Randy Chandler
Wisconsin has a long history of cheese production, dating back to the 19th century. In 1841, Anne Pickett established the state's first commercial cheese factory, and by the 20th century, Wisconsin was home to over 1,500 cheese factories, producing more than 500 million pounds of cheese annually. Today, Wisconsin is the largest cheese producer in the United States, crafting over 600 varieties. With such a rich cheese culture, it's no surprise that Wisconsinites take their cheese seriously, and there are many contenders for the title of the best cheese in the state. From fried cheese curds to Alpine-style cheeses, Wisconsin cheese has a lot to offer. So, which cheese comes out on top?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese-based holidays | 19 |
| Most popular cheese | Mozzarella |
| Annual production of mozzarella | 1 billion pounds |
| Annual production of queso fresco and queso blanco | 71 million pounds |
| Annual production of cheese in 2006 | 2.4 billion pounds |
| Annual production of cheese in 2010 | 2.6 billion pounds |
| Annual production of cheese in 2014 | 2.9 billion pounds |
| Number of cheese varieties | 600+ |
| Best fried cheese curds | Single Location: Cheese Days, Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds |
| 2-5 Locations: The Great Dane | |
| 6+ Locations: Culver's | |
| Best Colby cheese | Dupont cheese factory in Marion |
| Best Alpine-style cheese | Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese Company |
| Best Ricotta | Grande |
| Best provolone | Glorioso’s |
| Best Limburger | Country Castle / Chalet Cheese Cooperative |
| Best Gruyere | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- Fried cheese curds: Travel Wisconsin named Cheese Days, Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds the best single-location fried cheese curds
- Alpine-style: Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese Company is considered one of the best Alpine-style cheeses in the world
- Colby: The DuPont cheese factory in Marion makes the best Colby, according to some
- Ricotta: Grande's ricotta is considered the best by one source
- String cheese: Casar and Heydi are voted the best string cheese by one source
Fried cheese curds: Travel Wisconsin named Cheese Days, Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds the best single-location fried cheese curds
Wisconsin has a long tradition and history of cheese production, with the state being widely associated with cheese and the dairy industry in popular culture. In 2014, Wisconsin produced 2.9 billion pounds of cheese, accounting for 25.4% of all cheese produced in the United States. Wisconsin is the only US state that requires a licensed cheesemaker to supervise the making of commercial cheese, and it offers a master cheesemaker programme modelled on rigorous European standards.
Wisconsin's cheesemaking tradition dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants, drawn to the state's fertile fields, settled there. Soon, dairy farms began to spring up across Wisconsin, and farmers started making cheese to preserve excess milk. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from her neighbours' cows.
Fried cheese curds are a popular delicacy in Wisconsin, and Travel Wisconsin has named the Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds as the best single-location fried cheese curds. These cheese curds are only available during the annual Cheese Days Festival in Monroe, Green County, and they have gained a reputation for their sweet signature batter and fresh curds of cheese. People travel from all over to taste these cheese curds, and the proceeds support a local youth-focused club.
While the Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds took first place in the single-location category, Culver's cheese curds, made at a family-owned dairy farm in Stanley, Wisconsin, won the multi-location category. Other notable mentions include the Great Dane Pub and Brewing, which has multiple locations in Dane and Wausau County, and the DuPont cheese factory in Marion, known for its Colby cheese.
Wisconsin's culinary scene offers a range of experiences, from farm-to-table dining to craft drinks and artisan meals. The state's cheese varieties are diverse, with over 600 types, including Alpine-style cheeses such as Gruyere, as well as Gouda, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss. Pleasant Ridge Reserve, a cheese from Wisconsin, has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society four times, a feat unmatched by any other state.
