From laid-back afternoons to last-minute gatherings and outings, warm-weather plans call for cheeses that keep pace. Wisconsin cheesemakers rise to the occasion, from grill-ready cheeses and packable snack-sized bites to summer fridge staples and flavor-packed picks. Consider this your go-to guide to navigating wedges and blocks as we answer five frequently asked questions to help you shop smarter, serve cheese boldly and enjoy every sun-soaked moment.
1) What are the best cheeses to have when grilling?
Upgrade your grill game by blending cheeses instead of stopping at one slice. Top flame-broiled burgers, juicy chicken or fire-kissed flatbreads with cheese blends as a culinary duet: One brings the melt; the other brings the flavor punch.
Pair Carr Valley Creama Kasa®, a rich triple-cream dream, with Carr Valley Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar for a luscious sweet-heat combo. Or match Henning Aged Brick with Henning Onion & Chive Cheddar to balance the brick’s savory, pungent notes with a bright, oniony, herbal kick.
For maximum umami, look to Hook’s® Cheese Company. Hook’s Baby Swiss is a master melter. Crown it with Hook’s Original Danish Blue, aged for more than a year, to create burgers that are buttery, bold and seriously satisfying.
Make It: Sour Cream and Chive Cheeseburgers
2) Which cheeses are good for snacking on the go?
Cheese is the ultimate travel companion. Pack it for road trips, beach days and hiking adventures. Did you know that many of your favorite specialty cheeses are also available in snack sizes without sacrificing flavor? They slip right into a lunch box or a cooler.
Bring along Roth Creamy Gouda or Cheddar, BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella or Parmesan, and Carr Valley Smoked Cheddar. You’ll also find delicious snack sizes from Sartori Cheese, Red Apple Cheese, Arla, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Shullsburg Creamery, along with wedges and blocks for sharing.
3) What cheeses should be in my summer cheese drawer?
Reach for mild, fresh staples like Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics® Mascarpone or BelGioioso Burrata. They’re perfect for breezy appetizers and relaxed dinners alfresco.
Round out your fridge stash with flavored favorites like Renard’s Cherry Cheddar, Henning Blueberry Cobbler Cheddar, Ellsworth Garden Vegetable & Sweet Basil Cheese, Roth Horseradish Havarti, Decatur Dairy Basil Farmers Cheese and Meister Garlic Pesto Jack. They turn cheese plates and recipes into a taste of summer.
4) What are some ideas for serving flavored cheeses?
Let Wisconsin’s flavored cheeses do the heavy lifting. Add them to salads, fruit platters and entrées for extra deliciousness with no extra fuss.
Layered for Flavor
Stack Odyssey® Tomato & Basil Feta with sweet watermelon, tender greens and plump blueberries. Finish the salad with a spicy harissa dressing and savor layers of salty, sweet and just a bit of heat.
Make It: Grilled Feta and Watermelon Salad
Herb-Kissed Dill Havarti
Refresh a classic by folding Decatur Dairy Dill Havarti into a creamy cucumber salad. A dill-spiked sour cream dressing complements the cheese’s herbal notes and ties the dish together. Serve it alongside grilled salmon for a fresh take on a weeknight dinner.
Make It: Grilled Salmon with Creamy Cucumber Salad
5) What cheese offers the most versatility in summer dishes?
Ricotta is a standout. This Italian fresh cheese is a versatile sidekick.
BelGioioso Ricotta Con Latte® is a multi-award-winning cheese that’s soft and creamy with a delicate, milky flavor. Whisk it with honey, lemon zest, lemon juice and fresh thyme into a light, citrusy spread you can pull together in minutes.
Make It: Lemon-Honey Whipped Ricotta
Give it a whirl! See how we turn this spread into a tasty dip for crostini, a vegetable topping or a grilled plum dessert.
Drizzle the whipped ricotta mixture with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh oregano or thyme. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables.
Top the whipped ricotta mixture with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with basil. Serve with crostini.
Dollop the whipped ricotta mixture onto grilled plum halves. Sprinkle with candied pecans and lemon zest. Drizzle with honey. Garnish with fresh mint.
