Cheese Lover’s Paradise: 36 Types of Cheese You Need to Know
Ready to elevate your cheese game? Dive into this guide of 36 types of cheese ranging from the familiar to the exotic. These cheeses will take your taste buds on a delicious journey worldwide, perfect for your next cheese board, gourmet recipe, or simply to satisfy your curiosity. Explore, savor, and find your new favorite!
Cheddar
A firm, cow’s milk cheese originating from England, Cheddar ranges from mild to extra sharp in flavor. It’s versatile and perfect for sandwiches, casseroles, and snacking.
Brie
This French soft cheese has a creamy interior and a bloomy rind. Brie is mild, buttery, and slightly earthy, making it a favorite for cheese boards.
Gouda
A semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, Gouda is known for its smooth texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Aged varieties can develop caramel notes.
Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
A hard, granular cheese from Italy, Parmesan has a rich, savory flavor with a slightly gritty texture. It’s perfect for grating over pasta, soups, and salads.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a mild, milky flavor. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine, especially for pizza, lasagna, and Caprese salads.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, is known for its strong, tangy flavor and blue veins or spots. It pairs well with salads, steaks, and fruit.
Swiss (Emmental)
Swiss cheese, with its characteristic holes, has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often used in sandwiches, fondue, and casseroles.
Feta
Feta is a brined cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk. It is crumbly and tangy, perfect for salads, wraps, and Greek dishes.
Pepper Jack
This cheese combines the creamy, mild flavor of Monterey Jack with spicy elements. The added peppers give it a kick and a bit of heat, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a spicier flavor.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese with a smooth texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is often used in sandwiches, pizzas, and melted over dishes.
Camembert
Similar to Brie, Camembert is a French cheese with a creamy, buttery texture and a strong, earthy flavor as it ages. It’s excellent on its own or baked.
Ricotta
An Italian whey cheese, Ricotta is soft, creamy, and slightly sweet. It is used in lasagna and cannoli and as a base for many desserts.
Asiago
Asiago is a cow’s milk cheese from Italy that can be fresh and mild or aged and sharp. It’s great for grating over pasta or incorporating it into recipes.
Havarti
A Danish semi-soft cheese with a buttery and slightly sweet flavor, Havarti melts beautifully, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese and burgers.
Mascarpone
This rich, creamy Italian cheese is used primarily in desserts like tiramisu. Mascarpone is also a luxurious addition to sauces and spreads.
Manchego
A Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, Manchego is firm with a buttery texture and a flavor that, depending on its age, can range from nutty to tangy.
Colby
Colby is a mild, semi-hard cheese similar to Cheddar but with a softer texture. It’s often used in cheese trays, sandwiches, and casseroles.
Pecorino Romano
An Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk, Pecorino Romano is hard and salty, perfect for grating over pasta dishes and salads.
Gruyère
Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a firm texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Gruyère is essential for French onion soup, fondue, and gratins.
Paneer
Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It’s mild and versatile, perfect for curries and grilled dishes.
Roquefort
This French blue cheese is made from sheep’s milk. It has a strong, tangy flavor and a creamy, crumbly texture. It’s delicious in salads and as a steak topping.
Taleggio
Taleggio is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a strong aroma but a mild, fruity flavor. It’s often melted into risottos, polentas, or spread on bread.
Burrata
A fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, Burrata has a soft, creamy center that oozes when cut. It’s ideal for salads and appetizers.
Queso Fresco
A fresh, soft, and slightly tangy Mexican cheese, Queso Fresco is crumbled over tacos, salads, and enchiladas for a light, creamy touch.
Fontina
Fontina is an Italian semi-soft cheese with a nutty and earthy flavor. It melts well and is often used in fondue, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Edam
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor and a smooth, firm texture. It’s often enjoyed with fruit or on crackers.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese with a mild flavor and a creamy, lumpy texture. It is popular in salads, as a snack, or as part of a healthy breakfast.
Neufchâtel
A French soft cheese similar to cream cheese but with a lower fat content, Neufchâtel is spreadable and slightly tangy. It is usually heart-shaped and perfect for bagels and desserts.
Chevre (Goat Cheese)
Chevre is a soft, tangy cheese made from goat’s milk. It’s often used in salads, spread on bread, or paired with fruit for a flavorful contrast.
Ricotta Salata
Ricotta Salata is an Italian cheese made from salted and aged ricotta. It’s firm and slightly salty, perfect for grating over salads and pasta dishes.
American Cheese
American cheese is a processed cheese with a mild, creamy flavor and a smooth texture. It is a classic choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Cotija
Cotija is a crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a salty, tangy flavor and aged. It is often sprinkled over tacos, elotes, and salads.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a mild, tangy flavor. It is a staple for bagels, cheesecakes, and dips.
Halloumi
Halloumi is a firm, brined cheese from Cyprus known for its high melting point. It’s often grilled or fried, making it a popular choice for salads and sandwiches.
String Cheese
String cheese is a type of mozzarella that’s been processed to be pulled apart into strings. It’s a popular snack, especially for children.
Mimolette
Mimolette is a French cheese with a vibrant orange rind and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It has a firm, crumbly texture and is often enjoyed as a snack or grated over dishes.
