatto coloring, resulting in a natural pale color. It has a firm texture and a rich, mellow, nutty flavor. This cheese is excellent for melting over dishes and is a popular choice for cheeseboards.
Wielkopolski ser smażony
Wielkopolski ser smażony is a Polish raw milk cheese from the Wielkopolska voivodeship, made by ripening pressed curd until it turns glassy and then frying it with butter. It is sold plain or with caraway and has held PGI status since 2008.
Wrångebäcksost
Wrångebäcksost is a semi-hard cheese made from thermised, organic full-fat cow’s milk, produced in the Guldkroken region of Sweden. The cheese has a firm and creamy texture with crystals, a yellowish interior with occasional holes, and an orange to rust-red rind. It is ripened for a minimum of nine months, developing complex umami and barnyard flavors with a pronounced saltiness and slight sweetness. The cheese is washed in a salt solution, which encourages the growth of mould bacteria, including Brevibacterium linens, essential for its aroma and taste. The high-quality feed from the local grasslands and meadows, along with a carefully managed aging process, contributes to the melty texture and distinctive flavor profile.
Yorkshire Wensleydale
Yorkshire Wensleydale is a cow's milk cheese made in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, and only cheese made there may use the name. It is known for a supple, crumbly body, a faint honey aroma, and its fame as Wallace's favourite cheese.
Young Comté
Young Comté is a semi-hard cheese from the Jura Mountains in France. It is crafted from raw cow's milk and aged for around 4 to 6 months. The cheese has a pale, creamy interior with a smooth texture. Its flavor is mild and nutty, with hints of butter and a touch of sweetness. The aroma is subtle, with a gentle earthiness that reflects its alpine origins. Young Comté is often enjoyed on its own, in sandwiches, or melted in various dishes. It pairs well with light white wines or pale ales.
Zelu Koloria
Zelu Koloria is a semi-hard, blue-veined cheese from the Basque region of Aquitaine, France. Made from pasteurized sheep's milk, it features a natural rind and a creamy color. The cheese offers a rich and strong aroma, reflecting its bold flavor profile. Its taste is a blend of buttery, lemony, and spicy notes, with a strong and tangy finish. The texture is firm yet slightly open, allowing the blue veining to add an additional layer of flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy a cheese with a pronounced character, Zelu Koloria pairs well with crusty bread and robust red wines.
Zázrivské vojky
Zázrivské vojky is a traditional cheese product from Slovakia. It is a steamed cheese made from cow's milk, available in smoked or unsmoked varieties. The cheese is formed into long strings, known locally as vojky, which are 10-70 cm long and 2-16 mm thick. The cheese is made using a traditional method where fermented, partially ripened lump cheese is steamed and pulled into strings. Smoked Zázrivské vojky have a yellow to golden-yellow color and a smoky aroma, while unsmoked ones are white to creamy white. The cheese has a fibrous structure and an elastic to firm texture. It is known for its milky, cheesy, and mildly acidulous flavor, with smoked varieties having a characteristic smoky taste.
Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ
Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ is a traditional cheese from Malta, made from whole raw milk of sheep. The sheep are of the Maltese breed and its crosses, registered in the Maltese islands, including Malta, Gozo, and Comino. This cheese is available in three varieties: fresh (friska), air-dried (niexfa), and pickled and peppered (tal-bżar). It is a rindless cheese with a truncated cone shape and can vary in height, weight, and diameter. The cheese has a semi-hard to hard texture, except for the fresh variety, which is creamy and soft. The flavor ranges from sweet and slightly salty to acidic and peppery, depending on the variety. Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ is an integral part of Maltese culinary heritage and is used in various traditional dishes.
Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου / Kashkavali Pindou / Κασκαβάλ Πίνδου / Kashkaval Pindou
Κασκαβάλι Πίνδου, also known as Kashkavali Pindou, is a semi-hard, scalded curd cheese from Greece. It is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. The cheese is off-white to pale yellow and can be cylindrical or parallelepiped in shape. It is made from local raw or pasteurized sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, with goat's milk making up less than 35% of the mix. The cheese has a buttery, slightly sour, and slightly salty taste, with a firm, compact texture and no rind. It is produced in the Region of Epirus and parts of Western Macedonia and Thessaly. The cheese is known for its high fat content and strong, ripe aroma.
Българско бяло саламурено сирене / Bulgarsko byalo salamureno sirene
Bulgarsko byalo salamureno sirene is a traditional cheese from Bulgaria. It is a fermented milk product made from cow’s, sheep’s, goat’s, buffalo’s, or mixed milk. The cheese is known for its white, porcelain-like appearance and moderately firm, pliant texture. It is matured in brine, which gives it a specific flavor and aroma. The cheese has a moderately salty taste with a pronounced lactic acid flavor. It is produced using specific starter cultures and traditional methods passed down through generations. The cheese is an important part of Bulgarian cuisine and is used in various traditional dishes. The production process and the specific bacteria used are closely linked to the geographical area of Bulgaria.
ტენილი / Tenili
Tenili is a Georgian string cheese from Meskheti, made from sheep's milk and packed into a clay pot to mature. It takes the most complicated production techniques of any Georgian cheese and sits on UNESCO's world heritage list.