Wisconsin Mac and Cheese

The wonder of Wisconsin mac and cheese

If you were to rank the 8 Wonders of the Cheese World, Wisconsin mac and cheese would have to be right up near the top. Mac and cheese, after all, is one of the world's most beloved dishes. Its warm, gooey goodness is the favorite of children and adults alike. And then there's Wisconsin, which makes the tastiest, highest quality, and most awarded cheeses on the planet. When you put these two powerhouses of the cheese world together, you've got a truly wondrous combination of creamy texture and soul-satisfying flavor.

Some may think of mac and cheese as child's play. But here in Wisconsin, mac and cheese is serious business. With more than 600 flavors, varieties, and types of cheese, we're constantly exploring new combinations and recipes that expand our understanding of how great mac and cheese can be. It's hard work, but we do it for the sake of humankind. (Nah, just kidding. We do it because it tastes so freaking good.)

What's the best cheese for Wisconsin mac and cheese?

The best cheese for mac and cheese is a matter of personal taste. Some prefer the complex flavor of aged cheddar, while others crave the pungent earthiness of gorgonzola. Certain mac and cheese aficionados prefer the ultra-creaminess of mascarpone, while others appreciate the nutty warmth of the best gruyere cheese they can find.

Lucky for you, no matter what variety you prefer in your mac and cheese, Wisconsin has you covered. Here's a small sample of our favorite cheeses to pair with macaroni.

For flavor

  • Aged cheddar brings sharp, complex flavors to the table.
  • Add a young asiago for a fresh, fruity flavor.
  • The sharp, spicy notes of a pepper Jack add a little extra heat
  • The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese can be a powerful addition.
  • For a smoky, near-bacon flavor, try some smoked gouda.
  • A thin layer of parmesan atop your mac and cheese adds a crunchy, cheesy texture.
  • The earthy, nutty tones of gruyere add depth and complexity.

For melting

  • Fontina is prized both for its crowd-pleasing meltiness and its buttery earthy flavor.
  • For the ultimate in silky texture, add a few dollops (or more!) of mascarpone.
  • Mozzarella, everyone's favorite, is the classic melting cheese.
  • Muenster has excellent melting properties and a flavor profile that ranges from sharp to pungent.
  • Monterey Jack is the perfect buttery melting cheese.

Videos: Discover Your Next Favorite Cheese

FAQs: What is Wisconsin mac and cheese?

What is Wisconsin mac and cheese?

Wisconsin mac and cheese is any macaroni and cheese recipe that features cheeses made in Wisconsin. Wisconsin produces more than 600 varieties, types, and flavors of cheese, creating nearly infinite possibilities for pairing cheeses to create awesome mac and cheese dishes.

How many ways can you prepare Wisconsin mac and cheese?

6 million. That's roughly how many people live in Wisconsin – and how many ways there are to prepare Wisconsin mac and cheese. We all take pride in our personal mac and cheese recipe. Some of us like baked mac and cheese sprinkled with parmesan, crushed crackers, or crispy bacon bits for a dish with some crunch. Others prefer an extra creamy mac and cheese or a slow cooker mac and cheese recipe that's big on creamy texture.

Wisconsin & mac and cheese. The perfect pairing.

What's your favorite pairing? Cabernet & aged cheddar? Nice. Stout beer & blue cheese? A crowd-pleaser. Prosciutto & parmesan? Now you're just making us hungry. But these classics can't compare to the ultimate pairing: Wisconsin & mac and cheese.

With Wisconsin cheese, you unlock a whole new level of flavor and texture for your mac and cheese recipes. That's because Wisconsin is a state that's focused on doing one thing exceptionally well: making the tastiest, highest quality cheese in the world. It's the reason we've won more awards than any other state or country, and why 90% of our ample dairy supply goes to make the cheese that delights the world.

So, whether it's a slap-it-together, pressure cooker mac and cheese recipe or a gourmet mac and cheese creation for a Saturday dinner party, make it a Wisconsin mac and cheese recipe. Because this pairing is truly, as they say, a match made in cheesy heaven.

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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