Bushra Griffith
Wisconsin is known for its cheese curds, a staple in the state that produces more than a quarter of the nation's cheese. The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, located in the self-proclaimed Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, is a popular destination for cheese lovers. Mullins, the largest family-owned cheese factory in the state, also offers fresh and deep-fried cheese curds. For those who can't make it to Wisconsin, companies like Cheese Bros. and Gardners Wisconsin Cheese ship their cheese curds nationwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese curd suppliers in Wisconsin | Mullins Cheese, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Nasonville Dairy, Cady Cheese, Union Star, Weyawega, Renard's Cheese, Decatur (Brodhead, WI), Muenster, Arena, Renard's, Carr Valley, Clock Shadow Creamery, Cheesebros, Gardners Wisconsin Cheese & Sausage, Wisconsin Cheese Mart |
| Payment methods | Cash or check |
| Cheese curd serving suggestions | Fresh, battered and fried, on top of fries with gravy, or microwaved for a few seconds |
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What You'll Learn
- Mullins: the self-proclaimed largest family-owned and operated cheese factory in Wisconsin
- Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery: the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin
- Nasonville Dairy: recommended by a Wisconsin resident on Reddit
- Cady Cheese: another Wisconsin local's favourite
- Decatur (Brodhead, WI): winner of the plain category in the World Cheese Championship Contest
Mullins: the self-proclaimed largest family-owned and operated cheese factory in Wisconsin
Mullins, located in the middle of Wisconsin, is a self-proclaimed largest family-owned and operated cheese factory in the state. With milk sourced from approximately 700 dairy farms across Wisconsin, Mullins Cheese manufactures a variety of exceptional cheeses, aiming to exceed Wisconsin's superior standards. The Mullins family, now in its fifth generation, continues to raise the bar by delivering superior products that meet evolving consumer demands and sustainability expectations. Their commitment to growth through innovation allows them to optimise components and minimise their environmental impact.
Mullins offers fresh cheese curds straight from the vats of its two production facilities. They also sell deep-fried cheese curds at their store, along with recipes for preparing them in various ways. In addition to cheese, Mullins offers take-and-bake pizzas, sausage, whey protein powder, souvenirs, and seasonal soft-serve ice cream in eight different flavours.
Mullins does not offer mail-order cheese, so customers must visit the store to purchase their products. The store is open all days except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. While factory tours are not available, Mullins provides an insight into the cheese-making process through videos and observation decks, allowing visitors to witness the transformation of milk into cheese.
Mullins' dedication to delivering premier products and environmental consciousness has established them as an award-winning cheesemaker in Wisconsin. Their resilience, innovation, and time-honored practices have positioned them at the forefront of the industry, delivering traditional and value-added products that exceed customer expectations.
Overall, Mullins Cheese stands as a prominent and respected family-owned business in Wisconsin, contributing to the state's reputation for superior cheese products and exemplifying the hard work and dedication of its dairy farmers.
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Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery: the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for producing more than a quarter of the nation's cheese. And when it comes to cheese curds, the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, located in the charming Village of Ellsworth, is the place to go. It was officially recognized as the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin" in 1984 by Governor Anthony S. Earl.
The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery has a long and proud history in the world of cheese. Formed over a century ago to produce and sell butter, they have since become synonymous with quality and tradition in cheese curds. The cooperative is powered by the dedication of 200 family dairy farms, who are not just milk producers but also the proud owners of the organization. Their commitment to excellence and shared investment in the cooperative's success ensure that every product meets the highest standards of quality.
The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery creates an impressive 160,000 to 180,000 pounds of cheese curds each day, including a variety of flavors such as Natural, Ranch, Garlic, Hot Buffalo, Cajun, and Hickory Bacon. Their unique packaging process removes oxygen from the bags while keeping the cheese loosely packaged, resulting in a product with a shelf life of over six months when kept refrigerated and unopened. The longer the cheese remains sealed, the more enriched the cheddar flavor becomes.
The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is more than just a place to buy cheese curds. It is a destination for cheese lovers, offering over 80 different varieties of artisan and specialty cheeses produced at their facility in Menomonie, as well as nearly 200 more of Wisconsin’s best cheeses. Visitors can also enjoy wines and craft beers from popular regional wineries and breweries. The cooperative is also the official supplier of the annual Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival, a celebration of "peace, love, and cheese curds" that features live music, a parade, crafts, and cheese-themed competitions. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, a trip to the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is a must for anyone looking to get their fill of fresh, delicious cheese curds and experience the rich cheese culture of Wisconsin.
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Nasonville Dairy: recommended by a Wisconsin resident on Reddit
Nasonville Dairy has been a staple of Wisconsin for over a century, with the Heiman family committed to cheesemaking since 1965. Located just outside of Marshfield, the award-winning cheesemakers at Nasonville have been crafting traditional Wisconsin cheese for over 150 years. They produce an impressive variety of cheese, including Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Asiago, Feta, and Blue Marble™ Jack and Blue Marble™ Cheddar-Blue.
