12 Must-Try Cheeses: A Guide For Cheese Lovers

Hey cheese lovers! Ever find yourself wandering through the cheese aisle, feeling totally overwhelmed by the sheer variety? You're not alone! With so many delicious options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've put together this guide to 12 must-try cheeses that will expand your palate and impress your friends at your next cheese board gathering. So, grab a cracker and let's dive into the wonderful world of cheese!

1. Cheddar: The King of Everyday Cheese

Okay, let's start with a classic: Cheddar. This cheese is a staple in refrigerators around the world, and for good reason. Cheddar, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is a hard, natural cheese that comes in a range of flavors, from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy. The flavor of Cheddar cheese is significantly influenced by the aging process, with longer aging periods resulting in a more pronounced and complex taste. Mild cheddar, typically aged for just a couple of months, offers a smooth, buttery flavor that's perfect for melting in grilled cheese sandwiches or topping burgers. Medium cheddar, aged for six to twelve months, strikes a balance between creamy and sharp, making it a versatile choice for snacking or shredding over salads. Sharp cheddar, aged for a year or more, boasts a bold, intense flavor with earthy and nutty notes, ideal for adding depth to cheese boards or pairing with hearty wines. Extra-sharp cheddar, aged for several years, is the most pungent and complex, offering a robust flavor that lingers on the palate. Beyond its flavor, cheddar also boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Cheddar-making dates back to at least the 12th century in England, where it was traditionally produced in caves to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. Today, cheddar is made all over the world, with each region putting its unique spin on the classic cheese. Whether you prefer a mild and creamy cheddar or a sharp and tangy one, this cheese is a must-have for any cheese lover. Its versatility, affordability, and wide availability make it a staple in kitchens around the globe. So, next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to grab a block of cheddar and experience the timeless appeal of this iconic cheese for yourself. You can pair it with apples, crackers, or even use it in your favorite recipes.

2. Brie: The Creamy Delight

Next up is Brie, a soft, cow's milk cheese named after the Brie region of France. This cheese is known for its creamy, buttery texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. Brie is often served baked or with fruit and nuts, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The smooth, edible rind is a hallmark of Brie, adding a subtle earthy note to the overall flavor profile. When young, Brie offers a mild, milky taste with hints of mushrooms and nuts. As it matures, the flavor becomes more intense, developing complex aromas and a creamy, almost decadent texture. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy Brie is to bake it until it's warm and gooey, then top it with honey, nuts, or fruit preserves. The combination of the warm, melted cheese and the sweet toppings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply irresistible. Brie also pairs beautifully with a variety of wines, from crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc to light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, incorporating it into a sandwich, or simply enjoying it on its own, Brie is a cheese that's sure to impress. Its creamy texture, delicate flavor, and elegant presentation make it a standout choice for any cheese lover. So, next time you're looking for a cheese to elevate your culinary creations, reach for a wheel of Brie and experience the magic for yourself. This cheese is not only delicious but also adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

3. Gouda: The Sweet and Nutty Favorite

Let's talk about Gouda, a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. This cheese is known for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Gouda comes in a variety of ages, from young and mild to aged and complex. Young Gouda is perfect for sandwiches, while aged Gouda is great for snacking or grating over pasta. The aging process is key to developing Gouda's distinctive flavor. As it ages, Gouda loses moisture, resulting in a firmer texture and a more concentrated flavor. Young Gouda, aged for just a few weeks, has a mild, buttery taste with hints of caramel. As it matures, the flavor becomes more pronounced, developing nutty and caramel-like notes. Aged Gouda, aged for a year or more, boasts a complex flavor with hints of butterscotch, toasted nuts, and even a subtle sweetness. One of the unique characteristics of Gouda is the presence of small, crunchy crystals that form during the aging process. These crystals, known as calcium lactate, add a delightful textural element to the cheese and are often considered a sign of quality. Gouda is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It's delicious on its own, paired with fruit and nuts, or melted in grilled cheese sandwiches or macaroni and cheese. It also pairs well with a variety of beverages, from beer to wine. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of cheese, Gouda is a must-try. Its smooth texture, sweet and nutty flavor, and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to satisfy. So, next time you're at the cheese counter, be sure to pick up a block of Gouda and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

