Best Cheese

Cheese is a staple of the human diet. It is a food that is enjoyed by all and is a great source of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Cheese can be made from a variety of milk products, including cows', goats' and sheep's milk. Here are some of our favorite cheeses.

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Best Cheese

There is no single best cheese for every palate, table or recipe. The best choice depends on the flavor you enjoy, the texture you want and how you plan to serve it. A well-rounded selection often includes a few contrasting styles: a firm aged cheese with savory depth, a soft cheese with a creamy texture, a fresh cheese with a clean tang and a bold blue or washed-rind cheese for a more adventurous bite. Parmigiano-Reggiano is prized for its concentrated umami flavor and delicate crystals, making it especially satisfying when shaved over pasta, risotto or roasted vegetables. Clothbound cheddar brings a complex balance of buttery richness, gentle sharpness and earthy notes, while aged Gouda can offer a firm, crunchy texture with hints of caramel and browned butter. For grilling, halloumi is a standout because it holds its shape over heat and develops a crisp golden crust. These familiar styles can be joined by goat cheese, bloomy-rind cheese, sheep’s milk cheese or a fresh mozzarella depending on the mood and menu. When comparing options, consider the milk used, the length of aging, the intensity of the rind and the amount of moisture in the cheese. Younger cheeses are often milder and softer, while longer-aged cheeses tend to have firmer texture and more pronounced savory flavor. A cheese with a natural rind may bring earthy aromas and a deeper finish, whereas a rindless style can be easier to slice, grate or fold into everyday cooking. For a cheese board, plan on roughly two to three ounces per person when cheese is part of a larger meal and more when it is the main attraction. Choose pieces that look fresh and well cared for, with no excessive cracking, drying or discoloration beyond what is natural to the variety. If a cheese is wrapped, leave it in its original packaging until you are ready to serve it, then let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes so its aroma and flavor can open up. A small assortment of contrasting cheeses is usually more enjoyable than a large collection of similar styles, especially when each one has room to stand out.

The right accompaniments make good cheese even more memorable. Serve firm cheeses with a sturdy knife and cut them into thin shards or small wedges so guests can appreciate their texture. Soft cheeses are easier to enjoy with a spreader, while crumbly aged varieties benefit from a blade that can portion them without crushing them. If you are preparing a dish that calls for finely grated cheese, a Fine Cheese Grater helps create light, feathery shreds that melt evenly into sauces, soups and warm grains. Pair mild cheese with ripe fruit, honey or a handful of toasted nuts. Richer aged cheeses work beautifully with dried fruit, whole-grain mustard, fig spread or a crisp apple. Blue cheese can be balanced by pear, jam or something sweet, while fresh and soft cheeses pair naturally with tomatoes, herbs, olive oil and grilled bread. Crackers and bread should support the cheese rather than compete with it, so offer a plain option alongside one with seeds or grains. The same approach applies to beverages: sparkling drinks refresh the palate, crisp whites complement fresh and soft cheeses, fuller-bodied reds can stand up to aged styles and sweet wines provide a graceful match for salty or blue cheeses. During the warmer part of the year, a cheese board can become an easy centerpiece for an outdoor meal, served with stone fruit, crisp vegetables and chilled drinks. As the weather cools, the same cheeses can move into comforting recipes such as baked pasta, gratins, savory tarts and bubbling dips. Cheese also makes a thoughtful gift for hosts, new homeowners, cooks and anyone who enjoys gathering around food. A selection of varied cheeses paired with serving pieces, a cutting board or pantry-friendly accompaniments feels generous without requiring the recipient to follow a complicated recipe. For gifting, choose cheeses with different textures and flavor strengths, include simple serving suggestions and consider how long the package will be in transit or waiting to be opened. At home, store cheese according to its style: keep it cool, allow it to breathe in suitable wrapping and separate strongly scented varieties from delicate ones. With a little attention to serving temperature, cutting and pairing, every selection can become part of a more inviting meal—from an impromptu snack shared at the kitchen counter to a leisurely spread enjoyed with friends during the cooler months.

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