The Most Beloved Cheese, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the cheese you think is the most beloved!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:21

In a world teeming with culinary choices, cheese holds a special place in many hearts. Its subtle nuances and diverse flavors make it a staple in kitchens across the globe. However, with so many varieties, it can be difficult to know which ones truly capture the delight of cheese aficionados. By participating in this interactive ranking, you contribute to a community-driven evaluation of beloved cheeses. Your votes help others navigate the rich landscape of cheese, identifying those that stand out due to their flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Cast your vote today and see how your favorites stack up against others!

What Is the Most Beloved Cheese?

1

71
votes
Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, known for its sharp and tangy flavor. It is versatile and can be used for everything from mac and cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Cheddar is a popular cheese known for its rich and sharp flavor. It originated in the English village of Cheddar during the 12th century and has since gained worldwide recognition. Cheddar is typically made from cow's milk and undergoes a process of cheddaring, which involves stacking the curds to remove whey and create a dense texture. The cheese is then aged for varying periods, resulting in different flavor profiles and textures.

Country of Origin: England

Milk Type: Cow's milk

Texture: Firm and crumbly

Flavor: Rich, sharp, and sometimes slightly nutty

Color: Ranging from pale yellow to deep orange
2

20
votes
Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese has a mild and creamy flavor that makes it perfect for pizza and other Italian dishes. It is also used in salads and sandwiches.
Mozzarella is a soft, fresh Italian cheese known for its smooth texture and mild flavor. It has a slightly elastic consistency and a delicate, milky taste. Mozzarella is commonly used in various dishes and is particularly famous for its role in pizzas and caprese salads. It is made from the milk of water buffaloes or cows.

Texture: Soft and slightly elastic

Flavor: Mild and milky

Origin: Italy

Milk Source: Water buffaloes or cows

Uses: Commonly used in pizzas, caprese salads, and other dishes
3

23
votes
Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that is aged for at least two years. It has a nutty and salty flavor that makes it perfect for pasta dishes and salads.
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese originating from the areas of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua. It is considered one of the most beloved cheeses worldwide, renowned for its rich, savory flavor and granular texture.

Origin: Italy

Milk Type: Cow's milk

Texture: Granular and crumbly

Flavor: Nutty, savory, and slightly fruity

Aged: Minimum of 12 months, with some aged up to 36 months
4

20
votes
Brie

Brie cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that is popular in France. It has a mild and buttery flavor that makes it perfect for crackers and bread.
Brie is a soft, creamy, and mild French cheese with a bloomy rind.

Texture: Soft and creamy

Flavor: Mild and buttery

Rind: Bloomy rind with white mold

Color: Pale yellow to ivory

Aging: Typically aged for a few weeks, although some varieties are aged longer
5

11
votes
Gouda

Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is popular in the Netherlands. It has a nutty and sweet flavor that makes it perfect for sandwiches and cheese platters.
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands. It is named after the city of Gouda, where it was traditionally traded in the 17th century. Gouda cheese is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, as well as its rich and buttery flavor.

Origin: Netherlands

Type: Semi-hard

Texture: Smooth and creamy

Flavor: Rich and buttery

Aging: Varies from few weeks to several years
6

14
votes
Feta

Feta cheese is a crumbly cheese that is popular in Greece. It has a tangy and salty flavor that makes it perfect for salads and sandwiches.
Feta is a type of cheese that originated in Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Feta has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty taste. It is often stored in brine, which helps to preserve its freshness and enhance its flavor. Feta is one of the most popular and widely consumed cheeses in the world, known for its versatility and ability to enhance a variety of dishes.

Milk: Sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk

Texture: Crumbly

Taste: Tangy and salty

Origin: Greece

Storage: Often stored in brine
7

8
votes
Swiss

Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that is known for its holes. It has a nutty and sweet flavor that makes it perfect for sandwiches and burgers.
Swiss cheese is a type of cheese known for its pale yellow color and distinctive holes. It is a versatile cheese that is loved for its mild and nutty flavor. The cheese has a semi-hard texture and melts easily, making it perfect for melting in sandwiches or fondues. Swiss cheese pairs well with fruits, cured meats, and wines. It is a popular choice for sandwiches, burgers, and cheese platters.

