Randy Chandler
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the cheese capital of the state, with a rich history of cheesemaking. The region is characterised by its strong Swiss heritage, with Swiss folk culture still being kept alive by the locals. Monroe is home to North America's last Limburger factory, and the city has weathered the advent of processed cheese to maintain its reputation for pungent, aged cheese. Monroe's Courthouse Square is considered the heart of cheese country, with the Alp and Dell Cheese Store, the Swiss Colony Outlet Center, and the Maple Leaf Cheese Factory Outlet all located in the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Monroe, Wisconsin |
| Reputation | Famous for pungent Limburger and Swiss cheese |
| History | Home to North America's last Limburger factory; once had over 300 cheese factories |
| Cheese Varieties | Limburger, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Baby Swiss, Brick, German Brick, Liederkranz, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Romano, Ricotta, various cheddars, Mexican-style cheeses, Italian-style cheeses |
| Cheese Producers/Factories | Alp and Dell Cheese Store, Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern, Maple Leaf Cheese Factory Outlet, Franklin Cheese Cooperative, Deppeler Cheese Factory, Chalet Cheese Co-op, Henning's Cheese, Chula Vista Cheese, Swiss Colony |
| Awards | World Champion at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest for Grand Cru Surchoix |
| Traditions | Cheese Days parade, Swiss folk culture including yodeling, alpenhorn players, and chip carving |
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Limburger cheese
In the United States, Limburger cheese was first produced by the F.X. Baumert cheese factory in Antwerp, New York, in 1854. It was also produced by Rudolph Benkerts in his cellar from pasteurized goat's milk in 1867. Today, the only producer of Limburger cheese in the United States is the Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Monroe, Wisconsin, making it the last Limburger cheese plant in the country. Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the “Cheese Capital of Wisconsin” and is home to the National Historic Cheesemaking (NHCC) Museum.
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Swiss cheese
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the "cheese capital" of the state, with a rich history of cheesemaking. Swiss cheese is among the varieties produced in Monroe, alongside other Swiss-style cheeses like Limburger.
The Alp and Dell Cheese Store in Monroe carries over 100 types of cheese, including Swiss cheese and other traditional varieties like cheddar. They also offer specialty cheeses made with sheep and goat's milk. The store is located in the heart of Monroe's Courthouse Square, a Romanesque Revival landmark.
Cheese has been a staple in Monroe and the surrounding Green County for generations. At one time, over 300 cheese factories dotted the landscape. Today, Monroe continues to be a hub for cheesemakers and enthusiasts, with factories and stores like Alp and Dell carrying on the tradition.
One notable cheesemaker in the region is Emmi Roth, known for its handmade, high-quality cheeses. Emmi Roth has a new headquarters in Stoughton, Wisconsin, with a state-of-the-art conversion facility. They source their milk from local family farms and have earned a reputation for a female-friendly environment.
In addition to commercial cheesemakers, Monroe also houses the National Historic Cheesemaking (NHCC) Museum. The museum showcases the history of cheesemaking in the region and occasionally hosts demonstrations by master cheesemakers, who craft cheese using traditional methods.
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Cheddar cheese
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the "cheese capital of Wisconsin" and is home to several cheese factories and shops. While I could not find specific details on the production of Cheddar cheese in Monroe, the city has a rich history of cheesemaking and is renowned for its Swiss and Limburger varieties.
One notable cheese factory in Monroe is the Chalet Cheese Co-op, which has been in operation since 1885. Chalet Cheese Co-op is the only Limburger cheese factory in the United States and specializes in Swiss, Natural Smoked Swiss, Baby Swiss, Brick, German Brick, and Liederkranz cheeses. Their cheese is made with milk sourced from local family farms in Wisconsin, ensuring the highest quality.
Monroe is also home to the Deppeler Cheese Factory, which was established in 1949 and originally produced Limburger, Brick, and Cheddar cheeses. The factory introduced Baby Swiss to Green County, and today, their Master Cheesemaker, Wally Hartwig, produces award-winning 22-pound and 40-pound wheels of this variety.
The Franklin Cheese Cooperative, located west of Monroe, is another cheese producer in the area. The cooperative model of this factory involves dairy farmers owning the land, buildings, and milk, while the cheesemaker owns the equipment and handles production and marketing. The Franklin Cheese Cooperative is known for crafting 19 styles of Muenster cheese.
In addition to these factories, Monroe boasts a variety of cheese shops, such as Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern, Alp and Dell, Swiss Colony Outlet Center, and Maple Leaf Cheese Warehouse. These shops offer a wide range of locally produced cheeses, including some unique varieties like Habenero Pepper cheese and jalapeno cheese curd. Monroe's strong Swiss heritage and dedication to preserving the history of cheesemaking make it a true destination for cheese enthusiasts.
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Mexican-style cheese
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the "cheese capital of Wisconsin" and is home to several cheese factories and cooperatives. One of these cheese factories, Chula Vista Cheese, produces superior quality Mexican-style cheeses. Master cheesemakers Tim Pehl, Jeff Mattes, and their crew produce Mexican-style cheeses that are marketed in Chicago by V & V Supremo Foods.
In addition to Chula Vista Cheese, W & W Dairy in Monroe, Wisconsin, also produces Mexican-style cheeses. Founded by Dave Webster and Kevin Wyss, W & W Dairy produces nine varieties of Hispanic cheese, including Cotija, Quesadilla, Enchilado, Queso Fresco, Asadero, Blanco, Panela, Colby, and Cheddar. Webster and Wyss have a combined 19 years of cheesemaking experience, and their facility in Monroe is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. They have two licensed cheesemakers on-site and are capable of shipping their products across North America.
W & W Dairy has won several awards for their Mexican-style cheeses, including the Best of Class Winner for Crumbled Cheeses (Queso Fresco) and Best of Class Winner for Fresh Hispanic Cheese (Quesos Frescos) by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Their commitment to quality and food safety is evident through their compliance with various food safety certifications, such as the Level 3 SQF Certification.
Overall, Monroe, Wisconsin, is a hub for cheesemaking, with a rich history and a variety of cheese factories producing diverse types of cheese, including Mexican-style varieties. The city takes pride in its Swiss traditions and the quality of its dairy products, making it a notable destination for cheese enthusiasts.
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Italian cheeses
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known as the
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Frequently asked questions
Monroe, Wisconsin, is known for its Limburger, Swiss, Brick, and Cheddar cheeses. The Chalet Cheese Co-op is the only Limburger cheese factory in the United States. Other varieties of cheese made in Monroe include Monterey Jack, Muenster, Baby Swiss, Liederkranz, German Brick, and Natural Smoked Swiss.
Yes, Monroe is home to several famous cheese shops and factories, including Alp and Dell, Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern, Maple Leaf Cheese Factory Outlet, and Henning's Cheese.
Monroe is home to the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, which showcases the history, tools, and stories of early cheesemaking in the region. The city also hosts a Cheese Days parade and festival, celebrating the Swiss folk culture and cheese heritage of the area.
Yes, several notable cheese manufacturers are based in Monroe, including Roth Käse USA (now Emmi Roth USA), which produces award-winning Swiss-inspired cheeses, and Grande Cheese, which specializes in Italian-style cheeses.
