Texas has gained recognition for its exceptional artisanal cheeses in recent years. The Lone Star State’s cheesemakers are crafting unique and flavorful varieties that rival those from more established cheese-producing regions. These talented artisans are elevating Texas cheese to new heights, combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches.
From small family-run dairies to larger operations, Texas cheesemakers are producing a diverse array of cheeses. Their creations range from fresh, tangy goat cheeses to aged, complex cow’s milk varieties. The distinct flavors and characteristics of Texas cheeses reflect the state’s terroir and the passion of the individuals behind them.
1) Jasper Hill Farm Bayley Hazen Blue
Jasper Hill Farm’s Bayley Hazen Blue stands out as a premier American cheese. This raw cow’s milk blue cheese originates from Greensboro, Vermont, where it’s crafted with meticulous care.
Named after a Revolutionary War-era military road, Bayley Hazen Blue pays homage to local history. Its creation stems from the farm’s commitment to producing high-quality, artisanal cheeses.
The cheese boasts a fudge-like texture and a complex flavor profile. Notes of toasted nuts and anise spice complement its creamy, dense paste. Well-distributed blue veins add visual appeal and subtle peppery notes.
Bayley Hazen Blue has garnered international recognition. It received a Super Gold Medal at a prestigious cheese competition, ultimately placing fifth overall among global contenders.
This award-winning cheese showcases the skill of American cheesemakers. It demonstrates that U.S. artisanal cheeses can compete with traditional European varieties on the world stage.
Jasper Hill Farm
884 Garvin Hill Rd, Greensboro, VT 05841
www.jasperhillfarm.com
2) Texas Gold Cheddar by Veldhuizen Cheese
Texas Gold Cheddar is a standout offering from Veldhuizen Cheese, a family-run artisanal cheese farm in Dublin, Texas. This premium cheddar is aged for 6-8 months, twice as long as their Classic Cheddar, resulting in a slightly sharper flavor profile.
The cheese boasts a smooth texture and robust taste that has made it a favorite among Texas cheese enthusiasts. Its popularity is further enhanced by the incorporation of local Shiner beer in the production process, appealing to Texans’ preference for homegrown products.
Veldhuizen Cheese takes pride in their handcrafted approach, with cheesemakers carefully overseeing each step of production. Visitors to the farm can observe the cheesemaking process through a window behind the store counter.
Texas Gold Cheddar is available for purchase directly from Veldhuizen Cheese. The farm requires a minimum order of 2 pounds for their cheeses.
Veldhuizen Cheese
Address: 3364 County Road 299, Dublin, TX 76446
Website: www.veldhuizencheese.com
3) Brazos Select by Brazos Valley Cheese
Brazos Valley Cheese stands out as one of Texas’s oldest artisan creameries, known for their exceptional handcrafted cheeses. Their Brazos Select cheese has garnered significant recognition in the industry.
In 2010, Brazos Select secured second place at the prestigious American Cheese Society competition. This achievement highlights the quality and craftsmanship that goes into producing this fine cheese.
Brazos Valley Cheese uses raw cow’s milk to create their cheeses, including the Brazos Select. The cheese is aged in caves, contributing to its unique flavor profile and texture.
Visitors to the creamery can sample Brazos Select along with other artisan cheeses. The on-site store also offers a selection of gourmet foods and Texas-made specialty items.
Brazos Valley Cheese
206 Halbert Ln, Waco, TX 76705
Phone: (254) 723-4777
Website: brazosvalleycheese.com
4) Eagle Mountain Granbury Gold
Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese Company produces a standout Texas cheese called Granbury Gold. This artisanal cheese is crafted in Granbury, Texas, using traditional Gouda-making techniques.
Granbury Gold is made from the raw milk of grass-fed Brown Swiss cows pastured at Sandy Creek Farm in North Texas. This high-quality milk contributes to the cheese’s rich and complex flavor profile.
The cheese is aged for less than six months, resulting in a semi-firm texture and a balanced taste. Granbury Gold offers a nutty flavor with subtle sweet notes, making it versatile for various culinary applications.
Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese takes pride in creating authentic Texas versions of European-style cheeses. Their commitment to quality and traditional methods has earned them recognition in the artisanal cheese community.
