American-Made Cheese: Cheddar, Gouda & Spreads

Bring American Cheese Makers to Your Table

A well-chosen cheese can earn its place in a weekday lunch, a favorite recipe or a special occasion. Start with the foods you already enjoy: a familiar slicing cheese for sandwiches, an aged wedge to share, or a soft spread for an easy appetizer. Then try a contrasting flavor or a different style when you want to expand your selection.

Choose Portions Around the Occasion

For a tasting, smaller portions let you compare several cheeses without committing to a large block. For regular cooking, choose a format that fits the dishes you make and the storage space you have available. For a gathering, plan the cheese alongside the rest of the menu and keep each package's handling directions available. A focused assortment can be easier to serve and enjoy than a board crowded with similar flavors.

How to Choose American-Made Cheese

Start with Flavor and Texture

Think about how you plan to serve the cheese. A mild, creamy selection works well for everyday snacking, while an aged, blue or pepper-flavored cheese can become the bold choice on an appetizer board. Compare the maker's tasting notes rather than relying on a style name alone. Two cheddars can differ in sharpness, texture and aging, and a flavored cheese can bring sweetness, smoke or heat to the same familiar base.

Compare Cheddar, Gouda and Everyday Slicing Cheeses

For a stronger cheddar, explore seven-year aged white cheddar and review the available portions. For a smoother, milder option, consider creamy Gouda. The assortment also includes Havarti, Jack, Swiss-style cheese, mozzarella and other choices for sandwiches, snacks and cooked dishes. Choose the particular cheese and format called for in a recipe when texture or melting behavior matters.

Check whether you are ordering a wedge, block, log, cup or multipack. Compare net weight alongside price, and note any weight range on a hand-cut portion. A smaller package can suit tasting a new flavor, while a larger portion may fit a planned gathering or a household that uses cheese regularly.

Add Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese or a Spread

For a soft option, browse original goat cheese or compare the fruit, honey and herb varieties currently listed. Blue cheeses offer a different flavor profile for salads, boards and savory dishes. If you want something ready to spread, explore pimento cheese, beer cheese and other flavored spreads. Southern pimento cheese in a two-pack is one option for crackers, sandwiches and appetizers.

Read the full ingredient list for flavored products. Added peppers, fruit, bacon, wine or seasonings can change both the flavor and the suitability of a cheese for a particular guest or recipe. Follow the product's preparation directions before heating a spread or using it in a cooked dish.

Build a Cheese Board with Contrast

Start with a mild cheese, a soft or spreadable choice, and a bolder aged, blue, smoked or spicy selection. Add a few accompaniments that let those differences stand out. Explore American honey for a sweet drizzle, jams, jellies and preserves for fruit pairings, or jerky and meat snacks for a savory addition. Plain crackers, bread and fresh fruit can round out the plate.

Choose a serving surface that fits your table and the amount of food you plan to offer. Browse cutting and serving boards, or read our American-made charcuterie board guide for more ideas on combining food and serving pieces.

Plan for Delivery, Storage and Gifting

Review each listing's shipping and handling information, especially when ordering for an event or sending cheese as a gift. Check the stated preparation time, available shipping options and any arrival instructions. Make sure the recipient can receive and store the order as directed. Return terms and handling requirements can vary by product, so read the applicable information before checkout.

Follow the package's refrigeration, storage and use-by directions before and after opening. Keep the label with the cheese so those instructions remain easy to find. For additional information about food storage, consult the FoodSafety.gov FoodKeeper resource.

American-Made Cheese: Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cheese can I shop here?

The current assortment includes cheddar, Gouda, Havarti, goat cheese, blue cheese, Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan-style cheeses and spreads. Flavors range from plain and mild to aged, smoked, fruit-infused and spicy. Check the current listings for available varieties, package formats and sizes.

Is American-made cheese the same as American cheese?

American-made describes where a cheese was produced. American cheese can also refer to a particular processed-cheese style. This collection includes many cheese styles made by American producers. Review the manufacturing and ingredient information on the exact product when origin is part of your buying decision.

Which cheese should I choose for a cheese board?

Choose cheeses with different textures and flavor strengths. A mild Gouda or Havarti, a soft goat cheese or spread, and an aged cheddar or blue cheese provide a useful starting point. Adjust the selection to your guests' preferences and the accompaniments you plan to serve.

What is the difference between mild and aged cheddar?

Aging changes a cheddar's flavor and texture. Longer-aged varieties can be sharper and more crumbly, while younger cheeses are often smoother and milder. Read the maker's tasting notes and stated aging period, since sharpness descriptions can vary between producers.

What pairs well with goat cheese?

Try plain goat cheese with honey, fruit preserves, crackers or fresh fruit. It can also complement salads and roasted vegetables. If you select a goat cheese already flavored with fruit, honey, garlic or herbs, choose accompaniments that work with those additions.

Is goat cheese dairy-free?

No. Goat cheese is made from goat's milk and is a dairy product. Review the ingredient and allergen information for the specific cheese and any accompaniments you are serving.

Are all cheeses vegetarian?

Ingredients and cheesemaking enzymes vary. Check the product's ingredient list and the maker's statement about the rennet or enzymes used. Choose a cheese specifically identified as suitable for your requirements rather than applying one claim to every cheese in the collection.

Does cheese need to be refrigerated?

Follow the storage instructions on the individual package and any instructions provided with the shipment. Requirements can vary by cheese, packaging and whether it has been opened. Do not assume that a cheese is suitable for room-temperature storage because it was ordered online or included in a gift.

Can I order cheese as a gift?

Cheese can make a thoughtful gift for a host, food enthusiast or family gathering. Choose flavors and quantities that suit the recipient, then review shipping arrangements and storage requirements. Confirm what is included in a cheese-and-cracker package or other assortment instead of assuming every pictured accompaniment is supplied.