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Featured Cheese of the Month: Wisconsin Feta

First made in Greece, Feta is a soft/fresh cheese, often referred to as “pickled” because after it’s formed, it is packed in brine (salt and water). Soft/fresh cheeses were "discovered," in antiquity, possibly by accident. The basis is soured milk which curdles due to the increased acidity. When drained, the milk curds form a soft cheese.

Wisconsin Feta has a crumbly texture and a tart, salty flavor that pairs well with olives, fruits and vegetables, as well as seafood, chicken and pasta. The brine preserves Feta for approximately six months, longer than most fresh cheeses.

Wisconsin Feta can be found in plain and flavored varieties, such as tomato basil, garlic and herb. Try Wisconsin Feta cheese crumbled and sprinkled on a Greek pizza or layered on lasagna. Or, warm flat bread and top with chicken, olives, tomatoes, fresh Feta cheese and a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce.

Given their refreshing simplicity, soft/fresh cheeses are enjoyed around the globe—from the Middle East to South America and places in between. Wisconsin, known for its stunning variety of award-winning cheeses, is home to many outstanding soft/fresh cheesemakers. In addition to Feta, these types include Mascarpone, Queso Blanco and Fresco, Ricotta, Cottage and Cream cheeses.

For more information about Wisconsin Feta or other Wisconsin soft/fresh cheeses, visit WisDairy.com

Wisconsin Cheese Manufacture Profile

Klondike Cheese Company

Klondike Cheese Company is one of eleven Wisconsin cheese companies making Feta. As a fourth generation family-owned business, Klondike Cheese Company has been manufacturing cheese since 1925. Brothers Ron, Steve and Dave Buholzer are all Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers certified in Feta. They honor their family’s cheesemaking legacy by combining their storied expertise to craft exceptional cheeses.

Feta cheese was first produced at the plant in 1988. As demand for Feta grew, Klondike introduced a line of flavored Feta cheeses including Tomato and Basil, Peppercorn and Mediterranean Herb.

Nestled in one of Wisconsin's great dairy producing regions, Klondike Cheese Company manufactures Feta, Brick and Muenster cheeses in a variety of shapes and sizes. Award-winning Klondike quality has recently been recognized at the American Cheese Society, Wisconsin State Fair and World Championship Cheese competitions.

For more information about Wisconsin Feta, Klondike Cheese Company or another Wisconsin cheesemaker, visit WisDairy.com

Wisconsin Feta Featured Recipes

1. Grilled Beef Filet Over Wisconsin Feta Creamed Corn
2. Vegetarian Wisconsin Cheese Pizza
3. Roasted Rack of Colorado Lamb, Mint Marinated Wisconsin Feta Cheese, Honey Roasted Carrots and Hummus
4. Wisconsin Feta Triangles
5. Wisconsin Four-Cheese Chiles Rellenos
6. Pistachio-Wisconsin Peppercorn Feta Crostini