A Wisconsin resident on Reddit recommended Nasonville Dairy, and it's easy to see why. The dairy sources its milk from over 190 local farm families, creating more than 100,000 pounds of cheese every day. Nasonville Dairy's cheese is renowned for its quality, with a blend of nature, science, artistry, and tradition. The dairy's Master Cheesemaker, Ken Heiman, achieved this status through dedicated study and the consistent creation of exceptional cheeses.
Nasonville Dairy's commitment to family and tradition is evident in their work, with three generations of the Heiman family continuing the legacy of cheesemaking excellence. Their passion for cheesemaking is evident in their constant pursuit of learning and creating the best cheeses. Nasonville Dairy's long history and dedication to their craft make them a trusted source for Wisconsin's beloved cheese curds.
When it comes to enjoying cheese curds, freshness is key. Nasonville Dairy's retail store offers an observation window, allowing visitors to witness the cheese-making process and ensure they're getting the freshest curds possible. The dairy's central location in Wisconsin makes it easily accessible, and their commitment to tradition and quality ensures that visitors will experience the best of Wisconsin's cheese culture.
Nasonville Dairy is a testament to Wisconsin's rich dairy history and a must-visit destination for cheese enthusiasts. The dairy's award-winning cheeses, time-honored traditions, and dedication to family make it a beloved institution in America's Dairyland. For those seeking the ultimate cheese curd experience, Nasonville Dairy is the perfect destination, offering a delightful blend of taste, tradition, and Wisconsin hospitality.
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Cady Cheese: another Wisconsin local's favourite
Cady Cheese is a Wisconsin favourite, nestled in the hills of western Wisconsin. It is one of the oldest cheese factories in the area, with a long history dating back to before 1991, when a fire destroyed the original factory. Cady Cheese was quickly rebuilt and now boasts state-of-the-art equipment, with daily operations and machine cleaning overseen by computer, ensuring consistent, high-quality cheese production.
Cady Cheese is known for its Colby longhorns, but they also produce a range of other cheeses, including milled curd cheddar longhorn, Monterey Jack, and a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack called Gold'n Jack. The factory store offers a small gift shop with a variety of cheeses and gift items.
Reviews of Cady Cheese are mixed. Some customers rave about the cheese curds, calling them "unbelievable" and "love at first bite". The staff have been described as friendly and accommodating, offering samples of their cheeses. However, others have noted that the staff did not seem interested in explaining the cheese-making process to guests, and there have been disappointments regarding the lack of cheese tasting experiences.
Despite the mixed reviews, Cady Cheese remains a popular destination for cheese lovers in Wisconsin, particularly those seeking fresh cheese curds and a glimpse into the cheese-making process. It is a nice stop when travelling through middle Wisconsin, and the reasonable prices make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking an authentic cheese factory experience.
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Decatur (Brodhead, WI): winner of the plain category in the World Cheese Championship Contest
Decatur Dairy in Brodhead, Wisconsin, is home to the winner of the plain category in the World Cheese Championship Contest. The biennial championship, held in Madison, Wisconsin, saw 53 judges taste, sniff, and inspect 141 classes of dairy products. Steve Stettler, a master cheesemaker from Decatur, won the coveted first place in the unflavored cheese curd category for his Muenster Cheese Curds. Stettler expressed his joy, stating that it was fantastic to achieve this feat, especially in a competitive field of cheese curds.
Decatur Dairy's win showcases the dedication and craftsmanship of Wisconsin's cheese industry. The state is renowned for its cheese-making prowess, contributing over a quarter of the nation's cheese production. Wisconsinites are passionate about their cheese, and fresh cheese curds hold a special place in their hearts. The squeaky-fresh cheddar curds are a local delicacy, and Wisconsin is often referred to as "America's Dairyland."
The World Championship Cheese Contest, held since 1957, is the world's premier technical contest for cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredients. It brings together judges and participants from around the world, creating a global cheese community. The event also includes cheese-themed competitions, live music, parades, and craft sales, celebrating cheese in all its glory.
Wisconsin is home to several renowned cheese factories and creameries, each with its unique offerings. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, located in the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin," produces approximately 160,000 pounds of white cheddar curds daily. Mullins, the largest family-owned cheese factory in Wisconsin, offers fresh and deep-fried cheese curds, along with a range of other dairy products and souvenirs.
Whether it's the award-winning Decatur Dairy cheese curds or the offerings from other esteemed Wisconsin cheesemakers, cheese enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of fresh, delicious cheese curds across the state. Wisconsin's cheese culture is vibrant and welcoming, inviting everyone to join in on the love for cheese. So, the next time you're in Wisconsin, remember to sample the famous cheese curds and be part of this delicious tradition!
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Frequently asked questions
Mullins, located in the middle of the state, bills itself as the largest family-owned and operated cheese factory in Wisconsin. It offers fresh cheese curds straight from the vats of its two production facilities. Decatur in Brodhead, WI, was the winner in the plain category for cheese curds at the World Cheese Championship Contest. The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is another option, producing around 160,000 pounds of white cheddar curds each day.
Yes, companies like Cheese Bros, Gardners Wisconsin Cheese & Sausage, and Cheesemart ship fresh Wisconsin cheese curds daily.
Cheese curds are best enjoyed or frozen within a week to two weeks of delivery for the best taste and texture. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
Cheese curds can be eaten fresh or deep-fried. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to get an authentic "fresh from the vat" taste.
