10 Countries And Their Cheese Varieties That Deserve A Spot On Your Cheese Board

Whether in a sandwich, sprinkled on pasta, or with some crackers on a cheese board, we all enjoy cheese. Many countries in the world are known for their signature cheeses and varieties, each with a unique taste, texture and flavour. From Switzerland’s Swiss cheese to Italy’s Parmesan, we have rounded up different cheese types from 10 countries that deserve a spot on your cheeseboard. So, are you ready to take your tastebuds on a trip? If yes, then sit back and enjoy. 

10 Countries And Their Iconic Cheese Varieties

1. Switzerland- Swiss Cheese

Switzerland is quite famous for its iconic Swiss cheese, which is also known as Emmental. Originating from the Emmental Valley, it is known for its large holes that form during fermentation. Swiss cheese comes from cow’s milk and offers a semi-hard texture with a mild nutty flavour. People often enjoy it in sandwiches and also as creamy fondue. 

2. Italy- Mozzarella And Parmesan

Coming to another cheese variety from the world, we have mozzarella and parmesan from Italy, a country known for its pizzas and pasta. Mozzarella is native to southern Italy, whereas parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano comes from its northern regions. Made from buffalo’s milk, mozzarella has a soft texture with a mild taste and is commonly used in salads. Parmesan, on the other hand, is an aged, hard-textured cheese with a strong aroma, often used as a sprinkling on pizzas and pastas.

3. Greece- Feta Cheese

Coming to the next variety, we have feta cheese, which has its origins in Greece. Feta is specially made using sheep’s and cow’s milk, after which it is cured in “brine” (a concentrated mixture of salt and water). This not only gives it a tangy taste but also makes the texture crumbly. Feta cheese is commonly used in Greek salads, savoury Greek pastries, spinach pies, and sandwiches.

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4. France- Brie

Brie cheese is native to the “Brie” province near Paris. This French cheese is known for its creamy, soft interior and rich, buttery texture. One of the world’s iconic cheeses, it is enjoyed in baguettes, with wine, and as a part of a charcuterie board with fruits like blueberries and strawberries. Also, the ageing process that goes into making this cheese gives it a slight pungent taste and an earthy aroma. 

5. United Kingdom- Cheddar Cheese

One of the best cheeses in the world, cheddar, comes from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. This versatile cheese is made using pure cow’s milk, which gives it a soft texture and creamy taste. People commonly use it in sandwiches, toasts and pies. Apart from being quite flavourful, cheddar cheese is also known for its robust aroma. 

6. Spain- Manchego

Coming to our next cheese variety, we have Manchego from Spain. The cheesemakers use the milk of Manchego sheep, which lends it a distinct flavour profile. This aged cheese has an easy-to-crumble soft texture with a slightly sweet flavour and a nutty aroma. It is commonly enjoyed with Spanish tapas, breads, cured meats, and also dry fruits like figs and dates.

Also Read: Not Pizzas, But These Are The Best Cheese Dishes Of The World

7. India- Paneer

We cannot talk about the best cheese varieties in the world without mentioning paneer from our homeland. This cheese is made from cow’s milk and is commonly used in Indian cuisine. This fresh, unaged cheese is prepared with the help of lemon and vinegar, which also lends it a soft texture and a smooth feel. Moreover, people commonly use paneer with vegetables or as a fried snack, making it one of the staples in the Indian vegetarian diet. 

8. Mexico- Queso Fresco

Mexico offers a wide range of cheese varieties, but Queso Fresco is the most notable one. This cheese has a soft texture and a bright white colour, making it quite distinct. Made using cow’s or goat’s milk, it has a slightly pungent, or you could say tangy, flavour. People often use queso fresco as a topping for various dishes and also enjoy it as a fried snack with tortillas and other Mexican meals.

9. Netherlands- Gouda

Gouda originates from the Dutch town of Gouda, Netherlands. Cheesemakers use cow’s milk to craft this cheese and age it for many years before it is considered fit to use.  Besides its firm texture, Gouda has a buttery and nutty flavour with a caramel-like sweetness. People commonly enjoy Gouda on its own, use it in sandwiches and pair it with fruits like apples and pears. 

10. Germany- Limburger

The list ends with Limburger, Germany’s gourmet cheese made from cow’s milk, famous for its strong taste. It has a very distinct aroma, thanks to the presence of a certain type of bacteria called “Brevibacterium”, which makes its outer surface reddish-brown while lending it a tangy-sour taste. Considered a delicacy, it has a mild, creamy, spreadable texture which pairs well with rye bread, fresh figs and fish. 

These iconic cheese varieties bring rich and diverse flavours from around the world straight to your plate. So, add them to your cheeseboard and take your tastebuds on a whole global trip.

Cover Image Courtesy: Pixabay/ HNBS