After a long afternoon on the lake, let’s gather our favorite people as the sky takes the stage—the sun slipping below the horizon, washing the world in gold before fading into strokes of ember orange, electric pink and dusky violet.
Glasses clink. Laughter drifts on the breeze. On the table: simple snacks built around specialty cheeses rich in flavor and color. Wisconsin gems like Henning Mediterranean Sunset Cheddar, Cheese Brothers The Original Golden Baked Bliss and Pine River Port Wine Cold Pack cheese keep the appetizers circling while the conversation flows. It’s not just happy hour. It’s the happiest hour—when summer in the State of Cheese shines brightest.
Golden Hour Goodness
Savor the season on a plate. Two bites are just right for these flavor-packed Mediterranean Sunset Cheddar Cups, finger food featuring peppery arugula, chopped fresh tomato and marinated artichoke hearts tossed in an easy red wine vinaigrette and tucked into golden-edged cups made entirely of—that’s right—cheese.
At the center is Henning Mediterranean Sunset Cheddar, studded with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a 12-spice blend, a savory white cheddar with sophistication. Handcrafted by Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning, revered worldwide for cleverly flavored cheddars, it offers bold flavor without overpowering the moment.
Make It: Mediterranean Sunset Cheddar Salad Cups
Baked Bliss
Ease into the evening with warm, glistening baked cheese brushed with a maple-orange glaze and finished with fresh berries and fragrant rosemary. Softened Cheese Brothers The Original Golden Baked Bliss steals the spotlight.
Also known as juustoleipa, this Finnish-style cheese is beloved for its signature caramelized, golden crust and buttery flavor. It holds its shape when heated. Grill it—or warm it in a skillet or microwave—then slice into wedges for crowd-pleasing nibbles.
These sweet-savory treats come together in minutes. Pair them with a crisp pilsner or a glass of riesling.
Make It: Grilled Juustoleipa with Maple-Orange Glaze
Every Bite Dazzles
Pine River Port Wine Cold Pack cheese brings rosy-orange hues to the table that echo the glow of day’s end. Pipe onto crisp toasts for effortless elegance and a pop of summer color, then finish with a drizzle of honey, fresh mango, raspberry and pistachios for crunch.
Fruity port wine and aged cheddar do what they do best together—mingle. The result is a creamy, spreadable cheese made for slow sunsets, good company and one more toast before the light fades.
Make It: Port Wine Cheese Crostini
