Did you know that Wisconsin cheesemakers produce more than 600 varieties of cheese?  That's a lot to choose from!  When putting together the perfect cheese board, it can be hard to decide which cheeses to feature.  We're here to help narrow down your choices with our top 10 cheeses for cheese boards.  

1. 5 Aged Cheddar

Starting off with our most popular cheese, our 5 Year Aged Cheddar is a must-have for any cheese board!  This cheddar isn't your average cheddar - it's sharp, granular, slightly crumbly, with a just a hint of those delicious cheese crystals found in aged cheddar.  Our 5 Year Aged Cheddar has a rich flavor and slightly tangy bite.  Incredibly versatile, this cheddar will pair with a variety of accoutrements!

Try with: Fresh berries, wheat crackers, olives

2. Pleasant Ridge Reserve

The most-awarded cheese in American history, Pleasant Ridge Reserve is a must-have for any cheese board.  Produced by Uplands Cheese, Pleasant Ridge Reserve is a true farmstead cheese, made from the milk of the cows kept and raised at Uplands.  It is made only in the summer months, when the cows are grazing fresh pasture.  This practice results in a complex flavor of rich and salty, with a long, fruity finish and layers of caramel and nuts throughout.

Try with: Whole grain crusty bread, pickled vegetables, smoked meats

3. Wildfire Blue

Carr Valley Cheese's Glacier Point facility is renowned for producing exceptional cheeses, and their celebrated blue cheese is a true masterpiece. Wildfire Blue is a harmonious blend of mild blue notes and fiery Peperoncino peppers, resulting in a flavor profile that is both complex and balanced. The smooth, creamy texture adds another layer of indulgence, making it an unforgettable experience for your palate.

Try with: Figs, fresh pairs, and honey

4. Mobay

Sid Cook's whimsically delicious take on the famous French cheese, Morbier. Carr Valley Cheese's version features a layer of sheep milk cheese and a layer of goat milk cheese separated by a layer of grape vine ash and pressed together. The flavor is both delicate and rustic. Taste each layer separately and then together for three different flavor profiles in one great cheese.

Try with: Fresh apple slices, olive tapenade, and seeded crackers

5. Port Wine Cold Pack

This delectable cheese spread isn't just a treat for your taste buds, it's a trip down memory lane! Imagine this: creamy, aged Wisconsin cheddar, the kind that melts in your mouth with a sharp, satisfying tang. Now, picture that richness perfectly intertwined with the sweet and fruity notes of port wine. It's a classic combination that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and cheer.  Spread it generously on your favorite cracker and savor the symphony of flavors and textures. 

Try with: Buttery crackers or pretzels, fresh grapes, and walnuts or pecans

6. Creama Kasa

This triple-cream cheese is a decadent delight, boasting a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of piquancy. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it perfect for spreading on warm bread.

Try with: Crusty bread, cherry preserves, and cured meats

7. Cranberry Cheddar

Produced by Maple Leaf Cheese, this double milled cheddar cheese is mixed with cranberries from the bogs of northern Wisconsin.  The combination of fruit and cheese gives this cheddar a tart yet sweet flavor.

Try with: Candied or roasted nuts, dried fruit, chocolate

8. Morel & Leek Jack

This Monterey Jack takes a delightful detour from the ordinary, infused with the earthy essence of morel mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of leek. The result is a truly unique cheese experience. Imagine a creamy, buttery base with a hint of tartness, punctuated by the deep, earthy notes of the morels. Its open texture allows the flavors to mingle and melt in your mouth.

Try with: Crusty bread, cured meats, cornichons

9. Truffle Gouda

This award-winning Wisconsin gouda from Marieke is a must-have for any cheese lover. Made with fresh milk from her own farm and infused with real black truffle, it offers a creamy, nutty flavor with an irresistible truffle aroma. Its semi-firm texture is perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite charcuterie board.

Try with: Olives, prosciutto, and seeded crackers

10. Red Rock Cheddar

Chris Roelli, a cheesemaker with a knack for innovation, was experimenting in his Shullsburg, Wisconsin creamery back in 2011. He took the familiar sharpness of a fine English Cheddar and the creamy bite of a French Blue, added a generous dose of annatto for color, and a touch of blue mold spores, and voilà! Red Rock was born.

This unique Wisconsin cheese, with its striking reddish-orange hue and distinctive blue veining, is truly in a class of its own. Open air aged in a cellar to deepen its flavor, Red Rock delivers a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. It's a bold and beautiful cheese that's sure to impress.

Try with: Quince paste, prosciutto, and flatbread crackers

For assembly tips, visit our blog on How to Make the Perfect Cheeseboard

  

Select images courtesy of the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin