Best Texas Cheese and The Cheesemakers Behind Them
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Texans take cheese (how long does cheese last?) seriously. And for good reason – Texas is among the top five dairy-producing states in the country. And what do you get from good-quality dairy? Cheese, of course!
So it is no surprise that all sorts of cheese are made here, from cheddar to chevre to blue cheese. If you're curious about Texas cheese or if you're looking for a new type of cheese to try, read on. We'll discuss the different types of Texas cheese and where you can find them.
Great Cheese Comes from Great Milk
Dairy production in Texas has boomed in recent years despite the decrease in the number of dairy farms in the state. As a result, the Lone Star State has successfully made it to one of the 5 top milk-producing states in the country, with nearly 14.8 billion pounds of milk being produced in the state in 2020.
Most dairy farms in Texas are located in the northern parts of the state. Affordable land cost, land availability, and low humidity in the Panhandle region contribute to them being the top producers of milk in the state.
Aside from cows, goats in Texas are also farmed to produce fantastic cheese. The warm climate and vast grasslands provide the perfect environment for raising goats. As a result, Texas yields goat cheese that is high quality and full of flavor.
Goat's milk has been around long before cows were domesticated, contributing to the interest in goat's milk that has grown in the past ten years in the state. Statistics have shown that dairy goat milk herds in Texas have grown faster than any type of livestock. Check our promptuary for more info on Goat's Milk.
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Proudly Texan Cheese
Texas is home to many excellent cheesemakers producing different kinds of cheese. Some are made in small batches by hand, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Others are created on a larger scale, using modern methods and equipment. But all of the cheeses made in Texas are of the highest quality and perfect for any occasion.
Below are just a few of the great Texas cheeses and their cheesemakers.
Fresh Chevre
Type of Cheese: Soft Cheese
Produced by: Pure Luck Farm & Dairy
Location: Dripping Springs, TX
Website: http://www.purelucktexas.com
Goat farms in Texas produce various milk products, including fresh chevre. Chevre is a proud and bold way of making artisanal goat's cheese. It is a type of fresh goat cheese that is popular in France. It is made from goats' milk and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Chevre is used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet.
Pure Luck Farm & Dairy has 100 pampered Nubian and Alpine goats, considered the OG of Texas Farmstead goat cheese. Their goats that live on five acres of certified organic land produce delicate and refined cheeses such as Fresh Chevre. This cheese is known for its richly dense texture with subtle citrus notes. It has been recognized with awards by the American Cheese Society. In the spirit of French tradition, their cheeses are handcrafted and made in small batches.
Ol' Redneck Cheddar
Type of Cheese: Firm and Hard Cheese
Produced by: Veldhuizen Farm
Location: Bonham, TX
Website: http://www.veldhuizencheese.com/
While many different types of cheese are made in Texas, the state is particularly well-known for its cheddar. Cheddar is a closely textured, firm, and hard cheese. It has a mild flavor that gets a sharp taste from curing.
So, what makes Ol' Redneck Cheddar unique? Ol' Redneck Cheddar is a cheddar made from curds soaked in a genuine Texas dark beer. This creates a profoundly flavorful cheddar with a sharp tang, malty sweetness, and flavors of buttered toast.
The cows of Veldhuizen Farms are grass-fed and receive no antibiotics or hormones. In addition, the land is free from pesticides and chemicals. These natural steps produce high-quality milk, which gives the best-tasting cheese.
Indigo Ridge
Type of Cheese: Semi-soft Cow's Milk Cheese
Produced by: River Whey Creamery
Location: Schertz, TX
Website: https://www.riverwheycreamery.com
Indigo Ridge is a unique Gouda-style cheese aged for a full 8 months. It has a delicate, creamy texture and mild depth, perfect for a cheese novice and seasoned cheese connoisseurs. This certified true American Original by River Whey Creamery is excellent with grilled onions, baked ham, or in a fondue.
Gouda is a type of cheese that is originally from the Netherlands. Unlike other cheeses, Gouda is made with whole milk, giving it a richer flavor and texture. Gouda is also known for its Dutch preparation process, which involves washing the curds in hot water before forming them into wheels. This process results in denser and more flavorful cheese than its European counterparts.
Gouda has been produced in the Netherlands for centuries, but it was only recently introduced to Texas. As a result, Texas-based companies have developed their own versions of Gouda, using Texas ingredients. Consequently, Texas-made Gouda has become a unique and delicious addition to the state's culinary scene.
Baby Blue
Type of Cheese: Semi-Soft Cheese
Produced by: CKC Farms
Location: Blanco, TX
Website: https://www.ckcfarms.com
Blue cheese is a type that gets its unique flavor from adding mold. The mold, naturally present in the air, starts to grow on the cheese as it ages. This growth is encouraged by the cheesemaker, who often adds extra mold spores to the milk or aging room. As the cheese matures, the mold spreads, developing blue or green veins throughout the cheese. The final product has a strong, pungent flavor that many people either love or hate.
Blue goat cheese is a variety of blue cheese made using goat's milk instead of cow's milk. Like other blue cheeses, (What wine goes well with blue cheeses?) it has a distinctively sharp flavor that pairs well with sweet fruits or savory nuts (how long do nuts last?). It can also be crumbled over salads or used as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
The Baby Blue from CKC Farms is sold in half-pound rounds with a strikingly marbled brie-like texture and distinct flavor. This unique goat's cheese is made in small batches when time and milk supply allow.
