Randy Chandler
America is home to a wide variety of cheeses, from the soft-ripened to the pungent and brine-rubbed. While Wisconsin is the biggest producer of cheese in the US, followed by California, Idaho, and New Mexico, the best cheese is often considered to be made in Wisconsin, Vermont, and upstate New York. However, the official world's best cheese is made in Oregon, specifically the Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery, which was crowned the World Champion at the 2019 World Cheese Awards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Indiana |
| Maker | Judy Schad |
| Type of milk | Goat's milk |
| Cheese name | Sofia |
| Location | Southern Oregon |
| Maker | Rogue Creamery |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Cheese name | Rogue River Blue |
| Location | Southern Minnesota |
| Maker | Anne Saxelby |
| Type of milk | 100% grass-fed |
| Cheese name | Bent River |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches
While there are many great American cheeses, the best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches is a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few options that are particularly well-suited for this classic comfort food.
One popular choice is Kraft Singles, a classic American cheese that is widely available and affordable. While some may find that Kraft Singles become a little grainy when heated, they can still be a tasty and convenient option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Another option is Boar's Head American cheese, which can be found pre-sliced in most grocery stores. For the best experience, it is recommended to get it freshly sliced at the deli counter and ask for it to be cut extra thin.
For those looking for something a bit more artisanal, there are also some excellent small-batch American cheesemakers to consider. One example is Judy Schad, who makes one of the country's most prized goat cheeses, Sofia, on her farm in southern Indiana. This ash-seamed, wrinkly, and superbly fragrant cheese would make a unique and delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
Another award-winning American cheese is the Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon. This fudgy, funky organic cheese is made with milk collected at the beginning of the Northwest's rainy season and aged between nine and eleven months. It is then wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits, resulting in a truly elegant cheese.
Finally, for a more classic option, a soft-rind, 100% grass-fed cheese from Minnesota, such as the Bent River, a funky Camembert, would be a great choice for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Chimay Cheese: A Tasty Treat from Belgian Trappists
You may want to see also
The best American cheese for cold sandwiches
Colby Jack is a mild, sweet-tasting cheese that works well with strong flavours such as salami and pickled vegetables. It is also good for grilled cheese sandwiches. Mozzarella is another popular choice for cold sandwiches, as it is easily edible without being melted and doesn't overpower other ingredients.
If you're looking for a cheese with a bit more bite, blue cheese is a good option. It has a creamy, piquant flavour and a sharp taste that lingers. Some blue cheeses are slightly salty, but a good blue cheese should never be too salty.
For those who prefer a more classic American cheese, Organic Valley is a good option. It tastes and melts like cheddar, but without the sharpness that comes with aging. It is also made with butter, giving it a nice, creamy melt.
Of course, there are also the classic American cheese slices, such as Kraft Singles and Boar's Head, which have a slick, plasticky texture that some people enjoy.
Colosse Cheese: Where is This Iconic Cheese Made?
You may want to see also
The best American cheese for a midnight snack
If you're looking for the best American cheese for a midnight snack, you're spoilt for choice.
For a classic, try the award-winning organic, raw milk cheeses made by John Shuman and Marci Ebeling, aged in natural lava tube caves. Or, if you're after something a little more unusual, try the Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon, which was crowned World Champion at the 2019 World Cheese Awards. This funky, fudgy cheese is made with milk collected at the beginning of the Northwest's rainy season, then aged for nine to 11 months and wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits.
If you're a fan of goat's cheese, look no further than Judy Schad's Sofia, an ash-seamed, wrinkly, fragrant cheese made on an 80-acre farm in southern Indiana. Or, for something a little more everyday, try the Bent River, a funky Camembert from Minnesota, or the Boar's Head American cheese, available presliced at the grocery store.
The Cheddar Cheese Masters: Where is it Made?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The best American cheese for a cold bologna sandwich
While there are many great American cheeses, the best cheese for a cold bologna sandwich is arguably the classic American cheese. This is a cheese that doesn't take centre stage, so no super assertive cheese here. It's silky and molten, and it's perfect for a midnight snack eaten by the refrigerator's dim light.
If you're looking for a more gourmet option, try the Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon. This fudgy, funky organic cheese was crowned the World Champion at the 2019 World Cheese Awards. It's made only with milk collected at the beginning of the Northwest's famed rainy season, aged between nine and 11 months, then wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits.
For a more southern-style bologna sandwich, try homemade pimento cheese, or if you're looking for a classic diner-style sandwich, go for Oscar Mayer bologna, Wonder Bread, sliced cheese in the little plastic sleeves, mayo (or even miracle whip), and plain yellow mustard.
Swiss Cheese Holes: Worm Theory Explained
You may want to see also
The best American cheese from the Midwest
While the best cheese in America is a matter of opinion, there are a few cheeses that have been highly praised. One of these is the Sofia, an ash-seamed, wrinkly, and fragrant goat's cheese made by Judy Schad in southern Indiana. Schad is known as one of the country's pioneering cheesemakers, having swapped her suburban life for an 80-acre farm in Indiana around 40 years ago.
Another highly regarded cheese is the Rogue River Blue, made by Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon. This fudgy, funky organic cheese was crowned the World Champion at the 2019 World Cheese Awards, the first time an American cheese had won the award. It is made with milk collected at the beginning of the Northwest's rainy season and aged between nine and 11 months, then wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits.
Other notable American cheeses include the Bent River, a funky Camembert from Minnesota, and the extra-special reserve Parmigiano-Reggiano, which Italians refuse to export. While American cheese often gets a bad rap, there are some excellent options available, including processed slices that are perfect for a midnight snack.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese: What's in This Dairy-Free Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Boar's Head sells presliced American cheese, but it's recommended to get it sliced at the deli counter and ask for it extra thin.
Kraft Singles are a popular choice, but they can be a little grainy when heated up.
American cheese from Boar's Head is a good option, but make sure to get it sliced extra thin.
Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon was crowned World Champion at the 2019 World Cheese Awards.