Color: Pale yellow

Texture: Semi-hard

Flavor: Mild and nutty

Melting Point: Melts easily

Holes: Distinctive
8

7
votes
Blue

Blue cheese is a strong and pungent cheese that is aged with mold cultures. It has a sharp and tangy flavor that makes it perfect for salads and dips.
Blue is a calming and soothing color that is often associated with the sky and sea. It is a primary color that can be found in nature and has been used in art and design for centuries.

Hue: 240 degrees

Wavelength: 450-490 nanometers

Complementary color: Orange

RGB value: (0, 0, 255)

CMYK value: (100, 100, 0, 0)
9

1
votes
Camembert

Camembert cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that is popular in France. It has a mild and buttery flavor that makes it perfect for crackers and bread.
Camembert is a soft, creamy French cheese made from cow's milk. It has a bloomy rind and a rich, buttery flavor. The cheese is produced in small wheels with a pale ivory interior that becomes gooey as it ages. It is known for its distinct aroma and savory taste.

Origin: Normandy, France

Milk Type: Cow's Milk

Texture: Soft

Rind: Bloomy

Flavor: Rich and buttery
10

5
votes
Provolone

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is popular in Italy. It has a mild and nutty flavor that makes it perfect for sandwiches and pizzas.
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a smooth texture and a pale yellow color. This cheese is known for its mild and creamy flavor with a hint of tanginess. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, melted on sandwiches, or used in cooking various dishes.

Milk: Cow's milk

Texture: Semi-hard

Color: Pale yellow

Flavor: Mild, creamy, and tangy

Versatility: Suitable for consumption on its own, melting on sandwiches, or cooking

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beloved cheese

Texture

The texture of the cheese plays a significant role in its appeal. Some cheeses are soft and creamy, while others are hard and crumbly. The preference for texture may vary from person to person.
Aroma

The smell of the cheese is another key factor to consider. Some cheeses have a strong and pungent aroma while others are more subtle.
Popularity

The number of people who enjoy a specific type of cheese is an important indicator of its beloved status. This may vary by region or country.
Nutritional Value

Some individuals may value the nutritional aspect of cheese, such as its protein content or calcium content. Healthier cheeses may be more beloved by those who prioritize nutrition.
Availability

A cheese that is readily available and easy to find in stores or markets is likely to be more beloved as compared to a cheese that is hard to find or only available seasonally.
Price

The affordability of a cheese may also impact its beloved status. People may love a cheese and purchase it frequently if it's reasonably priced.
Cultural or regional significance

A cheese with deep cultural or regional roots is likely to be more beloved within that specific community. For instance, cheddar cheese may be beloved in England, while brie might be more beloved in France.
Aging process

The aging process of the cheese can influence its taste, aroma, and texture. Some people may prefer younger, milder cheeses, while others may appreciate the complexity of an aged cheese.
History and tradition

The history and tradition behind the cheese can make it even more beloved, especially if there's a fascinating story or folklore associated with its origins.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved cheese. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cheese is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1551 views
170 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cheese once every 24 hours. The rank of each cheese is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beloved cheese

Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most beloved foods in the world, and it's easy to see why. With its rich, creamy texture and endless variety of flavors, there's a cheese out there for everyone. From sharp cheddar to tangy feta, from creamy brie to pungent blue cheese, the options are practically endless. Cheese has been a staple in diets around the world for thousands of years. It's believed that cheese-making dates back to ancient civilizations in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, where people discovered that milk could be transformed into a solid, longer-lasting form by adding rennet. Since then, cheese has become an integral part of many cultures and cuisines. From Italy's famous Parmigiano-Reggiano to France's beloved Camembert, cheese has played a starring role in some of the world's most iconic dishes. But with so many delicious options out there, it can be hard to determine which cheese reigns supreme as the most beloved. That's where StrawPoll comes in - our community of pollsters has weighed in on the subject, and we've got the data to back up which cheeses come out on top. So sit back, grab a glass of wine, and get ready to dive into the delicious world of cheese.