Tomme de Hood
Type of Cheese: Firm Cheese
Produced by: Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese
Location: Granbury, TX
Website: http://www.eaglemountaincheese.com/
Tomme is a round wheel-shaped cheese used to describe a variety of cheeses from France and Switzerland. In France, a tommette is a small, round, firm cheese similar to a tomme but has a lower fat content.
Tommes are aged cheeses (What wine goes well with aged cheeses?) made from whole milk, with curds pressed into wheels, typically about 9 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches thick. The wheels are then aged for a period of two to three months. During this time, the cheese develops a firm, dry texture and a nutty flavor.
The Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese is nestled in Hood County. The owner, Dave Eagle's philosophy is to make cheese "by Texans, for Texans." In Europe, Tommes get their names after whichever region they come from. So Dave named his Texan version of Tomme: Tomme de Hood with a hint of playfulness.
Brie
Type of Cheese: Soft Cheese
Produced by: Brazos Valley Cheese
Location: Waco, TX
Website: https://www.brazosvalleycheese.com/
Brie is a type of cheese that is soft, creamy, and slightly crumbly. It originates from the region of France known as Normandy. Brie is made from cow's milk and its rich and mellow flavor. The texture of Brie can range from smooth to slightly chalky, depending on how long it has been aged.
Brazos Valley Cheese is one of Texas's oldest artisan creameries. Their award-winning Brie is made from raw cow's milk and aged up to 60 days, producing a rich, creamy texture with a distinctive bite and pronounced finish.
Also available for a limited time is the award-winning Mountain Maple Brie. Wrapped in mountain maple bark and topped with a local grape leaf boiled in wine, this cheese undergoes an aging process that leads to its creamy perfection at 60 days! It's won first place for two straight years across North America - you owe it to try today.
Deep Ellum Blue Cheese
Type of Cheese: Semi-Soft Cheese
Produced by: The Mozzarella Co.
Location: Dallas, TX
Website: https://www.mozzco.com/
A semi-soft cheese is a type that has a softer texture than hard cheese but isn't as smooth as fresh cheese. Both cow's and goat's milk can be made into semi-soft cheese. Semi-soft cheeses can range in flavor from mild to sharp and often have a creamy or buttery taste. Some common semi-soft cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, and Brie.
Deep Ellum Blue is an earthy, complex, and creamy semi-soft blue cheese made with cow's milk aged at least 6 weeks. All cheeses from the Mozzarella Co. are made entirely by hand, following centuries-old recipes using the finest ingredients. The Mozarella Co. was founded in 1982 and is still producing both fresh and aged goat and cow's milk cheeses. (What wine goes well with cow's milk cheeses?)
8 Best Cheese Shops in Texas for Every Cheese Lover
Indulge in the rich world of cheese with the 8 best cheese shops in Texas, where every cheese lover can find a curated selection of artisanal delights.
The Texas Cheesemongers
Houston Dairymaids
Lindsay Schecter, the OG cheese lady and owner of the Houston Dairymaids is dedicated to sourcing Texas cheeses for her massive selection of over 150 primarily American-made cheeses. As a locally-dedicated cheesemonger, Lindsay brings the best of Texas cheese to Houston. Not only does the shop have an impressive selection, but they also have the knowledge and passion for helping you find the perfect cheese for your taste buds. So whether you're a cheddar lover or a fan of stinky cheese, Houston Dairymaids will have something for you.
Address: 2201 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Website: https://houstondairymaids.square.site
Scardello
Scardello is a cheese shop focusing on artisanal cheeses from Texas and other domestic producers. They are dedicated to sourcing small-production, hard-to-get cheeses. They offer a wide variety of cheese styles, from soft-ripened to aged natural. Their knowledgeable staff are always happy to help customers find the perfect cheese for their needs. So whether you're looking for a particular cheese for a sophisticated dinner or want to expand your cheese horizons, Scardello is the perfect place to start.
Address: 3511 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Website: https://www.scardellocheese.com
Ten : One Artisan Cheese
Ten : One is a unique cheese shop that takes its name from the fact that it takes ten pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese. The mongers at Ten : One have curated a large selection of local and international cheeses, making it the best place to find the perfect cheese for any occasion. Whether you're looking for sharp cheddar to add some kick to your grilled cheese sandwich or a creamy brie to impress your dinner guests, Ten : One has got you covered. Ten : One will become your one-stop shop for all things cheesy.
Address: 515 S Locust St, Denton, TX 76201
Website: https://www.tenonecheese.com
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is a true cheese lover's paradise. The shop, located in Hyde Park, offers a wide selection of local and imported cheeses. In addition to its retail operations, Antonelli's hosts more than 200 events each year, ranging from tastings and classes to private parties. The shop has been the go-to source for many of the region's top chefs. It is known for sourcing ethically made and hard-to-find varieties from Texas and around the globe.
Address: 4220 Duval St., Austin, TX 78751
Website: https://www.antonellischeese.com
Otto’s Cheese Shop
Otto's Cheese Shop is a local favorite in New Braunfels, Texas. The shop features a variety of cheeses from all over the world, including Texas, other parts of the United States, and Europe. In addition to the wide selection of cheeses, Otto's offers various products, including wine, meats, oils, and vinegar. The staff at Otto's is always friendly and helpful, and they are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the cheeses or other products in the store. So whether you are looking for a specific cheese or just want to browse the selection, Otto's Cheese Shop is the perfect place to go.
Address: 344 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: https://ottoscheeseshop.com
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