Rosemary Cheese

Rosemary Cheese Rocks the Flavor

Rosemary cheese pairs the fragrant aroma and piney flavor of rosemary with the buttery goodness of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and manchego. The rind of rosemary cheese may be coated with rosemary leaves, or bits of chopped leaves may appear throughout the cheese's interior. Either way, the natural creamy tang of the cheese is accented by the peppery, woodsy flavors of this Mediterranean herb.

Wisconsin's Rosemary Cheese

For the past 180 years, Wisconsin cheesemakers have been perfecting traditional recipes and inventing new kinds of cheese. That means there's plenty of rosemary cheese to go around in America's Dairyland. Sartori Asiago Rosemary and Olive Oil cheese, for example, is an award-winning cheese with rosemary leaves rubbed into the rind. Renard's Tuscan Rosemary Herb Cheddar introduces a savory combination of rosemary and other herbs to an aged white cheddar cheese. And Cady Creek Farms' Rosemary Gouda adds rosemary and other herbs to a rich, buttery gouda.

All about Rosemary Cheese

Along with truffle cheese, brie cheese with garlic, and other herb cheeses, rosemary cheese is part of a long tradition of cheese varieties that amp up flavor by adding aromatic herbs and spices.

What is rosemary?

Rosemary is a highly aromatic herb that adds incredible flavor to everything from meat and casseroles to soups and salads. With leaves that look a bit like pine needles, rosemary has a flavor that's alternately piney, peppery, lemony, and resinous, with notes of citrus, sage, and mint. Despite rosemary's spiky leaves, it actually belongs to the same botanical family as sage and mint. With potent flavors, a little rosemary can impart big flavor to cheese and other dishes.

How is rosemary cheese made?

Rosemary cheese is made in the same way as most other cheeses. Cheesemakers use a curdling agent like rennet to curdle the milk and separate and drain off the whey. Enzymes are introduced that will eventually turn the curd into cheese. Bits of dried rosemary leaves may be stirred into the curd before it's pressed into molds or rubbed into the rind while the cheese is curing. Depending on the variety, rosemary cheese may ripen for a few weeks or up to a year or more before it is ready to be consumed.

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How to Pair Rosemary Cheese

The big, aromatic flavors of rosemary cheese pair easily with a fine selection of wines, beers, and charcuterie.

When popping corks, chardonnay, chianti, and sherry will hold their own with rosemary cheese's big flavor profile. Alternately, a sparkling white like prosecco will offer a pleasant, palate-cleansing contrast. When beer is preferred, an American pale ale, IPA, or porter will do nicely.

On a cheese or charcuterie board, rosemary cheese is right at home with other Mediterranean delectables: olives, nuts, sweet dried fruit, savory crackers, or crusty artisan bread. Cooking with rosemary cheese is a joy, as this aromatic variety adds loads of flavor that elevates everyday recipes like mac and cheese or Italian herb and cheese bread.

FAQs

What is rosemary cheese?

Rosemary cheese is a type of specialty cheese where additional ingredients infuse the cheese with different flavors and textures. Rosemary cheese is typically made with a milder flavored cow's milk cheese like gouda or cheddar or a sheep's milk cheese like manchego. To make this specialty variety, cheesemakers may stir bits of dried rosemary leaves into the curd before it's pressed into a mold, or they may rub rosemary leaves into the rind of the cheese during the aging process.

What spices go with rosemary?

Rosemary works well with Italian herbs like oregano, as well as thyme, and it definitely loves garlic. When baked into Italian herb and cheese bread, it becomes even more aromatic.

What is rosemary manchego-style cheese?

Oveja al Romero is a Spanish cheese where rosemary coats the rind of a manchego-style cheese, one of the most famous Spanish cheese types.

What is specialty cheese?

Specialty cheese is typically a cheese of limited production like Canela cheese, or a cheese that includes additional flavorings like herbs, spices, nuts, fruit, peppers, or even bits of cured meat.

Craving award-winning aged cheddar, pining for parmesan, or searching for a new cheese to try? The world’s best cheese is just a click away! Explore our directory of Wisconsin cheesemakers and retailers who offer online cheese shopping and get cheese shipped right to your door. What are you waiting for?

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