Best American Goat Cheese Types
Humboldt Fog is an American cheese produced in Arcata, California. The cheese is made with goat's milk and has a paper-thin bloomy rind. Inside, there is a semi-soft body with a creamy, smooth, and slightly runny texture, due to the fact that Humboldt Fog ripens from the outside to the centre.
The cheese is distinguished by a layer of edible ash on the interior, which is actually a nod to the French Morbier cheese. The aromas of this cheese are pungent and floral, while the flavors are citrusy, tangy, and slightly lemony. It is recommended to drizzle it with honey and serve it with almonds, tart apples, or prosciutto.
Pair with
Goat Gouda is an American semi-hard cheese produced in California. This Gouda-style cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and cream. The rind is natural, and the texture is dense, firm, and smooth, sometimes slightly grainy. The aroma is sweet and the flavors are caramel-like, milky, and nutty.
Goat Gouda ages for about 5 months before it's ready for consumption. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Chardonnay and serve it with sour cherry preserve.
Purple Haze is an American cheese produced in California by Cypress Grove. It dates back to the 1970s, when Mary Keehn found herself with excess goat milk and invented the cheese in the process. Nowadays, the milk is pasteurized in vats with coagulants and cultures, and the mix is then placed into a curd press to drain.
The curd is combined with salt and shaped into disks which are dusted with wild fennel pollen and lavender. Without aging, the cheeses are sent to markets where they can be sold and consumed. This aromatic, fresh, soft cheese has no rind, and its texture is crumbly, smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Pair with
Herbes de Provence Chevre is an American semi-soft cheese hailing from Colorado, where it's produced by Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's shaped into logs that are coated in Herbes de Provence, a traditional French spice blend originating from Provence.
The texture of this rindless cheese is creamy and crumbly. The aromas are fresh and clean, while the flavors are mild and herbaceous. It's recommended to serve the cheese with crusty bread and Kalamata olives. Pair it with a glass of fruity wine such as Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc.
Pair with
Bijou is an American cheese hailing from Vermont. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's left to age for 30 days. During the maturation period, Bijou (jewel in French) forms a wrinkly mold-ripened rind with a sweet and yeasty aroma.
Underneath it, the texture is smooth and creamy. The flavors are tangy, sharp, yeasty, clean, milky, and sweet, with hints of hazelnuts and flowers. It's recommended to serve this small hand-shaped button of cheese with pickled cherries, pancetta, fig jam, and roasted hazelnuts.
Coupole is an American cheese produced in Vermont by Vermont Creamery in Websterville. The cheese is made from goat's milk and it's shaped into a dome. The texture is creamy and dense, while the aromas and flavors are fresh, mild, and milky.
The wrinkled rind has a strong and intense aroma that makes the cheese stand out on a cheeseboard. Coupole is an award-winning cheese, including a silver medal at the 2011 World Cheese Awards. This unique cheese is named after its likeness to a snow-covered dome.
Pair with
Stickney Hill Chevre is an American cheese hailing from Kimball, where it's produced by Stickney Hill Dairy. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and has a natural rind. Underneath the rind, the texture is semi-soft, spreadable, and crumbly.
The aromas are mild, lactic, and goaty, while the flavors range from mild and herbaceous to spicy, garlicky, and tangy. The cheese is made in a few varieties, most of them flavored with different ingredients, such as Tomato Basil Chevre, Garlic and Herb Chevre, Honey Chevre, Pumpkin Spice Chevre, and Cranberry Chevre.
Boulder Chevre is an American cheese hailing from Colorado, where it's produced by Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk. This fresh chevre is rindless and has a texture that is crumbly, firm, and creamy.
The aromas are fresh and clean, while the flavors are grassy, tangy, and citrusy. Boulder Chevre is often crumbled over salads, pasta, and eggs. It's also often used in sandwiches or cheesecakes. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a rosé and serve it with fruit jams or dried fruit.
Midnight Moon is a gouda-style cheese that's produced in the Netherlands and sold under the Cypress Grove label in Arcata, California. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's left to age from 6 to 12 months before consumption.
Underneath its waxed rind, the texture is smooth, dense, grainy, and hard. The aromas are sweet and nutty, while the flavors are buttery, nutty, sweet, and savory with hints of butterscotch and caramel. It's recommended to pair Midnight Moon with a glass of Zinfandel, Syrah, or sherry.
