Top 6 Finnish Cow's Milk Cheeses

Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä is a Finnish cheese characterized by the sound it makes against the teeth when one bites into its firm and chewy body, which is why it’s also known as Finnish squeaky cheese. The cheese is made from cow’s or reindeer’s milk (rarely goat's) and has a pleasantly sweet and fresh aroma. Its flavor can best be described as mild, salty, and sweet, while its name can be translated to bread cheese or cheese bread, since it is lightly toasted during the preparation. In the past, people often let the cheese get fully dried so it could be stored for up to several years. Because it was almost rock hard, they heated it over a fire in order to soften and to develop its typical appetizing aroma. It is recommended to pair it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of fruit jam. Alternatively, do it like the Finns – dunk the strips of cheese in your coffee so that the heat softens it.Expand

Aura is a semi-soft Finnish cheese made from cow’s milk. It originates from the city of Turku, but since 1935 the production has been transferred to the region of Äänekoski. This blue cheese has a creamy texture and a strong, tangy, salty, and sharp flavor, similar to Roquefort. It was named after the Aura River. Nowadays, the cheese is sold in two versions – regular, aged for six weeks, and Aura Gold, aged for twelve weeks. Aura is often used as a filling for rolled stuffed salmon, but it is also commonly used in the preparation of cheese soups.Expand

Often compared to the Danish havarti, Oltermanni is a Finnish cheese made from cow’s milk. The cheese is characterized by a fresh, pleasant aroma and a smooth, creamy texture which makes it easily spreadable. Its flavor is buttery, rich, and mild. Oltermanni can be used in the preparation of sandwiches, soups, and sauces, but it is also commonly cut into wedges or slices, then served with plums, grapes, or pears. It is recommended to pair the cheese with a glass of Merlot or Pinot Grigio on the side.Expand

Raejuusto is the Finnish version of cottage cheese. This semi-soft, low-fat cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a high content of protein. It is typically served on its own, sprinkled over salads and soups, or combined with olive oil, cucumbers, and black pepper.Expand

Lappi is a semi-soft Finnish cheese named after the province of its origin – Lapland. This rindless cheese is made from partially skimmed cow’s milk. It has a smooth, creamy, and firm texture with numerous small holes dispersed throughout its body. Lappi has a mild, sweet flavor and melts easily. It's recommended to use it in fondues and pair it with a glass of dessert wine on the side.Expand

Turunmaa is a Finnish semi-hard cheese produced by Valio Ltd since 1931 in the region of Turku. This rindless cheese is made from cow's milk. It has a creamy and firm texture, while the flavors are mild, slightly sharp, and tangy. Turunmaa is typically left to mature for 7 weeks or more, and its fat content is about 50%. The cheese is commonly served for breakfast, when it's usually accompanied by bread and fruit.Expand