Top 19 North American Smoked Cheeses

Marieke Gouda is an American cheesemaker based in Thorp, Wisconsin. The story began when Marieke Penterman, originally from the Netherlands, moved to the United States with the desire to bring the tradition of authentic Dutch Gouda.

On the family farm, together with her husband Rolf, she founded Hollands Family Cheese, where everything takes place in one location – from the cows to the finished cheese. Their Gouda is produced according to authentic Dutch recipes, using fresh milk from their own herd, traditional cultures, and equipment imported from the Netherlands. Thanks to their dedication to quality and artisanal craftsmanship, Marieke Gouda has won more than 200 national and international awards to date.

Today, their cheeses represent a blend of European tradition and American innovation, recognized for their outstanding quality and richness of flavor.Expand

The Farm at Doe Run is an award-winning creamery located in Coatesville, Chester County, in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. It was founded in 2008 by Richard Hayne, the founder of Urban Outfitters, with the goal of creating a local farm that produces high-quality cheeses and provides jobs for the community.

Today, the farm is run by a team of experienced cheesemakers, including Olivia Haver, a former member of the Jasper Hill team, who, together with colleagues from Vermont, has taken the lead in cheese production and affinage. The farm exclusively raises grass-fed Jersey and Normande cows, East Friesian sheep, and Saanen and Nubian goats. This biodiversity allows for the production of a wide range of cheeses, from soft and creamy to aged and textured.

All cheeses are handcrafted using the farmstead method, meaning that only milk from the farm is used, without any ingredients sourced externally.Expand

Rogue Creamery was founded in 1933 in Oregon, and has since become a recognized name in the cheese industry, specializing in organic, hand-crafted cheeses with a particular focus on blue cheeses. The creamery has maintained high standards of quality over the years and has built an outstanding reputation in the United States and worldwide. Rogue Creamery is committed to sustainability, with its business model based on environmentally responsible practices.

The creamery uses only milk from local farms that meet strict organic production standards. The milk used for their cheeses comes from farms that practice sustainable agricultural methods. Rogue Creamery produces its cheeses in small batches, using traditional methods and handcrafting techniques.

Their cheeses are known for their high quality, which has earned them numerous prestigious awards.Expand

Tillamook County Creamery Association, based in Oregon, was established in 1909 and is a farmer-owned cooperative. It specializes in producing dairy products, including cheese, ice cream, butter, and yogurt.

The co-op operates under a commitment to quality, guided by the values set forth by its founding farmers. Tillamook has become a significant name in the dairy industry, known for its cheddar cheeses and expansive product distribution across the United States.Expand

Sartori Cheese is a brand specializing in the production of high-quality cheeses with a particular emphasis on artisanal and hand-crafted products. Founded in a small business in Wisconsin, Sartori quickly became known for its innovative production techniques and unique, rich flavors of cheese. The brand offers a wide range of cheeses, including various types of hard cheeses as well as cheeses with added spices and herbs, enhancing every bite.

Sartori is renowned for using the finest milk from local farms in its production process, creating cheeses that not only meet high taste standards but also provide a richness of textures and aromas that develop over time.Expand

Grafton Village Cheese is a renowned cheese producer from Vermont with a tradition spanning over a century. Founded as a cooperative of local farms in 1892, the company was revived in the 1960s under the Windham Foundation, aiming to support family farming and the local community. Today, Grafton Village Cheese produces handcrafted cheddar cheeses from unpasteurized milk sourced from small farms, including classic and cave-aged varieties such as Clothbound Cheddar, Shepsog, and Bear Hill, often enhanced with truffle, maple smoke, or spices.

Their cheeses are aged up to three years, developing a rich and complex flavor. Grafton Village Cheese has received multiple national and international awards, confirming its status as a top American producer, while continuing to uphold tradition and commitment to high-quality cheese-making.Expand

Face Rock Creamery, located in Bandon, Oregon, began operations in May 2013. The creamery specializes in producing a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and curds.