Midnight Blue is an American semi-soft blue cheese originating from Colorado. Made from raw milk of Saneen, Alpine, and Nubian goats, the cheese has a dense and slightly dry texture and natural rind. The body is semi-soft and filled with blue veins, the aroma is goaty, while the flavors are spicy, peppery, pungent, and sharp.
This blue cheese is usually aged for 2 to 4 months. During that period, it develops its peppery flavors which get more accentuated as the cheese matures. It is recommended to pair Midnight Blue with wildflower honey and a glass of dry sherry.
Pair with
Best American Goat Cheese Producers
Jasper Hill Farm is a cheese producer located in Greensboro, Vermont. The company specializes in creating high-quality cheeses with a focus on local production and sustainable agricultural practices. Jasper Hill provides aging and affinage services and develops cheeses that showcase the dairy culture of Vermont.
They work closely with small local dairies to produce a variety of cheeses, incorporating unique aging environments to enhance flavor and texture.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses
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.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Sartori Cheese Cheeses
LaClare Creamery is a family-owned goat cheese producer known for its passion for creating high-quality, distinctly flavorful goat cheeses. Located in Malone, Wisconsin, LaClare Creamery is committed to producing premium cheeses from fresh, clean goat milk.
The company blends traditional cheesemaking techniques with modern innovation to craft cheeses with rich, complex flavors. Their product range includes a variety of goat cheeses, from creamy chèvres to hard cheeses, all made with the utmost care and attention to detail.
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2018, 2014
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2011
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST LaClare Creamery Cheeses
Pennyroyal Farm is a farm located in Boonville, California, offering a combination of goat dairy products, wine, and farm experiences. The farm is known for its creamery, producing artisan cheeses, and its vineyard, which grows grapes for estate wines.
The farm also hosts tasting rooms and farm tours, providing visitors with a hands-on farm-to-table experience. Pennyroyal Farm prides itself on sustainability, offering unique events and special pairings featuring estate wines and cheeses. Their cheeses are crafted using milk from their herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats and Alpine goats, which are known for their high-quality milk and distinct flavor profiles.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2013
BEST Pennyroyal Farm Cheeses
Andante Dairy is a family-owned dairy farm located in California, specializing in the production of high-quality artisan cheeses. Founded by Mary and David G. Owens, its mission has been to create cheeses that not only captivate the taste but also reflect the uniqueness of California milk.
Andante Dairy offers cheeses made from both cow's and goat's milk, with all cheeses being handcrafted with care and precision. The company takes pride in its small, controlled production processes, combining traditional techniques with innovation.
This approach allows them to create cheeses with perfect textures and rich, distinctive flavors that reflect the quality of the milk they use.
BEST Andante Dairy Cheeses
Originally focused on making artisanal cheese and butter, the company has become well-known for its high-quality dairy products, including goat cheese, cultured butter, and crème fraîche. Vermont Creamery sources its milk from local family farms, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices.
The creamery has been a pioneer in the American artisan cheese industry and was acquired by Land O'Lakes in 2017, a move that helped it expand its reach and continue its growth.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2010
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Vermont Creamery Cheeses
Cypress Grove is a cheese producer that specializes in goat cheese varieties. The company began with a few goats to provide milk for her children. Cypress Grove gained popularity with its flagship product, Humboldt Fog, a soft-ripened cheese with a distinctive layer of edible ash.
The company has expanded its product line to include other types of fresh and aged goat cheeses.
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2014, 2010
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Cypress Grove Cheeses
Pure Luck is a cheese producer located in Dripping Springs, Texas. This family-run farm specializes in handmade goat cheeses, focusing on sustainable farming practices. They produce a variety of cheeses, including fresh chevre, feta, and several aged varieties.
Pure Luck also operates as a working farm, raising certified organic herbs and flowers.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Pure Luck Cheeses
Carr Valley Cheese is a family-owned cheese company located in Wisconsin, known for its traditional cheesemaking techniques passed down through generations. It produces a wide variety of cheeses, including artisanal and specialty cheeses, that have won numerous national and international awards.