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Alpine-style: Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese Company is considered one of the best Alpine-style cheeses in the world
Wisconsin has a long tradition and history of cheese production, with its cheesemaking tradition dating back to the 19th century. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from her neighbours' cows. In 2014, Wisconsin produced 2.9 billion pounds of cheese, accounting for 25.4% of all cheese produced in the US. As of 2013, Wisconsin is the largest cheese producer in the US, making over 600 different cheese varieties.
One of the most renowned cheeses from Wisconsin is the Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese Company. This Alpine-style cheese is considered one of the best in the world within its category. It has been described as sublime, with a sweet and nutty flavour. It is a dense and dry cheese, and its unique flavour profile has been known to impress even Europeans, whose standards for cheese are often considered superior to those of American cheeses.
Pleasant Ridge Reserve has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society Award four times, a feat that no other state has achieved. It is also the most award-winning cheese in the US. In addition to its domestic accolades, Pleasant Ridge Reserve has also won the highest honour at the World Championship Cheese Contest.
The Uplands Cheese Company, located in Wisconsin, is known for its exceptional cheesemaking craftsmanship. In addition to Pleasant Ridge Reserve, they previously produced another highly regarded cheese called Rush Creek Reserve. However, production of this variety was discontinued due to FDA regulations.
The success of Pleasant Ridge Reserve highlights Wisconsin's prominent role in the American cheese industry and challenges the notion that European cheeses are inherently superior. Wisconsin's cheese production and culture continue to thrive, with the state ranking fourth in the world in total cheese production as if it were a country.
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Colby: The DuPont cheese factory in Marion makes the best Colby, according to some
Wisconsin is widely associated with cheese and has a long history of cheese production, dating back to the 19th century. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, and the state's cheesemaking tradition took off from there. Today, Wisconsin is the largest cheese producer in the United States, crafting over 600 different cheese varieties.
With such a rich cheese culture, it's no surprise that Wisconsinites take their cheese seriously. And when it comes to the best cheese in the state, opinions abound. In a Reddit discussion, users weighed in on their favourite cheese producers and varieties. Among the many suggestions, one cheese stood out: Colby from the DuPont cheese factory in Marion.
According to one commenter, DuPont's Colby is "basically a giant, sliceable, squeaky cheese curd." It's so good that it makes a "stellar grilled cheese." Another user agreed, stating that DuPont's fresh Colby is an exception and worth seeking out. This endorsement carries weight, as the commenter's husband's family is from Carr Valley, known for its excellent cheese.
The DuPont cheese factory in Marion has clearly made an impression on cheese enthusiasts in Wisconsin and beyond. While preferences vary, it's safe to say that their Colby is a cut above the rest in the eyes of many.
While DuPont's Colby has its fans, other cheese varieties and producers in Wisconsin are also worth mentioning. Wisconsin is known for its excellent Alpine-style cheeses, with Uplands Cheese Company's Pleasant Ridge Reserve being a standout example. This cheese has won numerous awards and is considered one of the best in the world. In addition to Uplands Cheese Company, other notable Wisconsin cheesemakers include Decatur Dairy, Country Castle/Chalet Cheese Cooperative, and Bleu Mont Dairy.
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Ricotta: Grande's ricotta is considered the best by one source
Wisconsin has a long tradition and history of cheese production, with the state being widely associated with cheese and the dairy industry in popular culture. Wisconsin's cheese-making tradition dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants who settled in Wisconsin began producing cheese to preserve excess milk. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from her neighbours' cows.
Today, Wisconsin is the largest cheese producer in the United States, making over 600 different cheese varieties. It is also the only state to offer a master cheesemaker program, which is based on the rigorous standards of similar programs in Europe. Wisconsin's cheese production has continued to grow over the years, with the state producing 2.4 billion pounds of cheese in 2006, 2.6 billion pounds in 2010, and 2.9 billion pounds in 2014, accounting for 25.4% of all cheese produced in the US. If Wisconsin were a country, it would rank fourth in the world in total cheese production.