It also features a viewing room where visitors can watch the cheese-making process, emphasizing transparency and consumer education. Face Rock Creamery has won several awards for its cheeses at national competitions.Expand

Goat Lady Dairy is located in Climax, North Carolina, where it produces a variety of goat cheeses. The dairy, founded in 1995 by siblings Ginnie and Steve Tate, focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

Goat Lady Dairy offers a range of products including fresh chevre, aged cheeses, and flavored varieties. They also host community events like the Cheese Barn and educational farm tours.Expand

Mozzarella Company is a renowned small creamery located in the heart of Deep Ellum on Elm Street in Dallas, founded in 1982 by Paula Lambert. Passionately devoted to fresh Italian mozzarella, she began making cheeses in the traditional way — by hand, following old recipes, a heritage of craftsmanship that is still preserved today. More than four decades later, Mozzarella Company produces dozens of unique cheeses — over 30 handcrafted specialties, using fresh milk and high-quality ingredients from Texas.

Their products have won numerous awards at national competitions, receiving consistent recognition from the American Cheese Society and other prestigious organizations.Expand

Rumiano Cheese Company is a family-owned cheese producer based in California. They are known for making high-quality cheese, including organic and non-GMO products.

Rumiano Cheese specializes in crafting various types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, and butter using sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients. Their headquarters is located in Willows, California, and they source their milk from local, pasture-raised cows. The company has a long history, dating back to 1919, and is known for being one of the oldest family-owned cheese companies in California.Expand

Smokey Oregon Blue is an American blue cheese produced in Oregon. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's also the world's first smoked blue. The wheels are cold-smoked over hazelnut shells, usually for 16 hours. Underneath the natural rind, the texture is firm and dense. The aromas are smoky, nutty, and milky, while the flavors are earthy, sharp, caramel-like, sweet and savory. It's recommended to pair Smokey Oregon Blue with a glass of ale which will counterbalance the sharpness of the cheese.Expand

Apple Walnut Smoked is an American Promontory cheese variety hailing from Utah, where it's produced by Beehive Cheese Company. This cheddar-style cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. When young, it's cold-smoked over red apple wedges and walnut wood, and it's then left to mature for a minimum of 8 months. The aromas are smoky and subtly sweet, while the flavors are nutty, buttery, sweet, and smoky. The texture is smooth and creamy. It's recommended to use the cheese in sandwiches or serve it with cold cuts, bacon, and toasted nuts. Pair it with a glass of bourbon or a bottle of dark ale, stouts, or porters.Expand

Salemville Smokehaus Blue is an American blue cheese hailing from Wisconsin. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's smoked with applewood. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-soft and creamy, with blue veins runing throughout the paste. The aromas are smokey, rich, and earthy, while the flavors are creamy, rich, and smokey. Salemville Smokehaus Blue has won many awards, including the 3rd place at the 2010 American Cheese Society Awards. It's recommended to crumble it over salads, steaks, and burgers. Drink pairings include Madeira, Porter, and Riesling.Expand

Applewood Smoked Chèvre is an American cheese hailing from Longmont, Colorado, where it's produced by Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy. This applewood-smoked and rindless cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk. The aromas are woody, while the flavors are delicately goaty and subtle. The texture of the cheese is crumbly, firm, creamy, and semi-soft. It's recommended to serve it crumbled over grilled vegetables and pair it with a glass of Weissbier, Sangiovese, or Pinot Noir. The cheese has also won numerous awards.Expand

Smokey Mountain Round is an American cheese produced by Goat Lady Dairy in North Carolina. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk. It has a natural rind that hides a compact texture. The aromas are milky, while the flavors are woody, robust, and savory. The cheese is shaped into a log or a round before it's dried and smoked over apple wood. It's recommended to serve the cheese on a cheese board or use it in quiches or with ravioli.Expand