Butterkase Cheese: A Rich, Creamy German Delicacy

Butterkäse, or butter cheese in German, is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. It is primarily produced in Germany, though some is also produced in Wisconsin. With a fat content of around 50%, it is known for its creamy texture and buttery taste. It is a mild, savoury cheese with a light colour and smooth, spreadable consistency.

Origin and history

Butterkäse, which translates to "butter cheese" in German, is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. It is primarily produced in Germany, though some Butterkäse is also produced in Wisconsin, thanks to German immigrants in the region. The cheese first appeared in 1928 as a variant of Italian Bel Paese and has been a German staple ever since. It is traditionally made near the Swiss border in Germany and in Austria, where it is equally beloved for its creamy texture and buttery taste.

The texture of Butterkäse is smooth and creamy, sometimes nearly spreadable, depending on the firmness desired by the cheesemaker. It has a light colour, ranging from white to light yellow-orange, and is commonly found in a loaf shape that is convenient for slicing. It can also be found in a smoked variety. Butterkäse has a buttery flavour and appearance, with a mild, approachable taste reminiscent of American Muenster or Gouda cheeses. Its mild flavour and odour make it a popular choice for those who do not typically enjoy cheese.

Butterkäse has a high fat content of around 50%, contributing to its rich, decadent taste. It is an extremely versatile cheese, melting beautifully and complementing a wide variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. It is often sliced and added to rolls and sandwiches or melted for cooking. It can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, added to fondue, folded into an omelette, or sprinkled on pizza. Butterkäse can also be incorporated into desserts, such as cheesecake, fruit and cheese platters, tarts, pastries, or grilled cheese sandwiches with sweet elements.

With its creamy texture and mild flavour, Butterkäse has become a beloved staple in Germany and beyond, offering a rich and decadent cheese experience for all to enjoy.

Texture and taste

Butterkäse, or "butter cheese" in German, is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. It is primarily produced in Germany, but some also comes from Wisconsin. The texture of Butterkäse is smooth and creamy, and it has a buttery flavour and appearance. The colour ranges from white to light yellow-orange, and it is commonly found in a loaf shape. It can be sliced and added to rolls and sandwiches or melted for cooking.

The texture of Butterkäse is smooth and creamy, sometimes nearly spreadable depending on the desired firmness of the cheese maker. It is often described as mild, partly due to its brief ageing time. The softness and mildly salty or acidic flavour is similar to Muenster or Gouda cheeses. With a fat content of 50%, it is a decadent and rich cheese.

Butterkäse is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes, both savoury and sweet. It pairs well with crackers, sliced ham, steamed vegetables, and burgers. It can be melted over food or used as a dip. It is also excellent for grilled cheese sandwiches, fondue, and mac and cheese.

The cheese is a good topping for crackers or crostini, and it can be baked into pastries or mixed with sugar and spices for dessert fillings. Butterkäse is a mild, approachable, and subtly flavoured cheese that is a refreshing alternative to mainstream options.

Nutritional information

Butterkäse, or "butter cheese" in German, is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese that is moderately popular in Germanic Europe and occasionally found elsewhere. It is known for its buttery flavour and appearance, as well as its smooth and creamy texture. It is also called "ladies cheese" or "Damenkäse" in German because of its delicate flavour and lack of odour.

Butterkäse is a decadent cheese with a fat content of 50%. It is not a reduced-calorie food. A serving size of 1 ounce (28 grams) contains 80 calories from fat. It also contains 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fat and no polyunsaturated fat or total carbohydrates.

The cheese is made from cow's milk and is produced in Germany, Austria, and Wisconsin, USA. It is a young cheese with a brief aging time of around one month, resulting in a mild, melt-in-your-mouth flavour. The texture can vary from firm to spreadable, depending on the cheese maker's preference.

The colour of Butterkäse ranges from white to light yellow-orange, and it is commonly found in a loaf shape that is convenient for slicing. It can also be found in a smoked variety, and its versatility makes it a great addition to various recipes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to fondues and desserts.

Recipes and serving suggestions

Butterkäse, meaning "butter cheese" in German, is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and buttery taste. It is traditionally made in Germany and Austria and is also produced in Wisconsin by German immigrants. It has a high fat content of 50% and a mild flavour, making it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savoury to sweet.

Butterkäse is a great table cheese, as it can be sliced or spread at room temperature. It is often added to rolls and sandwiches or melted for cooking. Here are some popular Butterkäse recipes:

• Grilled Butterkäse Sandwich: A simple recipe where Butterkäse is melted between two slices of bread. You can add ingredients like ham, bacon, or tomatoes for extra flavour.
• Butterkäse Cheese Fondue: Melt Butterkäse with white wine, garlic, and herbs for a creamy fondue. Serve with bread cubes, vegetables, or fruits for dipping.
• Butterkäse Mac and Cheese: Add melted Butterkäse to a classic macaroni and cheese recipe for a creamy and rich dish.
• Butterkäse and Caramelized Onion Pizza: Top a pizza crust with caramelized onions and Butterkäse slices, and add bacon or arugula for extra flavour.
• Butterkäse Stuffed Chicken Breast: Bake or grill chicken breasts stuffed with Butterkäse and herbs for a juicy and flavourful main dish.
• Butterkäse Cheese Dip: Create a smooth and creamy dip by melting Butterkäse with cream and seasonings. Serve with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.

In addition to these recipes, Butterkäse can also be used in German dishes such as Butterkäse Spätzle and Butterkäse Salad, or incorporated into desserts like cheesecake, fruit and cheese platters, tarts, pastries, and grilled cheese desserts. It pairs well with a medium white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp German Riesling, and a light lager beer.

Where to buy

Butterkäse is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy, buttery flavour and texture. Originating from Austria and Germany, it is a popular addition to cheeseboards and sandwiches, and can also be melted over dishes or served with beer.

The Cheesemonger's Shop

The Cheesemonger's Shop in Leavenworth, WA, offers Butterkäse for $8.80. The store has excellent reviews for its service and selection of cheeses, with staff reported to be very helpful in guiding customers to cheeses they may like. The store also offers a Cheese of the Month Club, with a Leavenworth Flagship Store and a second location at Pybus Market.

Fair Oaks Farms

Fair Oaks Farms sells Butterkäse online, describing it as a soft-textured, buttery cheese, great for sandwiches or melted over dishes.

Westby Creamery

Westby Creamery sells Roth Butterkäse online, with two stores in Westby, WI. The cheese is sold in 1-pound packages, with the option to add an insulated shipping box to your order to protect the perishable product.

Edelweiss Cheese Shop

The Edelweiss Cheese Shop sells Butterkäse in 1-pound pieces, with the option to contact the store via email.

Wisconsin Cheese Mart

The Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers Widmer's Butterkäse, produced in Theresa, WI. The cheese is sold in 7oz quantities, with shipping calculated at checkout.

Frequently asked questions