While there are many popular and delicious cheeses made in Wisconsin, one source claims that Grande makes the best ricotta cheese they've ever had. Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese made from whey left over from the production of other cheeses. It is commonly used in Italian dishes such as lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli. While Grande's ricotta is reportedly excellent, it is not widely available as it is not sold in retail stores. Those who have had the pleasure of tasting it may consider themselves lucky, as it seems to be a well-kept secret of Wisconsin's cheese culture.
In addition to ricotta, there are several other notable cheeses that hail from Wisconsin. The state is known for its Alpine-style cheeses, with Uplands Cheese Company producing the acclaimed Pleasant Ridge Reserve, which has won multiple awards, including the highest honour at the American Cheese Society Awards four times. Wisconsin also produces excellent Colby cheese, with the DuPont cheese factory in Marion being a favourite among locals. The state has also perfected Swiss cheese by wrapping it in plastic to retain moisture, resulting in a semi-soft, orange-crusted white cheese with no hard, inedible rind. Wisconsin is also a major producer of queso fresco and queso blanco, which are essential in Mexican cuisine, as well as popular hard Italian cheeses like Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago.
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String cheese: Casar and Heydi are voted the best string cheese by one source
Wisconsin has a long tradition and history of cheese production, with the state being widely associated with cheese and the dairy industry in popular culture. Wisconsin's cheesemaking tradition dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants who settled in Wisconsin, attracted by its fertile fields, began dairy farming and producing cheese to preserve excess milk. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from her neighbours' cows.
Fast forward a century later, and Wisconsin was home to over 1,500 cheese factories, producing more than 500 million pounds of cheese per year. As of 2013, Wisconsin continues to be the largest cheese producer in the United States, crafting over 600 different cheese varieties. Wisconsin is the only U.S. state that mandates licensed cheesemaker supervision for commercial cheese production. It also exclusively offers a master cheesemaker programme modelled on Europe's rigorous standards.
With such a rich cheese-making heritage, it's no surprise that Wisconsin has garnered multiple accolades for its cheeses. For instance, Uplands Cheese Company's Pleasant Ridge Reserve has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society a record-breaking four times. In 2014, Uplands Creamery's Buttermilk Blue took home the gold in the World Championship Cheese Contest.
Amidst Wisconsin's plethora of cheeses, one source has singled out Casar and Heydi as the best string cheese. While string cheese may not be the first variety that comes to mind when thinking of Wisconsin cheese, these two brands are evidently worth trying.
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Frequently asked questions
While there doesn't seem to be a consensus on which cheese is the best in Wisconsin, some popular options include:
- Fried cheese curds from Cheese Days, Monroe Optimist
- Fried cheese curds from The Great Dane
- Fried cheese curds from Culver's
- Colby cheese from Dupont cheese factory in Marion
- Alpine-style cheese from Uplands Cheese Company
- String cheese from Casar and Heydi
- Ricotta from Grande
- Provolone from Glorioso's
- Cheese from Meister's in Muscoda
- Cheese from Decatur Dairy in Green County
- Limburger from Country Castle/Chalet Cheese Cooperative
- Gruyere-style cheese
- Parmesan
- Gouda by Wisconsin cheesemaker Marieke Penterman
- Buttermilk Blue from Sid Cook at Carr Valley
- GranQueso from Sid Cook at Carr Valley
- Swiss cheese
- Feta
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Asiago
While the best cheese curds in Wisconsin are hotly debated, some popular options include:
- Single Location: Cheese Days, Monroe Optimist Deep Fried Cheese Curds
- 2-5 Locations: The Great Dane
- 6+ Locations: Culver's
Some popular cheese producers in Wisconsin include:
- Dupont cheese factory in Marion
- Mt. Sterling Co-op in Gays Mills
- Sartori Merlot
- Meister's in Muscoda
- Decatur Dairy in Green County
- Country Castle / Chalet Cheese Cooperative
- Uplands Cheese Company
- Bleu Mont Dairy
- Carr Valley