Cheese enthusiasts can find Eagle Mountain Granbury Gold at their shop in Lipan, Texas, located about 17 minutes north of Granbury on Highway 4.
Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese Company
Address: Lipan, TX
Website: eaglemountaincheese.com
5) Mozzarella Company Deep Ellum Blue
Deep Ellum Blue is a standout cheese produced by the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Texas. This semi-soft blue cheese is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least 6 weeks, resulting in a complex and earthy flavor profile.
The cheese boasts a creamy texture and a robust taste that appeals even to those who typically shy away from blue cheeses. Its unique character has earned it recognition in the cheese world, securing a 3rd place award at the American Cheese Society Competition in 2023.
Named after the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas, this cheese reflects the area’s vibrant cultural heritage. The Mozzarella Company, founded by Paula Lambert in 1982, crafts Deep Ellum Blue entirely by hand using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Deep Ellum Blue exemplifies the artisanal approach of the Mozzarella Company, which produces both fresh and aged cheeses from goat and cow milk. The company’s commitment to quality has earned it a place among Food & Wine magazine’s 50 best cheesemakers.
Mozzarella Company: 2944 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226. Phone: 214-741-4072. Website: www.mozzco.com
6) Pure Luck Dairy Chevre
Pure Luck Farm and Dairy in Dripping Springs, Texas, has earned a reputation for producing exceptional goat cheese. Their Fresh Chevre stands out as one of their most renowned products.
Founded in 1995, Pure Luck specializes in handmade artisan goat cheeses. The dairy’s dedication to quality has garnered recognition in the cheese world.
Their Basket Molded Chèvre recently tied for third place in the 2023 American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. This achievement highlights the skill and craftsmanship behind Pure Luck’s products.
During peak season from April to August, Pure Luck produces an impressive 600 pounds of cheese per week, all made by hand. This commitment to traditional methods contributes to the unique flavor and texture of their cheeses.
Pure Luck Farm and Dairy offers a variety of goat cheese products beyond their signature Chevre. These include bleu, feta, Claire de Lune, Sainte Maure, and Del Cielo cheese.
Pure Luck Farm and Dairy
Address: Dripping Springs, Texas
Website: www.purelucktexas.com
7) Haute Goat Creamery Bonne Blu
Haute Goat Creamery, located in White Oak, Texas, produces exceptional artisanal goat cheeses. Their Bonne Blu stands out as a unique offering in the Texas cheese landscape.
This blue goat cheese showcases the creamery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Crafted from locally sourced goat’s milk, Bonne Blu offers a tangy, sharp flavor characteristic of blue cheeses.
The cheese’s creamy texture and distinctive blue veining make it a versatile ingredient. It can be crumbled over salads, paired with sweet fruits, or enjoyed on its own as part of a cheese board.
Laura Vanderbilt, the founder of Haute Goat Creamery, discovered her passion for cheesemaking in 2008. Her dedication to the craft is evident in the quality of Bonne Blu and other cheeses produced at the creamery.
Haute Goat Creamery
1908 East US Highway 80, Suite 2
White Oak, TX 75693
8) Caprino Royale Richard’s Magnolia
Caprino Royale Richard’s Magnolia stands out as a premier Texas cheese producer. Located in Waco, this farmstead goat dairy and cheese operation is run by Eric and Karen Tippit.
The Tippits specialize in crafting artisanal goat cheeses using milk from their own herd. Their dedication to quality shines through in their diverse range of cheeses.
Caprino Royale offers several varieties of goat cheese, each showcasing the unique flavors of Texas terroir. Their cheeses are made in small batches, ensuring attention to detail and consistency.
The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices and animal welfare contributes to the exceptional taste of their products. Visitors can often arrange tours to learn about the cheesemaking process firsthand.
Caprino Royale’s cheeses have gained recognition among cheese enthusiasts and are frequently featured in local markets and restaurants. Their products exemplify the growing artisanal cheese scene in Texas.
Contact: Eric and Karen Tippit
Address: Waco, Texas
Website: [Website information not available in the provided search results]
9) Jenkins Double Cream by Mozzarella Company
Jenkins Double Cream stands out as a star offering from the Mozzarella Company. This indulgent cheese showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the company’s cheesemakers.
