Land of the Free, Home of the Cheese: American Cheese Worth Melting For

Let’s get something straight: when it comes to cheese, America brings it. Sure, Europe may have centuries of cheese cred, but here in the States? We’ve got innovation, variety, and an entire Specialty Cheese Department packed with melty, munchable magic.

And while we’ve all got love for the good ol’ processed singles (they’ve carried many a grilled cheese), American-made cheese is so much more. It’s subtle, rich, innovative, and truly funky. It takes international competitions and delivers layers of flavor across your palate. From Oregon’s funky coastal flavors to Wisconsin’s dairy dreams, the USA is absolutely cheesin’ hard — and Market of Choice is here for it.

Grab a cracker and let’s dive into the melty, tangy, totally irresistible world of American-made cheese.

What Counts as “American Cheese”?

Spoiler: It’s not just the shiny, individually wrapped stuff. Any cheese crafted right here in the U.S. of A. counts — Think funky blues from Rogue Creamery, iconic cheddars from Tillamook, and creamy curds and aged wonders from Wisconsin legends like Sartori, BelGioioso, and Henning’s.

So no shade to the burger slices (you’re iconic), but let’s give it up for the other MVPs in American cheese.

Oregon: Where Cheese Gets Creative

If you like your cheese with a side of Pacific Northwest charm, Oregon is your dairy snackmate for life. Our creameries don’t just make cheese — they make statements.

• Tillamook: A household name for a reason. Their sharp cheddars, creamy colbys, and dreamy snack portions are perfect for sandwiches, melts, or straight-from-the-fridge grazing. They also happens to be the maker of Market of Choice’s House Cheddar — a mouthwatering three-year –aged vintage white cheddar so versatile it’s become a household staple.
• Face Rock Creamery (Bandon): Known for bold flavors like “In Your Face” cheddar, with jalapeño and habanero for when your snack needs sass.
• Rogue Creamery (Central Point): Home to award-winning blues like Oregon Blue and Rogue River Blue (voted best cheese in the world in 2019). Rogue is proof that funky cheese belongs in every fridge.
• Briar Rose Creamery (Dundee): This artisan creamery crafts small-batch cheeses that are as whimsical as they are delicious. Take Butterbloom, for example. A bloomy rind beauty—soft, spreadable, and utterly indulgent. Or Maia, a washed-rind wonder with a custardy texture and earthy, smoky flavor notes.
• Willamette Valley Cheese Co. (Eola-Amity Hills): is crafting award-winning magic from their own pampered, pasture-raised cows. From creamy Gouda to sharp cheddars and rich Bries, their cheeses are bold, buttery, and anything but boring. If you haven’t tried their aged Havarti or truffle Gouda yet, prepare to fall curd-over-heels.

Oregon cheese = small-batch, big flavor, major flex.

Wisconsin: America’s Dairyland and Cheese Royalty

Let’s be honest — Wisconsin is kind of the leading lady of American cheese. If it comes from the Badger State, chances are it’s rich, delicious, and ready to make your sandwich sing. At Market of Choice, we’re proud to offer our neighbors Wisconsin cheese alongside local and international cheeses. Here are some highlights of cheeses straight outta ‘Consin.

• Marieke Gouda
  From Thorp, this Dutch-style raw milk Gouda is made with milk so fresh it’s still warm when it hits the vat. Creamy, dreamy, and award-winning — Marieke is a total Gouda goddess.
• Sartori
  This family-run creamery has been elevating cheese since 1939. Try their Bellavitano — a cheddar-Parm hybrid that’s aged, infused with wine or espresso, and built to impress.
• BelGioioso
  Italian roots, Wisconsin heart. Known for velvety fresh mozz, bold provolone, and the kind of burrata that makes you weep happy tears. Basically: mozzarella goals.
• Red Apple Cheese
  You want smoky? Red Apple’s got you. Their naturally smoked Goudas and cheddars bring backyard BBQ energy to your snack board. Pair with cider (we love 2 Towns Cider), obviously.
• Deer Creek
  Artisanal cheddar meets storytelling magic. Try The Blue Jay (with crushed juniper berries!) or Rattlesnake. If you’re feelin’ bold. Funky names, phenomenal flavor.

Wisconsin knows what it’s doing — and it’s been doing it since before cheese boards were trendy.

Why American Cheese Rules

• Melts like a dream – Seriously, that burger never stood a chance.
• Diverse – From spicy to smoky to funky, there’s a flavor for everyone.
• Supports local makers – You’re helping small businesses and dairy farmers keep the cheese dream alive.
• Sustainable vibes – Many U.S. creameries are going eco-friendly with solar power, animal welfare practices, and low-waste packaging.

To Wrap it Up: Put Some Respect on That Cheese

Whether it’s a sharp slice from Wisconsin or a creamy wedge from the Oregon Coast, American-made cheese is bringing bold flavor, real craftsmanship, and a whole lot of personality to the plate.

So go ahead — stock your fridge, build that cheese board, and melt something magical.

Because in America, we don’t just eat cheese.

We celebrate it, elevate it, and absolutely devour it.

Ready to get even cheesier? Try making our Ultimate Oregon Mac & Cheese with Tillamook cheddar. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Check out our blog on Pairing Beer and Cheese. It’s a fun way to enjoy both of America’s favorite indulgences.