Cheese

Farmstead cheddar, smoked gouda, fresh curds and spreads from creameries that make it themselves. Most ships cold in insulated packaging, and anything from the same creamery rides in one box.

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Madeline's cheese collection features farmstead and artisan cheeses from independent US creameries such as Smith's Country Cheese, spanning aged and smoked goudas, farmhouse cheddars, creamy Havarti, and spreadable cheese blends. Many are small-batch and flavored with real ingredients like roasted garlic, chili pepper, garden vegetables, or wine, with cheese sticks and spreads alongside cut-to-order wheels. Whether you are building a cheese board, looking for a melting cheese, or want a spreadable option for entertaining, the range covers everyday and gift-worthy choices.

How to choose

  • Decide soft, semi-firm, or aged. Havarti is mild and creamy, gouda is semi-firm and smooth, and aged cheddar is firmer with more bite. Pick by texture and how strong you want the flavor.
  • Match the cheese to the job. Creamy and Havarti-style cheeses melt well for sandwiches and cooking; aged and smoked cheeses shine on a board; spreads are easy for crackers and entertaining.
  • Consider flavor add-ins. Garlic, chili pepper, chive, and garden vegetable versions bring extra character; plain styles are more versatile.
  • Plan for a board. A balanced board mixes a mild cheese, a sharp one, and a smoked or spiced option, plus crackers and a sweet element like honey or jam.
  • Check storage and format. Cheese sticks are portable for snacks and lunches; wheels and blocks suit slicing and longer keeping.

Frequently asked questions

What cheeses go best on a charcuterie board? Aim for variety: a mild creamy cheese, a sharp aged cheddar, and a smoked or spiced option. Smoked gouda, garlic gouda, and chili cheddar all pair well with cured meats, crackers, and a touch of honey or jam.

How long does artisan cheese keep in the fridge? Firm and aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda generally keep for several weeks when wrapped well and refrigerated; softer cheeses and spreads are best used within a week or two of opening. Follow the date on the package.

What is farmstead cheese? Farmstead cheese is made on the same farm where the milk is produced, rather than from milk bought in from elsewhere. It is a marker of small-scale, traceable production.

Which cheeses melt best? Semi-soft cheeses like Havarti and younger goudas melt smoothly, making them good for grilled sandwiches and cooking, while very aged cheeses are better grated or served sliced.

Related guides

Read our guides to The Best Cheeses for a Holiday Cheese Board, The Best Gouda Cheese Spreads for Easy Entertaining, and How to Build a Charcuterie and Cheese Board.

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