Rich and velvety, Jenkins Double Cream lives up to its name with a luxurious texture. The cheese offers a buttery flavor profile that delights the palate.
Handcrafted using traditional methods, this artisanal cheese reflects the Mozzarella Company’s commitment to quality. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits or crusty bread.
The Mozzarella Company has been producing fine cheeses since 1982. Their dedication to using the finest ingredients shines through in creations like Jenkins Double Cream.
Mozzarella Company
2944 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 741-4072
www.mozzco.com
10) Dublin Corners Parmesan by CKC Farms
CKC Farms, located in Blanco, Texas, produces exceptional goat cheeses, including their Dublin Corners Parmesan. This artisanal cheese showcases the farm’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The Dublin Corners Parmesan is made from the milk of CKC Farms’ grass-fed goats. The cheese offers a rich, nutty flavor profile characteristic of well-aged Parmesan, with subtle notes unique to goat’s milk.
CKC Farms takes pride in their Grade ‘A’ goat dairy operation. Each cheese is handcrafted and carefully aged to develop its distinct taste and texture.
The farm’s dedication to sustainable practices and animal welfare contributes to the superior quality of their cheeses. Visitors to the Hill Country can experience CKC Farms’ commitment to excellence firsthand.
CKC Farms: 17505 FM 32, Blanco, TX 78606
Phone: 830-833-5669
Website: Not available in search results
The Art of Cheesemaking in Texas
Texas cheesemakers blend time-honored techniques with innovative approaches, creating unique flavors influenced by the state’s diverse climate and terroir.
Traditional Methods and Innovations
Texas cheesemakers honor traditional European methods while embracing local innovations. Many artisans use raw milk from grass-fed cows, goats, and sheep to produce authentic flavors.
Hand-crafting is common, with careful attention to curd formation and aging processes. Some makers employ old-world techniques like natural rind development and cave aging.
Innovative Texan cheesemakers experiment with local ingredients, incorporating native herbs or using mesquite wood for smoking. Others develop new cheese styles tailored to Texas tastes and climate conditions.
Sustainable practices are gaining traction. Several creameries implement water conservation methods and utilize solar power in their operations.
Influence of Texan Climate on Cheese Flavor
Texas’s varied climate significantly impacts cheese production and flavor profiles. The hot summers and mild winters affect milk composition and bacterial cultures used in cheesemaking.
Coastal regions produce cheeses with subtle briny notes, while Hill Country varieties often feature herbaceous undertones from native grasses. West Texas’s arid climate results in more concentrated milk, leading to rich, flavorful cheeses.
Seasonal variations in temperature and humidity influence aging processes, creating unique flavor developments throughout the year. Some cheesemakers capitalize on this by producing limited seasonal batches.
The terroir of different Texas regions imparts distinct characteristics to local cheeses, reflecting the soil, vegetation, and microclimates of each area.
Noteworthy Texas Cheese Varieties
Texas cheesemakers produce a diverse array of unique and flavorful cheeses. From tangy goat cheeses to rich cow’s milk varieties, the Lone Star State offers something for every palate.
Regional Distinctions in Cheese Types
West Texas is known for its exceptional goat cheeses. Marfa Maid Dairy creates plain goat cheese with a distinctive tang, reflecting the region’s terroir. In contrast, East Texas specializes in cow’s milk cheeses.
Central Texas boasts a mix of both goat and cow’s milk cheeses. Some local cheesemakers infuse their creations with herbs, spices, and fruits, showcasing Texas flavors.
North Texas excels in aged cheeses, while South Texas is renowned for its fresh, Hispanic-style cheeses like queso fresco.
Pairing Suggestions for Texas Cheeses
Texas goat cheeses pair well with local honey and pecans. Try a tangy chèvre with a drizzle of mesquite honey for a true Texan experience.
Aged cow’s milk cheeses complement bold Texas red wines. A sharp cheddar pairs nicely with a Tempranillo from the Hill Country.
Fresh Hispanic-style cheeses are perfect for Tex-Mex dishes. Crumble queso fresco over tacos or enchiladas for added authenticity.
For a unique pairing, try a Texas blue cheese with locally-made barbecue sauce. The bold flavors create an unexpected but delicious combination.