4. Parmesan: The Grating Champion

Ah, Parmesan – the king of grating cheeses! This hard, granular cheese is made from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months, resulting in a sharp, savory flavor that's perfect for topping pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine and a must-have for any home cook. The aging process is crucial to developing Parmesan's distinctive flavor and texture. During aging, the cheese loses moisture, resulting in a hard, dense texture and a concentrated flavor. Parmesan aged for 12 months offers a nutty, slightly salty taste with hints of fruit and spice. As it ages further, the flavor becomes more intense, developing complex aromas and a sharp, lingering finish. One of the key characteristics of Parmesan is its granular texture, which makes it ideal for grating. The small, hard granules melt easily when heated, creating a rich, savory sauce that clings to pasta and vegetables. Parmesan is also packed with umami, a savory flavor that enhances the taste of other foods. Whether you're grating it over spaghetti carbonara, sprinkling it on Caesar salad, or using it to make a creamy risotto, Parmesan adds depth and complexity to any dish. It's also a great source of calcium and protein, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. When buying Parmesan, look for a cheese that's been aged for at least 12 months and has a firm, dry texture. The rind should be hard and natural, without any artificial coatings or preservatives. Store Parmesan in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, to prevent it from drying out. So, next time you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen, don't forget to reach for the Parmesan. This versatile cheese is a true culinary treasure that will elevate your dishes to the next level.

5. Mozzarella: The Pizza Essential

Who doesn't love Mozzarella? This soft, fresh cheese is a pizza essential, but it's also delicious in salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. Mozzarella is traditionally made from buffalo milk, but cow's milk mozzarella is also widely available. Its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture make it a favorite for all ages. There are two main types of Mozzarella: fresh Mozzarella and low-moisture Mozzarella. Fresh Mozzarella, also known as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, is made from buffalo milk and is known for its delicate flavor and creamy texture. It's typically sold in balls or logs and is best enjoyed within a few days of purchase. Low-moisture Mozzarella, on the other hand, is made from cow's milk and has a lower moisture content, making it ideal for melting on pizzas and other cooked dishes. Mozzarella is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It's delicious in salads, such as Caprese salad, where it's paired with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. It's also a great addition to sandwiches and wraps, adding a creamy, melty element. And, of course, it's the star of the show on pizzas, where it melts into a gooey, cheesy blanket. When buying Mozzarella, look for a cheese that's fresh and moist, with a clean, milky aroma. Fresh Mozzarella should be stored in its whey to keep it moist, while low-moisture Mozzarella can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Whether you're enjoying it in a salad, on a sandwich, or on a pizza, Mozzarella is a cheese that's sure to please. Its mild flavor, stretchy texture, and versatility make it a favorite for all ages. So, next time you're craving a cheesy treat, reach for the Mozzarella and enjoy the deliciousness.

6. Feta: The Salty Greek Delight

Let's journey to Greece with Feta, a salty, crumbly cheese made from sheep's milk (or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk). This cheese is a staple in Greek salads and Mediterranean cuisine, adding a tangy, briny flavor to any dish. Feta is traditionally aged in brine, which gives it its characteristic salty taste and crumbly texture. The aging process also helps to preserve the cheese and prevent it from drying out. Feta cheese is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, meaning that only cheese made in Greece according to specific traditional methods can be labeled as Feta. Feta is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It's delicious in salads, such as Greek salad, where it's paired with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. It's also a great addition to omelets, quiches, and other egg dishes, adding a salty, tangy flavor. And, of course, it's delicious on its own, crumbled over crackers or bread. When buying Feta, look for a cheese that's firm and moist, with a clean, salty aroma. The cheese should be creamy white in color and should crumble easily when pressed. Store Feta in its brine in the refrigerator to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Whether you're enjoying it in a salad, on an omelet, or on its own, Feta is a cheese that's sure to add a burst of flavor to any dish. Its salty, tangy taste and crumbly texture make it a favorite for cheese lovers around the world. So, next time you're looking for a cheese to add some zing to your meals, reach for the Feta and enjoy the deliciousness.

7. Swiss: The Classic Sandwich Cheese

Who doesn't recognize Swiss cheese? This cheese is known for its distinctive holes and mild, nutty flavor. Swiss cheese is a classic choice for sandwiches, but it's also delicious in omelets, gratins, and fondues. The holes in Swiss cheese, also known as