Wisconsin is known for cheese. There’s no shortage of excellent cheese shops that make their own cheese and supply it to the masses in and around Madison. Whether you’re in the mood for a slice or wheel, here’s where to try the tastiest cheeses in the area.
Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet
Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet has been family-owned and operated for more than 49 years. Specializing in Wisconsin-made cheeses, Ehlenbach’s has more than 400 types of cheese products available in 15 different categories. Have a seat and sample their specialty cheeses that are truly unique, such as chocolate cheese fudge, blueberry cheddar, and baked bread cheese. They carry cheddar cheeses that range from mild to those that have aged for 14 years, giving them a deep, delicious flavor. They even create their own specialty blue cheese and smoked cheeses on-site.
In addition to local cheese, Ehlenbach’s also offers locally-made beef summer sausage, gourmet candy, wines, state memorabilia, beef jerky, and more. Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet is located at 4879 County Road V in DeForest, about 15 miles north of Madison. It opens at 8 a.m. daily; closing times vary by season.
Fromagination
For a taste of some of the finest artisan cheeses around, head to Fromagination. Here, you can try a number of Wisconsin cheeses, such as varieties made with cow milk, goat milk, and sheep milk, as well as blue, cheddar, and stinky cheeses. Their Wisconsin Mountain cheese is made from the milk of animals that graze in the highest pastures. Fromagination’s bloomy-rind cheeses are exposed to mold spores, which create a fuzzy rind and add to the stinky, yet mouth-watering, flavors.
If you’re looking to expand your cheese knowledge, take one of their classes that are taught by a cheesemonger and learn how to perfectly pair cheese with cocktails, wine, crackers, and beer.
Fromagination is located at 12 South Carroll St. It is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Mousehouse Cheesehaus
Whether you’re looking for a small taste of cheese or a bulk order to take home, The Mousehouse Cheesehaus has you covered. The family-owned and operated shop supplies quality Wisconsin cheese to those who crave the nutty, creamy, and stinky dairy delight. Their cheddar is aged anywhere from one to 15 years and is perfect for slicing and eating plain or with a platter of appetizers. The aged Asiago cheddar spread has a wonderfully nutty flavor that is delicious smoothed over bread or crackers.
Like the stinky side of cheese? Top your salad with aged Gorgonzola or for a sweeter taste, try the apricot honey cheddar spread. If you prefer a tasty kick for the ball game, order a container of Asiago and jalapeno cheddar spread.
The Mousehouse Cheeshaus is located at 4494 Lake Circle in Windsor, Wisconsin, which is about 16 miles north of Madison. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, there’s a variety of tasty cheeses that are locally-made in and around Madison, Wisconsin.
“Cheese cave at uplands” via Flickr by Jonny Hunter. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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