The company operates multiple retail stores across Wisconsin.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2020, 2016, 2012, 2010
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002
BEST Carr Valley Cheese Cheeses
Capriole is a cheese producer located in Greenville, Indiana, specializing in artisan goat cheeses. The company was founded by Judy Schad in 1978. Capriole produces a variety of cheese types, focusing on small-batch production and traditional methods.
Their product line includes fresh chevres, aged cheeses, and several award-winning selections.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2015, 2014, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2001, 2000
BEST Capriole Cheeses
Best American Goat Cheeses
Bonne Bouche is an acclaimed aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery in Websterville, Vermont, USA. This cheese is known for its distinctive ash-ripened rind that develops a creamy and robust flavor as it ages. Initially aged for 10 days, Bonne Bouche can continue to mature for up to 90 days, becoming softer and more piquant over time.
It's made from pasteurized goat's milk sourced from small family farms, both local and Canadian, and is celebrated for its wrinkly, geotrichum-rind, giving it a unique texture and appearance.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2013, 2010, 2001
Bijou is a type of aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery, known for its artisanal dairy products. Bijou, meaning "jewel" in French, reflects the small, precious nature of this cheese. It is characterized by its delicate, wrinkled rind and creamy, dense interior that becomes more complex in flavor as it ages.
Typically, Bijou has a mildly tangy, slightly sweet taste with earthy undertones, making it a versatile option for cheese boards, salads, or cooking. The cheese is hand-rolled and aged to ensure consistency and quality, showcasing the creamery’s dedication to traditional cheese-making techniques.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2016, 2015, 2014
Vermont Goats' Milk Feta, made by Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, is a type of feta cheese crafted primarily from fresh, high-quality goats' milk. This cheese is known for its creamy yet crumbly texture and its tangy, slightly salty flavor profile, which makes it versatile for various culinary applications such as salads, sandwiches, and Mediterranean dishes.
This artisan cheese is produced in small batches, ensuring close attention to detail and quality.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2014, 2012, 2004
Fig & Honey Goat Cheese made by LaClare Creamery is a type of cheese that combines the savory flavors of goat cheese with the sweet and fruity notes of figs and honey. This artisanal cheese offers a creamy texture and a delightful balance of tanginess from the goat cheese and sweetness from the added ingredients.
Crafted by LaClare Creamery, a well-known producer of premium goat cheeses, the Fig & Honey Goat Cheese is often enjoyed on its own, paired with crackers, or used in various culinary dishes to enhance flavors.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
Cup of Excellence - 1st Place
2013
Classic Goat Cheese Crumbles by Vermont Creamery are well-known for their creamy texture and distinct tangy flavor. This product is made from high-quality goat's milk, which is sourced from local farms in Vermont. The crumbles are often used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizzas, and pasta due to their ability to add a rich, savory element.
The cheese undergoes precise aging processes to bring out its characteristic flavor profile.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
LaClare Creamery produces a unique cheese known as Chipotle Honey Goat Cheese. This cheese combines the creamy, tangy flavor of goat cheese with a sweet and slightly spicy kick from honey and chipotle peppers. The result is a balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes.
This product is ideal for spreading on crackers, incorporating into recipes, or simply enjoying on its own.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023
The Clover Blossom Honey Goat Cheese Log is a product crafted by Vermont Creamery. Vermont Creamery, known for their artisanal dairy products, specializes in high-quality cheeses. This particular cheese log combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the natural sweetness of clover blossom honey, offering a unique flavor profile.
The cheese is typically available in a log shape, which makes it easy to slice and serve.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022
BelGioioso Cheese produces a variety of Italian cheeses, one of which is their Romano cheese. This variety of Romano, crafted by BelGioioso, is known for its firm texture and sharp, tangy flavor that distinguishes it as a classic choice for grating over pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
Made using traditional Italian cheese-making techniques, BelGioioso’s Romano is typically aged for several months, which enhances its rich flavor and granular texture. This cheese is often appreciated for its versatility in cooking and can add depth to many Italian recipes.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2008
Classic Spreadable Goat Cheese by Vermont Creamery is a fresh goat cheese known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. This product is crafted using traditional French cheese-making techniques, ensuring a high-quality and smooth consistency that is easily spreadable.
Typically, it is made from pasteurized goat's milk and contains no artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option compared to some other spreadable cheeses. It is versatile in culinary applications, suitable for spreading on bread, incorporating into recipes, or enhancing the flavor of various dishes.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.